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Analytical, revealing COPPER w/

What is a copper IC that is the fittest to my description: W/ Strength in “analyticality”, clarity, revelation, detail, last and most “edgy” separation?(between instruments or between frequencies)

I have so far bought two types of IC (my speakers are self powered so my long XLR ICs are my speaker cables) worth naming for my system.

Cardas golden reference
Audioquest Sky

To my general impression, assuming because I have Class D amps, solid pre amp, copper always sounded more full and acoustical in bass.

Sky is a good silver cable, it didn’t necessary bring out more details in the low frequencies with my pre/amp, I however agree that it is quicker at delivery. Like some other silver cables I had, worthless to name, they shared the characteristics of sounding somewhat hollow and a slightly unnatural in the lower frequencies.

I know if I had any good tubes in preamp or amp from, say, audio research, it would solve the problem regarding the bass being hollow and a bit unnatural.

But tubes sounds slow to me (I previously had Jadis). I am looking for “analyticality”, clarity, revelation, detail and “edgy” separation.

I have feel that I have to stick with copper because sky failed to satisfy, and Valhalla is know for having even less bass, I don’t have much faith in find a silver cable to pair with my amps. Please recommend me copper.
trackmango

Showing 3 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
XLO Signature 2

These are the fastest, most transparent pure copper cables that I've ever heard. Your system better be up to the task though, because they do not hide any flaws.

XLO Signature 2

Regards,
John
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Chris,

How about with Theil, Wilson or other speakers that are more revealing?

That is why they make so many flavors anyway.

Cheers,
John
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The XLO Signtaure is by far the BEST copper cable I have experienced in my system. However, I would not describe them as "edgy" or "analytical".

I have.

Chris, I'm glad you are really enjoying the XLO Signature 2's, but remember, cables are system dependent.
You have a warm Cary tube integrated amp, and warm Sonus Faber speakers, so I'm sure the speed and resolution of the XLO mates well with these. However, I have heard XLO sound thin and bright on equipment that is not so laid back.

I myself now use silver cables. I tried silver cables many times over the last 15 years and NEVER liked them. They always sounded thin in the highs and bass. However, when I changed speakers to full-bodied, warm speakers, I found that silver cables now sound wonderful.

In my experiences, XLO is the only copper cable I've heard with the speed and clarity of silver. FWIW, I don't count Nordost Valhalla as copper, as it is a hybrid, silver clad copper. This speed and clarity will work well in a warm, full system, it can sound like nails on a chalkboard in a transparent system, IMHO. Just as Cardas/Jena Labs/etc can sound wonderful in a bright system, but can sound lifeless in a warm system.

Just my $0.02.

John
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