Hmm...I wouldn't call AQ's US$1K-per-meter-pair Cheetahs to be 'midline' or midpriced, I'd call them expensive.
I just replaced 6 pieces of HomeGrownAudio's all-silver IC-4-based ICs with Cheetah. I heard more detail, less edginess, and more-real-sounding transients on orchestral percussion such as tubular bells. I've never heard your other candidates.
Also, do consider PS Audio's silver conductor IC. It's quite affordable at only $350 per meter-pair and apparently sounds very good. See 10Audio.com's review...http://www.10audio.com/psaud_ref_trans.htm
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I just replaced 6 pieces of HomeGrownAudio's all-silver IC-4-based ICs with Cheetah. I heard more detail, less edginess, and more-real-sounding transients on orchestral percussion such as tubular bells. I've never heard your other candidates.
Also, do consider PS Audio's silver conductor IC. It's quite affordable at only $350 per meter-pair and apparently sounds very good. See 10Audio.com's review...http://www.10audio.com/psaud_ref_trans.htm
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