2. cables
  3. 158956-46

Audio envy - dang!

I usually post on AG when I have an issue or concern, so I’m happy for once it’s to praise a new product, in this case Audio Envy’s IC. 

I use an ARC Classic 60 amp with a Herron 1A preamp. The AE cable went between these two.

I run an ARC Phono pre PH3se from my VPI prime as source.
My speakers are Thiel CS2.4’s

Out of the box a bit bright, But after a few hours that just went to strait up transparent - I mean freaking crystal clear. No tonal aberrations. Smooth, with no etched highs. Voices sound right, Natural. Soundstage opened up, as you might expect when things get clearer.

The best part was how inexpensive they were. They made my Cardas Clear Light interconnects I was using sound clouded by contrast. The Cardas was about x3 the cost of the AE’s.
BTW, this wasn’t “I think I hear differences”, this was “I’ll never use those Cardas in this system again, and where is my IPad, I need to order my next set!”

And that’s just what I did.
last_lemming

Showing 3 responses by tom2015

tom2015
88 posts
 
I added a xlr and a power cord P3 to my system after reading through all the praise.
Interconnect between Esoteric CD player and preamp. P3 added after 3 hours to preamp. 

Compared to the Cerious Matrix the interconnects with <5 hours on them sound leaner, center image is less pronounced and feels more stretched out with less mids and a bit more bass. The center image with the Matrix in comparison is full/balanced and floats in a dark background. I can understand why people say AE sound clean/ transparent. Lets see if the cable changes with 10 more hours on it.
Power cable replaced a SR master coupler.  Not much difference to hear, will swap back and forth again after the P3 has more hours on it.



tom2015
88 posts
 
My system is solid state and on the analytical side, no tubes. Overall  same tonal structure after another 50 hours. I prefer the Cerious Matrix, same level of detail, but more warmth in the mids  providing a nice balance.

Nevertheless for the cost of the AE compared to 6x as expensive Matrix the performance is certainly a good value and not a apples to apples comparison.
tom2015
88 posts
 
@jayctoy 

Yes, they went back. I am completing my Cerious Matrix loom.
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