A bit of perspective is in order here.
The cables you bought cost $600 for a 1-metre pair of AC's top-of-line interconnects. Had someone suggested that your ICs were the weak link in your system despite having a cheap TEAC as your amplifier?
I mean, I'm not disputing that they might be, but I would have looked a long way before paying $600 for an IC on the off-chance it was the silver bullet I was looking for.
ICs will make a difference, and, if the REST of your system is transparent enough, can make a profound difference! But that's the key.
There ARE specific ICs which will adjust a system which has specific shortcomings, such as bright ICs for a laid back system or laid back ICs for a bright system. AntiCables level 5.2 and 6.2 cables do NOT have this type of correcting sonic signature - AC pride themselves that their cables are fairly neutral and balanced in that regard.
The next IC down from the 6.2 is the 5.2, which uses the same silver/gold alloy in a more conventional geometry. At less than half the price.
Even knowing that my system is exceedingly transparent, I went for the 5.2 in the knowledge that, at worst, it would not satisfy me and I would lose a relatively small amount of money (or send it back). And, at best, I would be satisfied by the sound and not have paid more than I needed to for that satisfaction.
Good luck. I hope you find a combination of components which works for you.
The cables you bought cost $600 for a 1-metre pair of AC's top-of-line interconnects. Had someone suggested that your ICs were the weak link in your system despite having a cheap TEAC as your amplifier?
I mean, I'm not disputing that they might be, but I would have looked a long way before paying $600 for an IC on the off-chance it was the silver bullet I was looking for.
ICs will make a difference, and, if the REST of your system is transparent enough, can make a profound difference! But that's the key.
There ARE specific ICs which will adjust a system which has specific shortcomings, such as bright ICs for a laid back system or laid back ICs for a bright system. AntiCables level 5.2 and 6.2 cables do NOT have this type of correcting sonic signature - AC pride themselves that their cables are fairly neutral and balanced in that regard.
The next IC down from the 6.2 is the 5.2, which uses the same silver/gold alloy in a more conventional geometry. At less than half the price.
Even knowing that my system is exceedingly transparent, I went for the 5.2 in the knowledge that, at worst, it would not satisfy me and I would lose a relatively small amount of money (or send it back). And, at best, I would be satisfied by the sound and not have paid more than I needed to for that satisfaction.
Good luck. I hope you find a combination of components which works for you.