I also went after a low cost cable, after the makers of my gear told me they did not hear a lot of differences. I purchased an Aural Symphonics Gen 1 cable from HCM Audio for about $ 60. It's 0.7 meters long (though they have them in 0.6 and 0.6 meters also), and used to retail for ~ $ 200. These have been dicontinued (Gen 2 is out), thus the price. I must admit I've not heard others, BUT the sound on my Muse front end is comparable to that obtained using the Muse I2S interface...to my ears. Givne the price, worth a shot! |
TICE @ about $150, I think, from factory. Have had MIT 3, Monster, Wireworld Gold, and this is CLEARLY the best for me. It really surprised me because I have it in a very modest set-up |
Being a skeptic when it comes to digital cables, I buy the cheapest I can get. But I will stay out of that debate, since you asked. Were I not a skeptic, I suspect I would get the Apogee (Wyde Eye, or something like that?)... |
Thanks Mike: Funny, I am using a borrowed Canare cable today (the one that is kind of a faded purple/pink). I was told by the guy who loaned it to me that it is not very good, but I just wanted to hook up the DAC that has been setting on the shelf for the past week and a half staring back at me. I also have a pair of replacement speakers breaking in and no other reference for digital cable, so I am just listening to the music and ignoring the gear for now. PS: My moniker could have been DavidDesMoines, but I moved to LA 25 years ago. |
The Mapleshade digital improved resolution, clarity, and dynamics without adding any brightness. This compared to the Cyperlink Copper. Bass improved. The noise floor appeared to have dropped abit. I now have a better understanding of what reviewers mean by attack of notes. On acoustic jazz it's like the guitar players took off a pair of gloves. I was shocked at the value...only $35. This may not be near the best digital but for under $100 I bet it is hard to beat. I've tried other budget cable specifically the Canare and DIY Belden which the HT had replaced. Good Luck |
The H.Tech. Cyberlink Copper will beat most others in the under $100 price range, but only by a small but clear margin. The Cyberlink Platinum is another story, it is a high end cable at a relatively reasonable price. I compared it to 5 other cables and it was the handsdown winner. If you see one second hand, GRAB IT! I haven't heard the Mapleshade cables yet, but am happy that there is a new company that seems concerned with very good quality at reasonable prices. |
Mikesiowa: What did the Mapleshade do better in your system? There are not a lot of customer reviews on these cables and I would be interested in hearing your take on the cable if you have the time. PS: I have one on order (the Double Helix). Thanks. |
Mapleshade has a wonderful digital cable for $35. I tried it on a lark and it quickly replaced my HT Cyperlink Copper. What a surprise! They have a 30 day trial. My Rega Planet/Audio Note DAC 1.1 never sounded better! |
I'll try to find the bettercables and spend sometime with it. I'm just referring to Alfred as I have auditioned and using it, may be the Illumination it's not the best digital run but I'm have some fine time with it. For the HT cyber platinum I have audition once at my friend and it's also great but I can't find it around here so I went with my choice "D-60". Thanks. |
Illumination D60 and Harmonic Tech Cyber Platinum are both very good but run @$150 used. For under $100 new I would go with Harmonic Tech Cyber Copper digital cable, or stretch the budget for one of the above used. |
Hi, Rutel: I assume you are referring to the best digital co-axial cable. If so, I recommend you start with the digital co-ax made by "BetterCables.com". They make an excellent co-ax cable for $80 (new) - I own two and have been very satisfied with them. Check their Web site at: http://www.bettercables.com/ |
Illumination D-60? Regards, Rute. |
