glory
My top 4 would be
#1) Gabriel Gold Rapture
#2) Gabriel Gold Rev MK 2
#3) Stealth Indra
#4) Omega Mikro Ebony Analog
Bobf |
john-,If I were to add anything to your detailed post regarding the Rapture . It would that it is one of the top 3 interconnects in the world.
bobf |
Just an update.I started this thread some time ago after hearing the Gabriel Gold Extreme interconnects.
I now feel compelled to elaborate on the newer model called the Revelation 1.These cables to my dismay are even better.
The depth and layering is off the charts.I still think my Extreme cables are up there with the finest in the world,but
the Revelation 1 cables are simply a "Revelation".I still have friends bring other cables over and we do the comparison thing,but when all is done The Gabriel Golds always and easily come out on top. |
Phillykid-check out the auctions or you can contact the designer thru his Agon site if you wish.
His user name is sts |
I love the forum for discussion,however,I am always bewildered when some who does not own,heard or seen a product in person always seems to have the keenest insight.
I own the GG's and would say that the build quality and sound of these cables rival if not surpass anything that I have heard in 30 years.Stealth Indra could be considered DIY along with Shunyata and many other meticulously hand built cables. |
osgorth-check out the post by budburma on 4/14/07 I think he's tried even more cables than me!Something must have been wrong with 1 of the components or something to achieve a result like you stated with the big rig?I've been communicating with a few members who have the GG's and one of the biggest strengths besides the sound seems to be their synergy with everything there hooked up with.The results you're hearing with the headphone rig is what you should have heard in the big rig system.I just had a friend over yesterday to listen to my all GG system and he was floored.Miles Davis was over having a beer with us or at least he was there in the room |
I have heard that that the new AC cords are going to be called the Rapture.I can't imagine him making a better sounding IC than the Revelation,but then again I didn't think it could better than the Extreme. |
Hi Art,
Yes I am using an Extreme on my amp and a Revelation on my CDP.
If you like what the other cables Steve makes you will enjoy these.
They just add more to the overall formula that Steve designs and I have had many PC's but these work so very well.
I have the Revelation interconnect and my audiophool cousin came over with his Revelation true shotgun speaker cables(traveled over an hour to bring them).
Needless to say I am getting the Revelation speaker cables made to replace my Extremes.
I did have the Indra's as interconnects and MLT speaker cables before I found the GG cabling and in my system I prefer what I have now and I really did love the Indra's.
As we all know it is what works for each person and their tastes and systems.I think my cousin finally likes what Logans can do as he is a diehard Maggie fan :^).
My Best,Bob |
Please specify which Gabriel Gold IC's you are using.
I have Revelations and even during the break-in process
the bass was excellent and imaging went from exellent to amazing. |
Elsneb * your decription is right on the money.
It is scary how these cables do exactly that.They let every instrument take on it's true natural character and conveys and maintains this throughout the preformance no matter how complexed the recording.No component I've ever owned could even do this as well as these cables.What is really scary is how much more the Revelation can do this. |
geojap???? if you don't have many hours on the GG's then you are NOT making an accurate assessment.
The GG's are really going to shake you up once they break-in.You watch !!!! |
I was using the Stealth MLT speaker wire with the 2 Stealth Indra's before I discovered the Gabriel Gold cables a few years back.I first switched out 1 pair of Indra for a pair of the Extremes and heard a marked improvement in tonality,depth,layering and detail.The bass is rock solid.Shortly after I added a second pair of Extremes which improved the sound beyond any of my expectations.Once GG speaker wire became available I added a shotgun bi-wire set of ExtremeS and sold my MLT's.
The speaker wire added more and more realism to the system to the point it was actually scary that electronics could do this.Images were crawling across the top of my ceiling steering from left to right and back and forth with effortless musicallity and solidity.If you own these cables you know what I mean.It is hard to explain because I have never heard anything like this before.
After about a year I saw that there was now a version available called the Revelation and to my astoundment they are just that.I actually did not believe that my system could sound any better and I was somewhat apprehensive about switching out the Extreme for the Revelation,however after a couple of Demeola tracks I immediately new I had to.I have also upgraded my Extreme speaker wire to the Revelation wire and again WOW!.
If the Extreme was the only line available I would say it is the best cable out there.With the Revelation cables I would say this they are without a doubt a true Revelation.
Oh! I didn't even mention the GG AC cords.I guess that's for another time.I am certainly happy that I started this thread and that other members have now gotten the opportunity to hear what these amazing cables can do for music lovers |
I've got a Revelation AC cord and one of the earlier Extreme cords .I talked to Steve recently and asked him why the Revelation cord was pulled from the product list in the ads.I was told that The Revelation AC Cord could still be made but it is now only a special order item.I guess he 'll build one for someone who needs another or if someone has heard it and wants one.Apparently he is coming out with a new AC Cord soon called the Rapture.The Revelation and Extreme cords are a tall order to match,but based on everything I have heard over the last few years I'm sure it will be awesome. |
jmcgrogan2-I was wondering what version of the Extremes you were listening to?(Eichmann connectors?) From what I've gathered from this thread the member you refer borrowing cables from(Art who I have also conversed with) had his interconnects modified with different connectors (Bocchinos)for some reason.
As far as the speaker wire goes - What length/configuration
of Revelation speaker wire are you running.I use an 8ft pair of Revelations and my soundstage is climbing the ceiling with more layers of depth that I can count to.I know from conversations with Steve that he really frowns on anything less than 6ft runs as most manufacturers do.
Although it sounds like you really appreciate the sound of the GG's ,your sonic impression of the Gabriel Golds don't sound like what I hear nor other postings.
It is your opinion and all opinions are to be respected. |
clio09- I know what mean about un-natural and enhanced detail.It's gets very fatigueing and at times down right annoying.
I did something similar,I started off with (2) Extremes then picked up one Revelation and eventually went to all Revelations.
I think you'll like the sonic improvement.If the Revelation never came out I'd still be listening to Extreme knowing that I had one of, if not the best IC money could buy. |
clio09-what do you think of the Gabriel Gold Revelations?
Are they burnt in yet.Awaiting your thoughts against some of the other cables you've referred to.Don't mean to pressure you!!!!! |
It's good to know that there are cables out there that can
finally offer the type of 3 dimensionality as the Gabriel Golds.
I have a dedicated and treated room and have the luxury of speaker placement.Not everyone has such an option ,most have a limited amount of space for speaker placement.
Even with my room tweaked (and I know my room I grew up in this house and now own it)
I essentilly re-constructed a room for dedicated listening and have been using the room for over 30 years for hi-fi listening.So many systems have come in and out of my room over the years, with the speakers most recently being in the Martin Logan family(Prodigy's right now)
There have also been a countless amount of cables,speaker wire and sources that have graced my ears and that of my family.
With the most recent and most satisfying of sources being the Bluenote Stibbert(with Ediswan tubes)I also rely on my wife's ear who is a professional dance/music choreographer along with my son who has toured the world as a professional drummer with major bands ,so when we sit and listen to tunes it is quite the experience.
My amp/pre amplification has taken a 180 degree turn from the days of having $50,000 of Levinson gear.I like many other members have found that the big ticket components don't always produce music naturally,they at times put their sonic manufacturer/stamp on things.
I now use a great pre/power source that is truly astounding
(yet could easily start a whole new discussion of it's own so I'll keep that to myself.)
Getting back to the topic of depth and three dimensionality
in the room.I am a big Al DeMeola admirer and as we know he is all about layer after layer, after layer with images and instruments spinning left to right, up and down and in and
out.(give a listen to "Kiss My Axe"
All of this is done on the recording with speed,solidity
and precision.
I did not realize just how much speed,precision and layering until I started adding the Gabriel Golds nearly 2 years ago.
I also was able to pick up on the tonality of the music like never before.This to me is very important I can not handle homogonized tones that are detailed yet colorless.
I had an ejoyable experience with many cables over the years most recently with the Stealth Indra/MLT combo,Siltech Forbes Lake and countles others.I don't see my house,the room,my Logans,my Stibbert,My un-named pre/power unit and especially all the Gabriel Gold interconnects,speaker wire and ac cords going anywhere.
My quest seems to be over.
I am so pleased that this obscure little thread I started
quite some time ago has grown in such a positive way and has been graced by so many passionate,knowledgable and even
entertaining people. |
After moving from the Stealth Indra to the Gabriel Gold Extreme to Gabriel Gold Revelation interconnect my next step was to give the Extreme speaker wire a shot.
The Stealth MLT bi-wire run I was using were working really well, and the system sounded well integrated.
I had the opportunity to AB the Extreme against the Stealth MLT set-up and I must admit it was close.
The MLTs may have had a little more slam ,however,the Extreme bettered the MLT in the areas of tone,depth and staging,immediately.
Upon further listening I noticed differences in the bottom octaves also
The MLTs had a consistent low frequency character,meaning almost every track took on a similar bass sound.
Again while listening to Demeola's "Kiss My Axe" with the Extremes it was "where did that come from"
Upon listening to the disc and hearing the various tracks I determined that even the bass was better with the GG's.
The fact is the bass just had to be there in the recording.
I started going thru all my disc that had percussion in them and it was easy to determine the difference .The difference being a constant yet inaccurate bottom end vs. a bottom end that shook my walls when the recording provided the info.
Disc after disc I was able to not only hear the improved harmonics but actually tell the the tracks that had more slam than others.I prefer this "if it not there I don't want to hear it"
I ended up selling the MLT's and eventually got a second pair of Extremes so that I may bi-wire with the Logans.
When the Revelation speaker wire came out I contacted Steve and he took back the Extremes for full credit against the Revelations.
My expectations were high and were quickly met.After about 100 hours of break in time my system reached yet another level.In short if you have Extreme or Revelation interconnects and love what they do like so many of us the speaker wire will just add a whole lot more of the same. |
I think member budburma's description of the sonic character of the Gabriel Golds was extracted directly from my brain. Respectfully here's his remarks if you missed them
" To my ear and in my experience, the Gabriel Golds are the best cable on the market. I realize that's a bold statement, but I have had them in my system for a couple of years and have no intention of ever changing them. They are the most accurate, neutral, and perfectly paced cables I have heard. The extension and detail offered are absolutely grainless and full at the same time; this is, in my opinion, their strongest suit, although I can find no faults in any area. The bible black silence of the background is adorned with an accurately portrayed soundstage with mesmerizing 3-d characters....this fully rounded image is another of their strong suits.
I have the Extreme's and have not heard the Revelations. If I wax and gush it's because....well. I wax and gush over them; they are what I have been looking for in an interconnect for 15 years. They give me a goofy grin just thinking about them and they are the only part of my system I never consider changing in all of my ever curious and obsessive participation in the madness that is this hobby. Prior to having them in my system it seemed I was always trying to make up for a shortcoming in one cable with a different cable in another position in the chain. The GG Extremes are now the only cable i have in my system (4 pairs).
I have found that I really appreciate the sound of amalgams over pure metals whether flying solo or in combo (i.e. a copper hot and a sliver return). When properly alchemied, the amalgams seem to offer all the best of the pure copper, carbon, silver or gold cables without their individual shortcomings. To that end, I have long been a fan of Siltech, especilaly with my amps of choice, Plinius. Other cables that i have had include Stealth PGS (_XL, _3D) and Metacarbons, Analysis Plus Solo Crystal and Golden Oval, all of the G3 Siltech incluing SQ88 and FTM4sg, all manner of Cardas. Harmonic Tech, Acoutic Zen, DH Labs, Empirical Audio, Discovery, Zu Cable..anyway, those are the ones that I can recall without squinching my eyes and rubbing my templews with tiger balm or something like that."
"There's magic in them there cables"
When you read Bud you've said it all(weiser)
|
audiobb- I concur that the cables do take a bit of time to break-in ,however,I never found them bright or to be light in the bass even in their infancy.I also concur easily the best cables I also ever owned. |
Soundstage,depth of field,height of stage,detail,bass and even greater tonality and textures which these cables are becoming famous for occur after the 300 hour mark.As I initially stated when I started this thread I was comparing the GG Extremes to both the Stealth Indra and Siltech Forbes Lake which are both what I call pretty decent reference cables.I liked the Gabriel's better.The Revelations definately take longer to burn in but once they do LOOK OUT ! it becomes NO CONTEST.
I've read a lot of Steve's feedback (sts) and many members love the sound of the Revelations right out of the box.I'm sure once they break in they must be gushing with greater appreciation. |
clio09-I assume you must have some?
What cables did you compare the GG's against before you went with them? |
"Perfect Cable" may be just be the best description
I've heard |
as mom would say "Play nice or go in the house" |
To all-----If you want to argue please do it outside of this thread.This thread has served as a positive interaction posting for many audiophiles.C'mom let's keep post relevant
or at least nice
thanks,
bobf |
Okay guys are we done now? Back to the thread. |
rja-my bi-wire pair sounded great as soon as I plugged them in and kept getting better and better.
I'd say they really stabilized at about 250 hours.
These things sound so good though that I swear they continue to get better every time I listen to them. |
I got a chance to listen to the NEW Rapture AC cord and the NEW Revelation II AC cord and gotta tell you "he did it again"
Designs keep improving on what I thought was un-improvable.
The Revelation II cord made my room sound twice it's size with staging,body,warmth and detail.
Man, it's hard to put what I heard into words .How can a single AC Cord do this.
I then tried the Rapture AC cord and heard pace,authority,textures and detail I did not think were possible just by switching out a single AC cord.
I was told that the Revelation II cord uses a blend of Gold,Silver and Copper in the conductors.
The cord is fatter than the original Revelation AC Cords that have a yellow jacket and it was designed to go with the Revelation line-up
Although the cord is thicker than the original
it is just as flexible.
The appearance is nicer too with it's Black and Gold jacket.
The Rapture I was told is sort of a Hybrid design using conductors that are silver plated gold and copper along with conductors that are made with a combination of Platinum,Gold,Silver and copper.
The Rapture AC cord has the same thickness and flexibility as the Revelation II with a very cool looking Black/blue jacket.
I need 1 of both!!!!!
Gotta go now and "rob a bank" to pay for some new cords |
hi donpark1439 I started with an interconnect first between my source and pre and got incredible results ,and this was with the Extreme interconnect"I now use the Revelations'".I'd say start with the interconnects and go to the speaker wire next.The icing on the cake and the rest of the desert comes at the end of the meal with the AC Cords.BTW-I don't think you will see any auctions for Extreme's ,looking at the ad it looks like they're being replaced soon,regardless go with the Revelation interconnect if budget allows.Hope this helps |
Getting back to the Gabriel Gold thread-
Just got a Revelation II AC and a Rapture AC into the system.Was using the original Revelation AC and didn't think my system could extract anymore music out of it.
I was wrong!Still not sure how changing an AC Cord can make a system image better and bring you closer to the sound of listening to instruments and voices and not electronics.The Running Springs Haley certainly does not hold anything back from the dedicated line coming in.Anyway
just wanted to pass on more info to my fellow Gabriel Gold friends out there.I think there are some more special things coming from GG soon.From looking at the ad it looks like the Extreme is going to replaced by a cable called the Eden and there a lot of members using the Extreme who say it was the best cable they ever used.Hopefully the Revelation will not go anywhere and if it does I got hear what replaces it ,as it will be a tough task.
happy tunes
Bob |
budburma-I'm using the Revelation II AC cord on the amp and the Rapture on the CD player.I've not had quite the experience with other cords as you,but,I could not ,and still can't believe what these AC cords can do.I have had about
50 different interconnects and speaker wire in systems over the years and have been using the Gabriel Gold stuff for a few years now and love it.I noticed from previous postings that you also are a fan. Check out the new ad, I have a feeling that there may be some new cables coming soon? Eden interconnects coming and who knows maybe some Rapture interconnects and speaker wire - those should be mighty impressive and hopefully not too costly.
Thanks for adding your postings and humour to this great thread.
bob |
budburma-read your comments and couldn't agree with you more, only wish I could have said it.
bobf |
Back to the thread-
How about them new Rapture interconnects?
bobf |
Hi rja you can still see okay! the Raptures are a Navy blue with Black internal markings.Sort of like blue/black snake skin in appearance.
They sound great fresh,but wait till they get some hours on them and you'll really be groovin'
bobf |
Budburma *** I take it you have a mix of Rapture and Eden interconnects.I saw in previous threads that you were a big fan of the Extremes.
Did you replace your Extreme with the Eden?
I have not heard much on this thread about the Eden.
I'm guessing if the designer replaced the Extreme with the Eden that it's got to be better or at least pretty different.
Your view on this is appreciated and sure to be engaging |
rja care to elaborate on the differences that you heard between the two cables in your set-up.I found the Raptures to have a bit more more detail with greater depth and staging.I also thought that the music took on much greater realism.I didn't think this possible after owning the Revelation,but it is so.They are definately in the same family which is great so they didn't lose any of the characteristics I love.I would compare the two in car terms as the Revelations being a BMW 328 and the Raptures being a BMW M3.You got a lot more under the hood and the suspension to do something with it.
I like you also use the Revelation speaker too so I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
bob |
Look for the GG Revelation speaker wire USED to pop up on Agon.I was using the Revelation before I moved up to the Rapture speaker wire.Before the Revelation I also had good results using the Stealth MLT's.
I've got GG Revelation interconnects and speaker wire that I may post soon as I have no need for them now.
bobf |
The chesky train does not stop at go and does not collect $200.
I like the Gabriel Gold path where the music is lined with Gold. |
Just to update audiophiles who don't want to read thru all these great post.The Gabriel Gold Revelations take about 300-400 hours to break-in and YES! they change drastically once broken in.They are still the best cable I've had with the exception of the GG Rapture.I've e-mailed Steve in the past about breakin time and for some reason he is not a big cable cooker fan maybe he'll eventually burn the cables in a bit first in the future but wouldn't that take some of our fun away?It would certainly gives us a more immediate take on these great cables.Just FYI
bobf |
glory Bigger,richer with even better detail.e-mail me direct if you want to discuss more bobf |
glory the thread is still here |
I was just looking at the Tesla thread, which I hear is a great cable. It seems some members are actually using the Tesla in their system with GG Revelations with cool results.
Anyway the Tesla thread according to the member who started it has over 18,000 views.
This thread now has over 25,000 views so it seems great cables have nice longing running threads.
I guess that backs orders up a bit.
I heard there's a wait list at the Cable Co. to audition the Tesla's.
Thanks audiogon and thanks to all the great members who share their knowledge,experience and humor
bob |
they are non-directional
bobf |
Here's my 2 cents as I've owned every version from the original Extreme almost 3 years ago to the Revelation last year to the Rapture presently.
The Extreme was a giant killer with a nice warm and organic sound.The Revelation had more detail with just a bit smaller soundstage left to right and front to back.
But the Revelation extracted a lot more inner detail and had better harmonic and tonal stucture.I heared things with the Revelations that I never did before and that's tough to give up once heard.
The Raptures are about 30-40% better sounding than the Revelation and I know that's a huge percentage but a pretty accurate one.The Raptures are more dynamic with a huge stage with a musicians in the room type feel,big stage,warm,detailed and effortless.
If the Revelation MK 2 is 75 or 80% of the Rapture and comes in at or about the same price of the original Revelation it will be a great offering in my opinion and sure to make some noise out there.
The Revelation was or is still an awesome sounding cable.
Now if Steve comes out with something above the Rapture that's a different story as I am so locked in to my sound right now I don't need any temptation at this point.
Please don't make me take a bite out of that apple!
Bobf |
Budburma,I used both the Stealth MLT Jr and the MLT Hybrid
loudspeaker cable and enjoyed them a great deal.
I also was using 2 Stealth Indra interconnects.
IMHO the Martin Logan Prodigy's really let you hear what's going on.The Indras I HAD were used with the Levinson Ref. 32 and Levinson amp.
The Stealth cables were the best I had ever auditioned and it took some prodding by another member to get me to try some of the original Gabriel Gold Extremes.
In my system the sound of the Extreme interconnects slightly outperformed the Indra.With the cost of the GG's is was a no brainer to go with them.
It was a different case with the speaker wire as it took some time to really decide to part with the Stealth MLT cables,however,the GG's just had better extension,air and timbre.
As I've mentioned in other postings I have moved thru the Gabriel Gold line-up with each new offering.
I am presently using the Rapture interconnect as I believe you are,along with the Rapture speaker wire(bi-wire)and the Rapture PC cords.
Is this stuff "crazy good"?
I'd say whacky,stupid,lunatic like,incredible,lifelike and more.
What do you think about the PC Cords?
Bobf |
evolution of products and advancements in design technolgy are a positive thing in any industry.
the "merry go round" of cables IMO is usually due to the incorrect selection of electronics and the consumers need to mask,color,address flaws in the room,etc or just simply
desire change for the sake of change.
All the GG cables I have/had older or newer sound fantastic.Fantastic is fantastic!
If better becomes available I for one am interested in hearing it. |
facten you are correct some cable companies who have been around as long as 20 years are still coming out with different cables every year.I bought my first GG Extreme almost 3 years ago and the MK 2 is just coming out now.IMHO I'd say a little time and thought went into this new cable before it was released.Rushing NEW products to the marketplace on a yearly basis regardles of the quality is ACCEPTED in every other market even the music industry.When artist bang out albums year after year it is usually for the cash/contract agreement and their music most often suffers.When an artist comes out with something every 2,3 or 4 years there tends to be much more substance to their music and lyrics.At least that's how I remember music being and hope it will get there again.Hoping for a 2nd generation of Di meola's,Miles and Coltrane to arrive but still enjoying the "merry go round" they have me on.
Bobf |
antonkk-i have not heard the new GG entry level cable,but I can say that I've read that the Extreme MK 2 interconnects are as good or a bit better than the original Revelation,so you may be quite happy once you get them.I had the original Rev and they were killer.
I also had the original Revelation AC cords a couple of years ago and they worked great in my system.
Prior to the GG's my AC Cords were a mix of some very good cords (Stealth,HT Magic,Siltech and Essence).Some of the cords worked very good in some spots and not so good in other spots.Had to play around a lot to get best results as my system changed.The GG's worked wherever I put them with almost the exact same sonic benefit.(Tone,Texture,Harmonics,vocals,etc)
If the new AC Cord is as good as the original Revelation it may work out great for you.
btw- I heard the new Revelation MK 2 interconnects and I found them to sound much better than the original version and that says a lot,but,still not like the Rapture which I use throughout my system now.
bobf
|
jmcgrogan,cool to hear that you had the opportunity to hear and enjoy the Raptures.I wouldn't use the word forward, but instruments and vocals certainly do emerge from a dead silent blackness and then retreat only to emerge over and over. again .The Raptures certainly keep you involved like music should without ever having an edge to them.
tvad,the Revelation MK 2 might be something you may wish to try if you ever decide to part with the Purist.I used Purist Audio Colossus about 8 years ago and thought they were great.I'm sure the line has developed since and can only sound better today |
double WOW !!!John
well put and to the point.
great job with your assessment
bobf |
