Anticables

Love the sound using Anticables speaker cables and ICs. Clean, clear and open. Slightly, very slightly tipped up from neutral in my treated, dedicated room, and in my system. Bi-wired from a Vincent SP-331 to Vandersteen 2Cs. They are more robust than they appear, though not as robust as one might hope for (fracture of the solder joint at the amp end of the bi-wired speaker cable due to being a little too forceful).  Easily remedied. Solid core. I like how they sound, I like the company's policies, Paul Speltz is a great guy to work with. Happy camper.

Tom

Anticables Level 5 speaker wire (copper spades) combined with Anticables Level 6.2 Absolute Signature RCA/RCA analog interconnects are the best performing cables I've ever heard anywhere, and the only ones that match what I had back in the early 1990s when the Lindsay-Geyer interconnects were available. In fact, the low-level resolution and detail surpasses what I got from the Lindsay-Geyer set-up. My stereo system consists of Acer Aspire E5-576G-5762 running Foobar 2000 software, JSAUX Printer Cable, Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC, Anticables Absolute Signature Level 6.2 analog interconnects, PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks, Anticables Signature Level 5 speaker wire (spades), KEF LS50 speakers, Fitueyes 4-tier Media Stand Audio/Video Component Cabinets with Glass Shelves, VTI RF Series Heavy Duty Speaker Stands in Black, and Pangea Audio AC-14 Powercords for amplifiers. Also all cable connections are made using Stabilant 22 contact enhancer. I will pit my system against any other 2-channel system with respect to all parameters except low bass extension and highest db level output. Just a word of warning, 500 hours or more of burn-in will be necessary before these cables sound their best. I suggest using Irrational But Efficacious CD to play continuously when not listening to help with burn-in. 

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.

Just replaced my Type 4 AudioQuest speaker wires with AntiCables Level 3.1 cables and got a big step up in sonic quality along with much improved clarity. I bought the AQs used about 15 years ago as a step up from Monster cables. I just check retail prices and had no idea how cheap they were. The last time you could buy my Bohlender Graebner Radia 520s they listed for $7,500 a pair. I'm thrilled with these cables. They make my speakers sing. Powered by an Anthem Integrated 225 playing SACDs on OPPO UDP-205.