I'm considering some of these cables now. Besides Bobf's saying he prefers them to the Stealth Indra, could anyone else share their experiences? What cables did you compare the GG to? What areas did the GG's exceed the other cables in?
TIA,
John |
Hello Art,
WOW! Thank you so much for that very detailed reply. You defintely have wet my whistle. I will certainly have to investigate these cables further now. I've already been in contact with Steve about a pair of speaker cables. I'll probably look to try some interconnects now as well. Currently I'm using Jade Audio Gold and Vermeil interconnects and PAD Dominus speaker cable. To many power cords to even start mentioning, but the Stealth Dream is my current favorite.
I'm just about tapped out from several equipment and cable upgrades over the last few months, but these cables certainly sound intriguing. I wish Steve had a website, so there was a little more clarification on his cable design, hierachy and pricing. I will have to sell some of my extra cables/cords and scrap up the dough to try some of these babies. They do sound like my cup of tea.
One last question, about burn-in. Do they sound great right out of the box, or do they take a couple hundred hours to burn in? Thanks again Art, and happy listening.
Cheers,
John |
Rumor has it that Steve is coming out with a new line, called 'Rapture'. Anyone else heard of this? Any details?
John |
Hey Gary,
LOL, this is turning into some kind of a reunion here, running into Art and yourself in the same thread. So I'm your cable guy, huh Gary? I've been told that I resemble that Jim Carrey character at times. :)
Actually Pat (Rx8man) first told me about the Gabriel, and he hasn't even heard them yet. I did e-mail Steve off-line and asked him about pricing for a custom pair of Revelation speaker cables. In his reply, he asked me what kind of terminations and how much I wanted to pay. I thought this was a bit odd, but I replied anyway. He told me he'd consider it and get back to me. Granted, that's not your typical cable company operating procedures, but I can't help but think that maybe these are not typical cables. There certainly is a lot of buzz, though I do admit to some trepidation, as I've never heard 'alloy' cables before. I've heard pure copper, silver and gold, silver clad copper and gold clad silver, but never alloys.
I would recommend you just e-mail Steve, tell him what you are looking for, and see what he says. There doesn't appear to be any set price list anywhere.
Art and Rja, thanks for the break in estimates.
Cheers,
John |
Pat, I await to hear about your impressions.
John |
Darealjaydee, thanks, I've seen that ad. However, it only has a price for a standard 8 foot single wire pair. It does not address prices for bi-wire or longer/shorter lengths. Anyone looking for anything other than a 8 foot single wire pair will need to contact Steve. Like I said, I'm not sure even Steve knows the prices of non-standard lengths. That may be why he asked me how much I wanted to pay. :)
John |
I didn't mean to insinuate that Steve is letting the customer set the price. He has his standard prices on his standard lengths. He doesn't have pricing on non-standard lengths though. That's why when I e-mailed him to ask what a 1 meter pair of Revelation speaker cables (monoblock amps) would cost, he e-mailed me back and told me he hadn't made a 1 meter pair yet. He then asked me "Did you have a price in mind?". I replied with my thoughts. Then he told me he would think about my offer and get back to me. That was on 4/13, as of 4/16, I haven't heard back from him though.
So I didn't mean to infere that the customer was setting the price. I did find it very strange though for a manufacturer to ask me how much I was willing to pay though. That was a first, for me anyway.
John |
I haven't heard any Gabriel's yet, however, from reading the threads it would seem they are more comparable to the Jade and Stealth cables than to the Virtual Dynamics. I've owned Stealth, Jade and Virtual Dynamics, amongst many others. The Virtual Dynamics will sound more powerful and dynamic than the Stealth or Jade, but they are also have a more forward presentation that I did not care for. The VD cables also had less of a three dimensional stage, and didn't present the natural sounding instrumental colors and hues that I get from Jade, Stealth, and PAD cables.
This of course is all just my opinion. I do know many VD fans who love that forward, dynamic and powerful sound. They love the excitement of that front row presentation. So it's all depending on your musical tastes. I would say that Virtual Dynamics is in an entirely different camp than Jade, Stealth PAD and from what I've read, the Gabriel's as well. Which camp you wish to be in is your call.
John |
Clio09, it is hard for me to elaborate, as I'm not a professional reviewer, but I will try. To my ears, in my system, the cables/cords that I've owned from Stealth, Jade Audio and PAD present a more natural, realistic instrumental colors and hues, as I've mentioned above. By this I mean that instruments natural decay resonation seems to come through better. I've demo'd VD Revelation speaker cables, and I still own Revelation and Master power cords, so I'm not slamming VD, they do have their positive attributes, as I've already mentioned.
IMHO, the VD's dynamic sound is attributed to it's incredible speed of the attack on the note that's played, however, the decay of the note is truncated. I hear more natural decay of the notes resonating on the aforementioned Jade, Stealth and PAD cables. As I tried to explain it to a friend of mine, when using the VD cables, the pluck of a guitar string sounds clearer, however with the Stealth, Jade, PAD, I can better hear the wooden body of the guitar resonating as well.
To my ears, this is most notable with brass instruments, horns and even cymbals. The natural shimmer that I associate with live sound just sounds more realistic when the note is allowed to decay in it's own space. I don't know if this explaination helps you out or confuses you more. Again, it's not easy for me to put what I hear into words. Also, I do understand that others have different tastes. Some may call my preference for hearing natural decay resonation a 'euphonic coloration'. So be it. Just like the tube vs. SS debate, this issue will have it's own proponants.
Now I'm not trying to rile up the VD zealots, as I mention they do have many positive attributes. I even still own some, and I'm trying to find a proper place for them. Somewhere where they will deliver the added dynamic power, w/o losing the 3-D stage and natural decay that I prefer.
I note in a previous thread that you had a RSAD Z-der block on your preamp with a VD Master attached. I currently have a VD Revelation p/c going through a Z-der block into my preamp. It sounds better than the RSAD Alethias! Signature cord that I had on the preamp before the Revelation. I haven't tried the Stealth Dream here yet though.
FWIW, I used to own RSAD Poiema!!! and Poiema!! Signature interconnects and speaker cables. Very nice cables, though I don't own them anymore. I do still own a pair of RSAD Poiema!!! Signature power cords along with the one Alethias! Signature power cord (and many others).
Also, just to get back on topic, I did order a pair of Gabriel Revelation speaker cables today. I will report back some time in the future with my impressions.
Cheers,
John |
I should probably chime in here. I've tried a pair of GG Extreme ic's (thanks Art), and I bought a pair of GG Revelation speaker cables, that I've owned for a month. I really do love the GG tonality, it is really spot on. As good as or better than anything else I've heard, and I've heard a lot. I do have issues with the soundstaging of the GG cables though. The Extreme ic was a tad shallow in soundstage depth, and the Revelation, was a bit short on stage height. Small complaints to be sure, as these are very, very good cables. However, I have found that Jade Audio Hybrid and Vermeil interconnects and speaker cables are more to my tastes.
Tonally the Jade Audio and the GG are about equal, the GG are slightly more transparent and quicker, the Jade's slightly more richer and sweeter. I do note that I have enhanced these desriptions for the sake of clarity. Both cables are gold based, and as such have a great tonality.
The Jade wins (for me) in soundstaging. It has much greater depth and height than the GG cables. It actually has greater depth than my PAD Dominus reference, and almost as much height. Soundstage width is about the same.
That is just IMO, IMS, YMMV!
Cheers,
John |
Hi Bob,
Yes, I appreciate that all opinions are to be respected. I also have the utmost respect for all of Steve's cables, they really do sound fantastic compared to all of the very expensive cables I've heard prior.
For your questions, I heard the Eichmann edition of the Extreme interconnect. I also had Steve custom make me a 1 meter length of his Revelation speaker cable. Yes, he did recommend that I go at least 6 feet in length, as did many other cable manufacturers.
I compared the 1 meter length of the GG Revelation to my current reference, a 3 ft run of PAD Dominus (yes, I have monoblock amps). I really enjoy the tonality of the GG cables, they really are amongst the best I've ever heard.
However, the soundstage was very truncated, especially height wise with the Revelation speaker cables. It was the first time that I've ever felt as though I was ever 'listening down onto a performance'.
Shockingly, the soundstage was beneath me.
Yes, this could be a result of a shorter length (1 meter). Steve did say that he had'nt heard a 1 meter length before. I also want to re-iterate that it did sound very, very good...tonally.
I will know for sure in a couple months, after I've received a 4 foot pair of the Jade Audio Vermeil speaker cables. I have experimented with the Vermeil and the Hybrid interconnects, as well as the Vermeil speaker cables. I've also become very fond of the Stealth Dream power cords.
IMO, IMS, these combo (Jade and Stealth) have combined for the most incredible, natural, realistic sound I have heard in my system in my 30 years of listening.
Cheers,
John :) |
06-27-07: Joeyboynj
Jmcgrogan2, Have you tried the new Tesla Acoustic Reference and Precision Reference cables yet? I would love to hear how they compare to PAD and Jade. No, I have not heard either of the two cables you mentioned yet. I cannot say that I have plans in the immediate future to do so either. I have other non-audio (re: family) issues that are tying up most of my free time and money at this time. I'll look into them, but probably won't get around to trying them for another 6 months or more. I am currently comparing power cords with what little listening time I do have. Right now I'm comparing the PAD 20th Anniversary p/c with my Stealth Dream p/c. Both are very, very good, though I have no conclusions at this time. Cheers, John |
Hi Art,
Thanks for the well wishes, fortunately the family issues are not health related (knock wood). I'm sorry if I misled you.
Yes, I still have the Dream on my preamp as well as on my phono preamp and cd player. I think it makes the biggest difference on my preamp. I do know others that disagree, one gent currently swears it works best on his DAC, so who knows? Don't get me wrong, I do like it on my phono stage and cd player, but it didn't 'blow me away' like it did on my preamp.
FWIW, the PAD 20th Anniversary that I am comparing to my Dream is on my preamp, since they both have 20A IEC plugs, I can't really switch them around too much.
I didn't realize that Brian had come out with a MK 2 version of the HHG. How does it compare with the first one? Which Stealth cord do you have on your AES?
Cheers,
John |
Yes, this is fun! 8-)
I have tried a couple of Don's cords. I find them to be very good values and extremely musical. Not the last word in resolution, and the heaviest and stiffest cords I've ever tried. Someday I will have to see if I can borrow some of the Synergetic Tesla cables though.
I don't really want to hijack this thread anymore from it's designed intent though, so I will leave it at that.
Cheers,
John |
Audiobuzz, once again I have to ask if you have any affiliation with GG. You seem to jump on Jafox pretty quickly, just like you jumped on me in the Jade thread. 4 of your 7 thread responses on record indicate promoting GG cables. So, is there financial gain here for you, or does someone else not liking your favorite cable bother you for some reason? You do understand that another's findings in no way invalidates a purchase you have made, don't you? It's not an insult if someone likes a different flavor of ice cream than you, is it? Would you get all testy like that at an ice cream parlor if someone said he liked a flavor better than your chosen flavor?
Relax, you are allowed to like the GG cables if you choose. However, don't try to waltz in the door and tarnish reputations of long standing members. I have always found Jafox's descriptions and recommendations to be spot on. My tastes run very similar to his. I also felt the GG Extreme interconnects to have a shallow soundstage. The GG Revelation speaker cables I tried had better depth, but had other soundstage anomilies. Yes, they were a 1 meter run, which I know burns your shorts, but Steve was more than willing to make them and sell them as his GG Revelation cables. So there has to be some accountability.
You really come off as having a serious ax to grind. I just can't figure out if it's for profit or just immaturity.
John |
As a retailer/distriburor like yourself such a reply surely does reflect well upon your professionalism.
Audiobuzz Ahhhh, so it is money! His secret identity revealed. I knew you had to be in the business or emotionally insecure. For the record, Audiofeil was pretty accurate with his 'Audiobuzzard' handle, in this case it fits. Fot you have no opinions/experiences to share, you simply peruse the threads looking for something to pounce on. You have kept your bias' very well hidden, until now. It really is quite comical reading about you questioning anyone's professionalism. LOL! My apologies to Bob, who seems like a regular audiophile. This thread isn't the only one in which the Audiobuzzard has tried to feast on. He obviously is not a reputable dealer, or he would not bounce around the forums in a cloak of secrecy. Manufacturers and dealers are supposed to identify themselves when responding in these forums. It is now obvious that HE is the one with the agenda. I have nothing left to say to him, now that his identity has been revealed. Thank you Bill, for helping to 'pull back the curtain' on this fraud. John |
Art,
I'm glad that you have found audio nirvana....it is a wonderful place to be. I knew right off the bat that those were your comments on Steve's latest Rapture ad, they must be some great i/c's. It would be fun to compare them head on with JD's Hybrid i/c's, but I would bet that they would sound very close. I do respect your opinions, especially because I know that you are using fabulous speaker cables. ;^)
I myself am very happy now with all of my cables and power cords........ahhh contentment....it's a wonderful place to be.
Cheers,
John |
It would appear that Plutos is jumping into any thread that Jazzmeup has replied to. Sorry for your loss Plutos, may I suggest that next time you use a credit card through Paypal. If I am buying a big ticket item, and can't pick it up in person, or know the seller well, I use a credit card. It has saved me twice on AudiogoN. Paypal and AudiogoN can't really help you, but your bank will.
Best wishes,
John |
I think all of us are on this thread because we have found that we like the 'sound' of gold and gold alloys better than copper or silver cables. I cannot say that I have tried them all, I've never even heard of the KCI or Antipodes, there are just too many choices out there to hear them all. I have heard Jade Audio, Gabriel Gold and Audio Metallurgy cables, and IMS, IMHO I prefer the Jade. At this level though I'm sure system synergy and personal tastes have much to do with it.
I do agree with Hiernote that the Jade's are not as transparent as the Gabriel Gold's, but IMS they more than make up for that with increased dimensionality. The larger soundstage is layed out better front to back. I also will say that what Hiernote may call 'colorations', another, such as myself may refer to as timbral shadings. Yes, brass does sound more like brass to me with the Jade's. So while I would agree that the Gabriel Gold's sound is clearer and more transparent, I prefer the richer timbral 'colorations' combined with the larger and better defined soundstage of the Jade.
Again, they are all good cables, and will fit better or worse in certain systems depending on tastes and equipment. I could easily see how some who own warmer equipment or have tastes that lean towards transparency over warmth could prefer the Gabriel Gold's. And no, I have not heard the Rapture either, only the Revelation and Extreme.
But my point is, whether Gabriel Gold, Jade Audio, Audio Metallurgy, KCI, Antipodes, or whatever, everyone here seems to agree that we do like the 'flavor' that gold, gold plating, and/or gold alloys bring to the table more than silver, copper, etc. So we have more in common than it may appear to some. There is no one right answer for all systems and/or all listeners, only what is best for each of us.
As my friend Art (Budburma) would say....enjoy the tunes!
Cheers,
John |
Sexy and alluring??!! Art......your system is a sultry shedevil minx???!!!
Hmmmmmm......maybe I am missing something.....I mean I love the way my system sounds now, but it doesn't get me sexually aroused, so maybe I am missing out on something here.
Cheers,
John 8-) |
And the never ending quest to attenuate or eliminate that nasty digital edge that too many CDs possess.
Rja You won't find the cure for this in cables. The only 'REAL' cure is vinyl... Cheers, John |
Glory, I'm flattered, thank you.
Also thanks to all the others that felt my reply was helpful. I'm glad I could be of service.
Cheers,
John |
Grant (Tvad), I would suggest that you take Gary (Glory) up on his offer. Gary is one of AudiogoN's best, with no doubt. He let me demo one of his GG Rapture cables....and in a word they are absolutely stunning. They are by far the best cables I have ever heard if you enjoy a more forward presentation. The GG Rapture smoke the Virtual Dynamics Revelation cables, IMHO.
I do feel that the Rapture is one of the top 10 interconnects in the world, and I have heard many, many interconnects. I do thank Gary for the opportunity to listen to the Rapture, and I do recommend that you (Grant) take Gary up on his generous offer.
Cheers,
John |
Bobf, I did not mean to use forward in a negative way. The Rapture's are very lively and highly engaging. In some ways, as I've described before, the even surpass my reference Jade Hybrid Gold.
I did bring up the forward presentation though, because this is very important for someone to understand the poster's preferences. Yes, the Rapture's do have more depth than Steve's earlier efforts that I have heard (Extreme I and Revelation I). Also, many audiophiles prefer a more forward presentation, they enjoy sitting closer to the stage....I can certainly understand that.
I did bring it up though because Grant (Tvad) said he was currently using PAD Venustas interconnects. I have heard several PAD cables, including Colossus, Aqueous, Dominus Rev. C and 20th Anniversary, though not the Venustas. The PAD cables I have heard offer a much deeper soundstage, similar to Jade Audio cables. Now obviously this depth is not for everyone, and yes, the Rapture's offer a stage that is slightly wider and higher than the PAD/Jade stage. I would assume since Grant listens to PAD cables, that a deeper stage is his preference. Hence my mention that the Rapture is a bit more forward. Certainly not as forward as some other cables I've heard but won't mention as to not incite a cable war. IMHO the PAD cables sound closer to the Jade camp, while the Stealth cables are closer to the Rapture camp. No one cable is all things to all people on all equipment in all rooms.
Could I live happily with the Rapture? Yes, and I thank Gary (Glory) for the opportunity to hear it. As I mentioned earlier, and in other posts, it did beat my Jade Hybrid Gold in a few categories, like clarity and stage height/width. The Jade Hybrid did sound a tad more colored than the Rapture, which may or may not be what you seek. I would not say the Rapture was absolutely neutral, which again may or may not be what you seek. The Rapture does have a tad of sweetness compared to 'neutral' cables like the Nordost Valhalla or the Stealth Indra. The Jade Hybrid is even warmer yet.
In my system, with these criteria, I felt the Rapture bested my Hybrid on percussion, with it's tight, articulate, yet powerful bass. On brass, I preferred the Hybrid over the Rapture, as it gave brass more of a burnish hue that I hear with live brass. Sure, some will say this is a coloration, but IMHO it sounded more like 'live' horns. Strings, piano and other instruments were a push. The Rapture did a better job on the leading edge of the note, which is what gave it's apparent clarity. The Hybrid did a better job on the note's slow decay into oblivion, giving a better sense of space in the recording venue. Both cables are exceptional, and will have a loyal following depending on what the listener regards as his/her priorities.
Cheers,
John |
Glory,
Though I could not list them in any particular order, I have heard many fine interconnects. IMHO, it is obvious that all of these interconnects, though great, will depend ultimately on the users components, room and personal tastes. So in no particular order (let's face it, they're just different folks, their is no best):
PAD 20th Anniversary
Stealth Indra
Gabriel Gold Rapture
MIT Oracle V 1.2
Tara Labs 0.5
Jade Hybrid Gold
Nordost Odin/Valhalla (somewhat similar)
Siltech Forbes Lake
Kubala Sosna Emotion
That's all I can recall among the big hitters, and as Gary (Glory) has pointed out, most of these cables are much more expensive than the GG Rapture or Jade Hybrid.
Granted, $2K for one interconnect is not chump change, but the GG Rapture and Jade Hybrid, IMHO best these other cables for a fraction of the price.
As always, your room, speakers, ancillary equipment and tastes will have you agree or disagree with my opinion. I can only speak for my tastes, my room, my gear, and my speakers.
Peace,
John |
I will second Fiddler's response, although I have not heard the GG Rapture power cords. I have heard many very pricey cords, from Nordost Valhalla, to Shunyata Aplha Helix to Purist 20th Anniversary, Elrod Statement, Stealth Dream, Dream State Lucid Dream, Virtual Dynamics Revelation 2.0, and many, many more. IMHO, I actually think the power cord has more to do with the sonics of the system than interconnects and speaker cables.
Anyway, the Stealth Dream is the best power cord I have ever heard and/or owned. At one point I owned 5 of them. Unfortunately due to the economy and family obligations, I have now sold all of my Dreams....
It would have been nice to compare a Rapture power cord to the Dream, but I never had the opportunity.
I still own what some would call decent cords, like the Kubala Sosna Emotion, Shunyata Anaconda Vx, DCCA Reference Master, Verastarr Grand Illusion, Ridge Street Audio Poiema!!! Signature...etc. None of these can compete with the Stealth Dream however.
Yes, the Dreams are not cheap.....but they are the best that I've heard.
Cheers,
John |
Bobf, I know Art (Budburma) fairly well. We have even made a few deals. I believe he owned the Stealth M-5000, but not the Dream. Though I may have sent him a Dream for audition, I cannot recall. I did loan them to a couple of friends. Sadly, now all of my Dreams are gone......sniff.
I believe Budburma loves his Rapture interconnects, but has still found the Stealth Hybrid MLT to be his speaker cables of choice, and the BMI Hammerhead III to be his favorite power cord.
Glory, I have to admit that the VD line is not my cup o' tea. I have not heard their interconnects, but I have heard several of the power cords and their speaker cables. They all have the similar sound. Powerful, full, good extension in both frequency extremes. Soundstage is huge in 2 dimensions, but very, very flat. IMHO, it's like sitting in the front row. I've talked with those that enjoy these cables, and they agree, though that is what they seek, a front row seat. I prefer a more laid back location, some would call it 'mid-hall'. I don't enjoy music being thrust in my face. To each their own.
FWIW, Rick Schultz of VD is a great guy though. Lots of passion for this hobby.
The Stealth Dreams, IMHO were a combination of the Nordost Valhalla's speed and resolution, w/o the thinness up top, and the 3-D staging abilities and ease of the PAD 20th Anniversary Contego with better articulation, all rolled up into one cord.
Cheers,
John |
I admire Rja's second response, as it seems that he has mellowed a bit. Though I do agree with his first reply, one could also extrapolate his $15K vs $2K cable controversy into a $2K vs. $100 cable controversy.........it never stops really, until you are using lamp cord.
Glory, kudos for you for again pushing the boundries....though it is spelt 'Tara Labs'. Chuckle if it's legit, but I have been stung with fake cables/cords before, and mislabelling is the first sign. Many cables/cords you have to look very closely at, especially if you are borderline AADD and/or Dyslexic. Tera Labs and Tara Labs could be very different cables.
PS: Glory, do you need 3 meters? Or could 2.5 meters fill your void for fun in the sun? If 2.5 meters can do you, I might have some fun to send your way.
Cheers,
John |
Whoa......easy there big fella! First Tara Labs 'The Zero' and now VD Gen 1.1? That is some very pricey cables there.... well out of my league. Though from my previous experiences with cables from both companies, I'm pretty sure I would much prefer the Tara Labs over the VD cables.
A word of warning, be very careful to pre-bend those VD cables. They are very stiff, if you haven't used them before and are not used to 'stiff', you will find the definition with VD.
I still recall my first experience with VD Revelation speaker cables, I was in such a hurry to hook 'em up and listen, that I did not properly pre-bend them into shape for their route.....the result....the friggin speaker cable snapped the Cardas binding posts right off my Jeff Rowland Model 6 monoblock amp!!!!! Crickeys!!!!
I replaced the binding post, and finally listened. Big, bold flavor, similar to their power cords, but way too forward for my tastes. So I sent 'em back. I do thank Rick for letting me try 'em though.
Rja, I totally understand. $15K for cables is nuts.....I just wish I could be nuts enough to try 'em. LOL. Actually though, Tara Labs follows the same business model as many of the cable bandits. Jack up the list price to help those who need to feel that money spent = better. Most Tara Labs products can be bought brand new from an authorized dealer for 50% off list. Some companies, I won't name names, they know who they are, sell their product new for 75-85% off list price. The list price is meant for prestige sake I suppose. Some feel the need to brag that they got a great deal on a $6K cable/cord that they bought new for $900. However, look around, if every one is paying $900 for this $6K cable/cord......where the hell did this $6K number come from???? It's insane to me, but there are enough out there that need the comfort of a high price tag that these companies stay afloat....many even thrive. You'll never see CDP, amp/preamp, speaker manufacturers sell their product brand new for 75-85% off of list. This is why so many folks are so leary of the cable manufacturers.
Obviously Steve and JD, of Gabriel and Jade respectively, do not play this silly game. Which is why a $2K cable can be very competitive with a '$15K' cable.
Cheers,
John |
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but it is my understanding that Steve at GG makes and sells RCA and XLR cables....for the same price too. What am I missing here?
Cheers,
John |
JC,
Nice summary, I'm glad that you are enjoying your new GG Rapture interconnects. Also, it looks like you have a lovely system, I'm a fan of ARC and Dynaudio.
I would suggest that you give up on chasing the digital dream though, and just spin some more vinyl. Your vinyl rig looks to be pretty good, and I'm sure it will sound better than any digital gear that you can get....even with a tubed DAC.
Read my reply to Rja on 11/16/07 in this thread to further understand my analog feelings.
Cheers,
John |
Hehe....ah yeah, ProAc, that's what I meant. I was thinking of my friend's ARC/Dynaudio system subconciously I suppose. He has the Contour S 3.4's. Actually I do think the Dynaudio speakers have a lot in common with ProAc's. They're both non-fatiguing, easy on the ears, and very musical, similar to my Verity Audio Parsifal Encore's.
Enjoy the tunes,
John |
Hey Art,
Good to see your back. I was just reminding those in this thread about you....er....yeah...that's the ticket!
I hope all is well with you and yours.....though I do have to admit that I am surprised that you finally put your Stealth Hybrid MLT's away. I still admire those cables for the $$$. I'm also surprised to see that you have moved on from your Ayon Triton to the Karan.....especially after reading how knocked out you were by the Triton.
I still haven't heard the Triton, but I have heard the Karan, and it is very nice.....for a SS amp. It was better than the Jeff Rowland or Levinson integrateds that I heard, but I would not give up my VAC for it.
Cheers,
John |
I hear ya Art, that Karan is a fine unit. If I ever decide to go back to SS that would be first in line. I also admit that the heat of the tubes can be a hassle. I've taken to using as quiet a portable fan as I can find, I've tried about 8 or so small fans. It definitely does the job of cooling down the VAC, but yes, it can still be heard faintly from the listening chair when the music stops. However, when the music is playing, I still opt for tubes everytime.
I guess I'm just old school though, as I still prefer vinyl to digital. I just received a new 200g pressing of Holly Cole Trio's Don't Smoke In Bed (ABNC 5006) yesterday and it's sound is so holographic with tubes that I feel I'm in the studio. I'm using much cheaper cables now, as I've downsized, but I find the difference between tubes and vinyl is much greater than the difference in mega-buck cables and less expensive ones. At least for me.
I've heard some very good digital, and I really admire SACD's but for me....vinyl and tubes is like milk and cookies. It's like coming home again after a long trip.....it just feels right.
Then again.....maybe I just like the extra work of tubes and vinyl..... ;D
Cheers,
John |
Hey Gary,
It looks as if you've been busy lately, new speakers and......what???? JPS Aluminata interconnects have replaced your GG Raptures. I haven't heard the Aluminata's yet, what would you say are the differences between the Rapture and the Aluminata.
You can PM me off-line if you do not care to comment on-line.
Cheers,
John |
Hey Art....old buddy old pal.....I suggest you just throw those no good LP's away....they have no real value....who wants vinyl these days?.....just send them to me and I'll have them destroyed for you. ;D
Cheers,
John |
Art, sorry to read of your health misfortunes. I pray your ailments dissipate ASAP and you can return better than ever. Thanks for the review.
God Bless,
John |
Thanks for the mini-review Art. Happy holidays, and a happy and healthy new year!
Cheers,
John |
02-24-15: Sutts
What I do NOT like are the new much lower prices on auction for supposedly better versions. I have paid Steve like $2,000 for original Reflection IC's- look at the asking prices now... OUCH! That's gotta hurt! |
03-04-15: Sts
Disappear ? I think not ! The only magic trick I know is building cables. Steve, you missed a perfect opportunity to use a standard audio cable line about how your cables disappear. Here, let me help: Disappear? I think not! The only magic trick I know is building cables that disappear. That's how Bill Low, Noel Lee, Bruce Brisson, or Matthew Bond would have replied. If you want to run with the big dogs.... ;^) Cheers, John |
Cris (Csmgolf), basically this was a childish backlash from Keith (audiolabyrinth) because Steve (Sts) posted this on Keith's silly Tara Labs thread, which is basically a thread where Keith just talks to himself. 02-28-15: Sts
Audiolabyrinth- Question ?
Is all of the technical information, specifications and reviews you provide on this thread available on Tara Labs website?
If so , why don't you just say "I love Tara Labs and they work the best for me. I think they are the best in the world. Check out there website"
I think people could handle that and have the capability of researching Tara Labs and viewing their website on there own !
Running up hits on this thread by basically you (about 90% are YOU) IMHO does no positive service to Tara Labs.
Unless you are trying to catch up with the HF thread?
In that case keep plugging away !!!!!! FWIW Steve, you have Keith pegged perfectly. To him, it is a race against the High Fidelity cable thread. He counts views and posts. What he doesn't realize is that the views are folks tuning in for sh!ts and giggles. It's like watching a train wreck. |
03-02-15: Sts
JMC : Did you see some of my postings on that other thread in question.I stand guilty as I strongly suggested the member stick to quoting the companies website versus providing members with his own interpretations of technical information.The newly found wonders of "copy and paste" exploited and taken to greater heights. Yessir, it looks like someone has reached the 2nd grade level of internet use: How to copy and paste. Well, baby steps Steve, last year, he just told folks what website to go to and read. Now, he's learned how to copy and paste. What next??? Maybe learn how to insert a link on the forums??? ;^) Cheers, John |
03-04-15: Sutts
Being a web-based marketer, Gabriel Gold could disappear tomorrow, and THEN what would happen to resale on these cables? As someone who owned some Ridge Street Audio Design cables/cords when Robert Schult decided to pull the plug, you don't really want to know that answer to that question Sutts. It does not diminish the quality of the cables at all, but it certainly damages the monetary value of the cables as far as resale is concerned. Now some buyers may love it, as they will get great bargains, sellers, not so much so. |
No Ken, you are not in the audio business, but you are in the snake oil sales business. Perhaps you should not be so harsh on your kindred spirits. |
02-27-15: Sabai
Jmcgrogan2,
IMO, some of us need to lighten up and take comments as they come -- and enjoy the humor. 02-27-15: Sabai
Jmcgrogan2,
Some may appreciate the humor, others may not. It's like food, music and women -- a matter of taste. No problem. Each to his own. But no need to get upset. 03-02-15: Sabai
Knghifi,
How awful -- humor at a company's expense -- or at an industry's expense -- heaven forbid. C'mon Ken, where did your sense of humor go? We're all just hanging out in the forums having some laughs at the expense of some companies. Some of us need to lighten up and take comments as they come -- and enjoy the humor. ;^) |
03-09-15: Sabai
after some straight talk from me got a few points across. LOL. I enjoy a good joke. LOL!! I too enjoy a good joke. |
You are correct Sabai, there are 2 sides to every conversation, and you eloquently provide 1 side on your website. Actually, many say there are 3 sides to every case, the classic his side, her side, and the truth, which usually lies somewhere in between.
So you have invited others to go to your website to view your side. You should also suggest that they use a search engine to find the "other" side to your story. There are sites dedicated to calling you and your product a scam, a huckster, etc.
So not unlike the cable industry at all.
There are believers, non-believers, as well as the curious.
It still amuses me how you can throw rocks at those in the cable industry and point out their flaws, while you sit comfortably in your own glass house. |
Sabai,
Are you still being humorous or are you serious? I have to admit that I have a hard time reading when/if you are joking, and when/if you are being serious.
Yes, many things can be posted on the internet, good and bad. There is propaganda all around us, some positive, some negative. Haha?
You claim that some cable companies have your respect....today, but will they tomorrow? From the many who I have read who have complained about your "humor", it seems that many companies on your naughty list were once on your nice list.
So what is one to make of that? Good today, bad tomorrow? Haha? |
Sabai, change I can relate to. My system changes so much over the years that I gave up trying to post a systems page many years ago.
After having heard so much different gear and cables I realize that there is no good or bad, it's just about synergy and personal tastes.
I try not to belittle equipment or cables that at one point in time I did enjoy.
I guess that is where we differ. |
03-24-15: Audiolabyrinth
steve, that is strange that you would attemt to compaire cables like gabriel Gold that cost a few hundred dollars to cables that are north of 30 thousand dollars, mmmmm, really! LOL! This from a guy who has no problem comparing his speakers that cost a few hundred dollars to speakers that are north of 30 thousand dollars, mmmmm, really??!! Oh the irony is delicious!! |
