Alternatives for Transparent Reference MM2


I am currently using a transparent reference MM2 interconnect (MSB dac to Class A poweramp) and speaker cable.

However, I will be inserting a preamp (ARC Ref5SE) into my system and will need an extra pair of interconnects. As a matter of principle, I only buy cables used since I refuse to take a 50% depreciation hit on an item with 90% margin. First, MM2 (I need 1.5m XLR) rarely show up used, and besides I have to get them matched to my gear, which will set me back another $1K. So I am considering selling my Transparent interconnects and get two pairs of a different brand. I am looking for a mainstream highly respected brand, with a good used market. Target price range is $2000 used per pair. Some alternatives are:

Wireworld Platinum Eclipse
Kimber KS 1136
Tara labs

Has anyone compared these cables with the Transparent MM2? Any other contenders I should be considering?
edorr
Edorr and Pabrognara,

I have had the pure listening pleasure of auditioning the ARC REF5 SE w/ Transparent Opus cable/cord(s). Grab them if you find used, otherwise you will eventually end up there. I like Transparent, as they are a natural sonic match for ARC. Additionally, I like the company's trade-up policy. Not all cable/cord companies do this for their customers. Happy Listening!
Dear Edorr,
I´m in the same dillema testing Transparent Reference XL MM2 vx Shunaya Anaconda with ARC REF5. I was hearing Trans XL MM2 today and found the sound a bit metallic in the voices, but the bass was punchier, simply perfect as well guitar which were cleaner and better focused. I only think Anaconda were more smooth. May I know what exactly transparent are you using and price they cost brand new?
edorr..congrats...I haven't had any long amount of time with Shunyata signal cables...but I have with Transparent. I can't seem to get away from them either...

A lot of this is system dependent I am sure...anyway...best of luck!
I tried all Shunyata anaconda zitron signal cables and decided to stick with the incumbent transparents - think they were more musical sounding than the shunyatas (although the shunyatas were more detailed and faster).
I agree with Jfrech & Jafant. I've owned several high end cables, and am
fixed on TA Reference with an intention to get to XLMM2.
Thanks guys. I decided to give the Shunyata Anaconda Zitrons a try. I can get them new at a good price, so my exposure to depreciation is limited to zero in case I prefer to stick with Transparent or go some other direction.
+1 on samhar's recommendation. I have Transparent Ref MM2 in my system. It's a wonderful cable. (if you buy new you don't have to pay the price to retune it...but I guess you pay one way or the other huh...)

You have one of the best cables anywhere...so be careful you don't step down to much here. A question...do you have Tran Ref MM MM2 version or Trans Ref MM2...their names are a bit confusing...The Ref MM MM2 is more expensive and better...

The Proteus Provecus Praesto will give you about 90% of what any cable at any price offers. I've owned that before and still have some in my system.

Congrats on the preamp! Please post your thoughts on adding it...