2. cables
  3. 130315-23123

Audioquest Water vs Kimber KCAG

Until a couple of weeks ago I was using a mixture of AQ and Kimber interconnects. In this configuration.

Music Hall mmf 9.1 (Lyra Delos) to Audio Research PH8 - Kimber KCAG .5m RCA.
ARC PH8 to ARC LS27 - AQ Niagara RCA.
ARC LS27 to Musical Fidelity M6prx amp - Kimber KCAG XLR

This combo was well broken in and sounded great. Neutral, wide open stable soundstage, micro-dynamics, everything good. I just added an OPPO Sonica DAC and wanted to buy another IC XLR from my trusted dealer. While I was there the dealer offered me a good deal to trade in my two Kimber KCAGs on a pair of AQ Waters. I get great advice and support from this dealer and I trust them very much as they have never steered me wrong and they generally do not try to sell me anything that they don't believe is a clear upgrade.

I replaced the KCAGs with Waters in my system and after only 5 or 6 hours I am disappointed. Lost detail, not as smooth, loss of warm mids, and a muddled unstable soundstage.

Opinions wanted please.

How long should I expect burn in to take?
General opinions on the AQ waters?
Did I make a mistake?
Any advice?
I really like the AQ Niagaras. They are silver like the KCAGs, am I missing the silver?

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

















pilrem

Showing 1 response by pilrem

pilrem OP
40 posts
 
Water update. After 50 hours burn in things are better. The Waters have finally opened up, I am not sure how else to put it. To my astonishment, they are as fast, open and detailed as the KCAG but with a better midrange nuance. I would have never thought this. I have used Colorado in the past and the Water is superior in my system. I was ready to take these back for a refund (my dealer will take them back at anytime) but now I am very happy with them. 

My opinion at first was that the new Water was a cosmetic upgrade but I now know that the performance is a pleasant jump from the Colorado and is in league with the Niagara (at least) and betters the Kinber KCAG.
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