Experience with Black Cat and/or Triode lab Wires


I am considering Triode Lab Wire or Black Cat. I’m aware of the unfortunate passing of Chris, so I’m willing to buy used or new. My price range is $400 per meter for (rca/rca) interconnect, and $600 for SC’s. The Triode wires are priced in line with my budget, as are the entry level offerings from Black Cat. I have concern that while the Triode cable have a strong following, perhaps they’re geared toward low power amps and high efficiency speakers. Their company is called Triode after all. My system is a Naim XS integrated with phono and Harbeth C7's. I need Interconnects for Well Tempered Simplex 2 (RCA outputs) and then for step up transformer to phono. Also need speaker cables. 

fjn04

Showing 3 responses by pdreher

Ditto @jerrybj on the Black Cat Silverstar digital cable.   

Not to muddy the waters, but I'm a fan of Duelund speaker cables and IC's.  Pretty low cost and high value in my experience... and both the IC's and speaker cables can be had within your budget new or used.  Parts Connexion carries them

https://www.partsconnexion.com/duelund-interconnect-cable.html

If you can find them used, you can possibly avoid the 150-200 hour break in period for them to settle it.  Often times posting a "wanted to buy" ad on Audiogon or Audiomart will generate some offers.

 

I had A23 speaker cables prior to making the switch to Duelund 12 gage.   The A23's have strong resale value, but I prefer the sound of considerably less expensive Duelund, with the only downside being an extensive break in period of 150-200 hours.  I have no experience with Vermeer or TWM.  

@jjss49  

it's been at least 5 or 6 years since I owned the A23's.  I used them for a few years with Harbeth M40.1's and a few tube amps.   While the build quality of the A23's is quite good and they have an artisan like feel and look to them, I was expecting more of an "ah ha" moment with regards to sound quality.   That moment never came... and while the A23's are good, they sounded slightly veiled and less lifelike than Duelund 12 gauge.   The Duelunds just stand out as sounding more natural and lifelike (after a rough break in period in which they sound god-awful).  I've been using the Duelund 12 gauge in both of my systems for 5-6 years and recently added a Duelund RCA IC between my Weiss 202 and amp... and soon will be rewiring the internals of my Altec 19's with Duelund 16 gauge.