Audio envy - dang!
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.
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https://audioenvy.com/product/speaker/sp9-each/ Website is updated with new NV-SP11 speaker cables. Have anyone tried this new model compared to SP9? |
@lalitk It’s quite admirable how Audio Envy continues to improve their existing cable lineup. I have been using AE cables since 2018 and have enjoyed meaningful improvements with each release. Agreed. Although, something has to be said about past owners feeling a bit frustrated with the constant changes happening so quickly. Also makes resale a concern with this much 'planned' obsolescence built right into the product :) |
I received a bi wire set of the SP11 yesterday. I had orginally ordered the SP9, and Captain offered to upgrade me to the SP11s. Cap is a good guy to work with BTW. The SP11 sound great out of the box, ostensibly neutral overall, excellent freq extension on both ends. I did have an odd bi wire setup previously, using Morrow SP6 for the bass and silver Cleardays for the highs, so perhaps it was easy to improve on that, but with the SP11 there is an immediate coherence to the sound. I swear it sounds like I’m closer to the front of the stage, comparatively speaking. Weird, and quite enjoyable. Compared to my bi wire setup before, there is SLIGHTLY less treble extension, but a "fuller" sound overall. There is zero harshness at all, so I’m not waiting for some magical break in to smooth things out, so if anything changes from here it’s gravy. |
I’m going to bring back this old thread. Maybe these cables are last months flavor? I just grabbed a used set of AE Prestige. They will be replacing Analysis Plus Oval ones. I like the sound of The AP cables, just trying to check out different or maybe better. I guess the proof is in the pudding. I’ll report my findings after I get some saddle time. |
Hi @lalitk , Zavfino is,and has been on the radar for sometime. I’ve heard a lot of good things about them on this forum. I have a birthday coming in May. I might just put them on the gift list. |
@charliee..just replied. |
@charliee ….You need minimum 9-10 inches of clearance. The male AC plug is 5 inches long. |
The used Prestige interconnect cables arrived today. I’m running them thru some familiar music. So far I’m not disappointed. They have replaced Analysis Plus Oval ones. Soundstage width is pretty consistent with the AP’s. There seems to be a bit more depth. The upper end has a bit more twinkle. Not bright at all. Another first impression is edges seem a little sharper. Perhaps like a pocket knife compared to a buck knife. Right off the bat,these are definitely a great value,and I totally understand the high praise. |
@j_husker same. The SP-11’s just took my system up a notch. I was curious about another set (@2x the price) but these have made things come alive and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll probably call Cap and see about a set of jumpers and I need a set of XLR. Crazy happy. |
I now have prestige between DAC and pre, and pre and amp. I’m going to stick with my first impressions,a bit more depth of soundstage,and they allow a little bit more detail in the upper ranges. Not bright at all. These were purchased used,so no real burn in issues. These are a very good value for sure. |
I'm going to add that I am very impressed with Audio Envy cables. They are never bright but also open, I would call them a touch mellow just they way I like it. I extensively compared the phono cable with the VPI Weisline and I came away thinking the AE cable was vastly superior. The interconnect is just wonderful and what a bargain price. I haven't compared all the cables to others that are much more expensive. I did a couple comparisons most notably with the Synergistic Research Gallileo UEF power cords. I'm not even sure how I ended up buying this expensive of power cords but I have 4 of them. Yes the SR cords are way better but they are huge and unruly and 20X more expensive. Also I feel that the Audioquest Diamond Coax, also way more expensive is better than the AE coax digital. Overall though I just love the house sound of AE and I really don't feel the need to spend stupid amounts of money on cables anymore. It's a great product at a fair price. If you are shopping anywhere near the asking price, they are a no brainer to try. |
Well i put new zavfino jumpers/spades and the Audio envy sp 9 in this weekend and was excited to hear them after reading about them so much.Its nice to have some occ in the mix/speaker cable again.Clean soundstage and instruments just sound right?... cant wait for them to really settle in with new jumpers as well. |
So its been a couple days in and already they are sounding really good...hearing some disks that i thought i knew well.Just a really great sounding open/timber correct soundstage.For the layout used ?...i just cant think of anything i have ever had in my system that sounds this right... and as the OP stated...DANG! |
Got the SP-12 earlier this week. This is a very solid offering. I usually rotate a few different cables - Zavfino, anticables, Driade Flow, EWA and now these AE ones. I haven’t taken them out to compare with the others in almost a week as I’m letting them settle in but they are very even, excellent detail, not as bass light as the NV-9. Anyone know when Cap upgraded the Studio Prestige? I have a pair from early last year. |
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Just for sh*ts and giggles, I replaced my AE Studio Presitige ICs with my old Cardas Golden Reference (from CD to pre). When I put in the GR, they sucked the life out of the top end and, after about 6 bars of music, I couldn't stand it anymore. So, I put back the AEs and all was well again. They are simply superlative. |
I just ordered (2) more Ocean Elite 3P’s to power my Teddy Pardo TeddyCap SE and to power my new Denafrips Pontus II 12th Anniversary Eddition DAC. It’s currently being shipped. With the addition of the last (2) Ocean Elite 3P’s I’ll have a full loom of Audio Envy cables except for my power distributor. I’m planning on purchasing Cap’s Okta power distributor with a 6 foot Mega Power Cable. Cap was able to tailor the SP12 Speaker cables to work within Naim’s specifications. The SP12 cables are much faster and detailed than the NACA5. (The NACA5 is no slouch) N |
Recently I've had several extended, educational and interesting conversations with Cap. His company continues to build it's brand, stay relevant and successful. (scroll down to the Endow, Orchard, Audioenvy room.😀
https://headphone.guru/axpona-2023-coverage-sponsored-by-xsa-labs-and-vera-fi-audio-llc-part-3/ |
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