Best Phono Cable for SME Series V

Have you given a chance for the standard VDH MD 501 Silver Hybrid to settle in? I am wondering, as so far, I have been tempted to try something different, but the D 501 Silver Hybrids sound pretty darn good and I have not felt the need to try anything else. The music flows through these. I actually have two pair, one for each SME V on my turntable, one running with WBT (copper) and a Transrotor Merlo reference and the other with standard VDH connectors or SME ends (whatever) with a Benz LPS. Phono stages are Aesthetix IO Sig and Octave HP500SE with integrated phono.

I might try something different, and if I do, I would be tempted to try the Tempo Electric silver wires. They look like a no frills cable with very low capacitance.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

Neil,

I am wondering if you had a chance to compare the Silver Breeze with tonearm cable with the Purist Audio directly? I have two SME V's and I am thinking about swapping out phono cables as well. I am leaning towards the Silver Breeze as it seems to be pretty consistent in regards to performance in comparisons to other top league cables.

These two cables use different metals, the Silver Breeze silver the Purist's use copper, hence my question. Thanks in advance.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

I will take the plunge and contact Max to try the Silver Breeze phono cables. As I am using an Aesthetix IO Signature and all tube amplification from Octave amps from Germany, I hope to achieve good synergy. Based on the design phylosphy of Max's products; I think that goal should be reached. I did not change the stock VDH audio cables before as I was somewhat skeptical about any imrovements, my system is highly resolving and very musical already, I just can't imagine that I am missing that much more information from the phono source.

I am willing to try and experiment though; so I will take the plunge. I especially like the fact that they use the WBT silver locking connectors now; as this makes for secure connections in a jungle of other cables.

Time to make the call.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life

E-mail sent. I am hoping to hear back about possible shipping options. I have an APO mailing address and according to the web site, they only use FEDEX and not USPS; the only way I can receieve mail. I called, Max was not in. Hopefully I will hear back soon, then I can make some meaningful responses to this thread. I think your system (Neil) is pretty well balanced and I am pretty sure that you worked, slaved and sweated alot to get to where you are, as I did, hence the high resolution capabilties. Based on what you are stating, I think I might be in the same state of mind when I do get to try these cables, upset yet ecstatic at the same time.

My only comment so far is that stock VDH MCD 501's seem to work pretty darn good; however, based on other opinions, those who have upgraded from the 501's to other cables, there is room for improvement. Man, just when I thought it was good enough.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

Holy smoke. I received my Silver Breeze last week and upon initial listening impressions I have to say that the Silver Breeze is an excellant cable.

Voices that were articulate before were even more pronounced and holographic. The effect is that voices seem to pop out of nowhere more then before with an added emphasis of the acoustic atmosphere of the venue. The shading of the timbers seemed to be even handed and equally impressive in regards to smooth flowing music with exact details but no sharp edges. Bass seemed to be a little leaner compared to the stock SME V VDh cables, however, I have not allowed for proper break in and thus my my initial thoughts on bass may be skewed, the same can be said for the my initial thoughts on the aspects I mentioned, so these are preliminary impressions, but overall great so far.

I used an Earth Wind and Fire, September, original Quincy Jones produced, non audiophile pressing to listen. The trumpets in September appear in scale and sound lifelike when played. I play trumpet so that is one aspect I like to key in on and use as a reference.

Thanks Max for such a great product. I will provide more information as I allow for break in and listening pleasure.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life