Gabriel Gold IC's are they really this good?

Gabriel Gold designer is not retired - New designs are in the mix for the near future.

Still "Bringing Your Music To Greater Heights"

cheers.

Team GG

Hi. I am aware of the thread, hence my post in said thread.

I am looking for any further information on the cables beyond this thread, which, while somewhat informative, also has a fair bit of simple bickering that can be found in many of these types of things.

We all have personal bias when we have spent money on something, and like it. We are often excited to tell others about our finds - particularly in the audio world. I am trying to find as unbiased information as possible on these cables prior to purchasing them.

I cannot find any reviews.

Even on the company website there is no information on the Gabriel Gold Halo cable (Gabriel Gold - Music - Audio - Cables (gabrielgoldcables.com))

So, I am intrigued, and interested in the cable, particularly after reading some of the comments in this thread, but it is still a fair bit of money to spend and was just hoping to find a bit more information on it in terms of construction and hopefully an unbiased review or two.

Hopefully that makes sense

Thanks

You’ve got quite a large thread here to start with. I have a pair of the ICs and they are very good. 

Hi all

I just saw an ad for a nice pair of Gabriel Gold Halo interconnects. I am looking for a nice pair of RCA interconnects for my 2nd system which is in a theater room. I use AQ king cobra interconnects for the center and rear, and a pair of AQ Columbia for the front 2 channels. I just upgraded my front speakers to Vandersteen VLR carbons (an amazing value BTW) and was looking to upgrade those front channel RCAs for 2 channel listening (Classe Sigma SSP AV processor feeding Parasound A51 multichannel amp). So I came upon the aforementioned interconnects and sought out some reviews and fell upon this forum. There is the long winded background - sorry.

In my main rig, with ARC pre and phono pre, an Aurender N10 and Meitner DAC feeding Vandersteen Quatro CTs, I had a full loom of AQ sky interconnects. These are silver. In any case, I had moved to monoblocks, and needed a long pair of XLRs and got a really nice deal on some used demo Tara cables from a dealer in Colorado (name and store withheld based on his opinion that follows). I have previously also used Nordost Frey interconnects. The dealer’s opinion, selling Nordost and other cables, was that the cheaper Tara 0.8 beat the Nordost Valhala, handily - and to beat the 0.8, his opinion was that one would need to get up to the crazy expensive Odin. Of course, that is just one man’s opinion, but with the crazy margins on cables, it would be a bit odd for a dealer to sell a cheaper cable, and say it kicks the snot out of top of the line Nordost cables. Again, just one person’s opinion. So, in any case, I got these 5m Tara 0.8XLRs and inserted them into my system, and the difference was rather noticeable. Since that time, I have been buying up used Tara cables on Audiogon, and have sold all my AQ sky cables.

My experience could be placebo, and I am certainly not saying that Tara cables are the greatest thing since sliced bread, nor am I a Tara fanboy. I am not trying to fan any flames, but rather be informative and respectful. I am just saying, I loved them, and replaced all my stuff with them in that system. They are rather expensive - but I think this is more due to the noise rejection stuff in their "proprietary mix" of Ceralex, which apparently is rather expensive. I would never pay full price for new cables anyway, and have purchased all used. BUT, they did make a huge difference in my system FWIW.

Respectfully to all, I do not think that the amount of money your system is worth translates, in any way, to ones ability to assess cable worth. I have heard many systems worth thousands less destroy expensive systems. I think system synergy and many other factors play a role. Besides that, psychoacoustics and one’s personal preferences play a role in all this as well. I doubt, very much, that Tara pays off reviewers and sites for better reviews- frankly it is difficult to find a review on them in mainstream major audio media and I have never seen them place any ads in these types of magazines or websites-- so it would not seem that they are paying off reviewers for better reviews as one forum participant had previously suggested.

 

I also do not believe that silver, gold, or the metal choice inherently equals better cable performance -- there are many other variables to consider in cable design besides the metal used in their construction.

 

In any case, bottom line is I love what the Tara cables did in my unique system but would never pay full price for them. I am not looking to spend that much on cables in my second system which brings me back, full course, to the original forum topic!

 

I am just looking for anywhere where I can get a bit more information on these Gabriel gold Halo interconnects for the front speakers in my surround rig, to optimize 2 channel listening. The price looks pretty good at $749.

 

Id appreciate any feedback on these Gabriel gold halo cables, background on who designed them and any unbiased reviews anywhere.

Thanks

Best of Health

Brett

Most folks who have them keep them - 
1.3 million views on this thread over time is a testament to popularity.

No not great just average.

I have been using GG speaker Reflection v2 and Reflection v2 IC's for six years. They just get out of thecway of the signal. NEUTRAL, transparent, fast and just a shade warm over dead neutral. Highly recommended 👌. 

Gabriel  cables compare to Audio Envy that are excellent , I wonder how much better the GC  to the Audio Envy Cables ?It looks like Gabriel are not that popular, this thread is old.

Have used my share of snake oil, "giant-killers", and over-priced cables.  After decades of expensive lessons, I settled on Gabriel Gold for years and still using them.  My power cords / speaker cables / interconnects are mostly Reflection v2 (some v1).

Don't think they made digital, AT&T optical nor toslink cable - I am using Kharma for digital, WireWorld for Toslink.

I love them since they don't get into the way --- what great cables are supposed to behave.   I could switch equipment left and right, yet never a need to swap them out to "compensate" nor "optimize".

Past use:
Audio Note
Siltech
Silnote
Harmonic something something
Audioquest / Audiotruth
Hovland
Anti-Cable
Cardas
Nordost
Virtual Dynamics
Silversmith
MIT
Krell
Mark Levinson
Cello
Red Rose Music
Kimber
NBS (2nd choice after GG)
Morrow
Transparent
Kubala Sosna
Synergistic Research
Audio Art
Purist
Mapleshade
Audio Magic
Ohelbach
Burmester
Crystal
Wireworld (1st choice for toslink)
Van Den Hul
Verrastar
Marigo
Accuphase
......

just wanted to add another thank you note on this forum. Steve, I ended up getting another pair of these wonderful  Reflection v2 for my headphone system and I will be moving them to the SACD portion of my main system once I put it back together. They are unbelievable for the price man. I can't thank you enough for your work. Even though I still use Kubala Sosna Emotion cables for my vinyl rig and speakers, your cables are here to stay. many thanks!

  That is pretty cool.  I have 3 sets of reflection interconnects and they are some of the best price to performance interconnects I have tried.

Amperidian, glad to see you like the gg cables. I love them in my system. I also have to of the older gg power cables which are very good. I here that Steve has a new power cable that is even better but have not seen much info. about it. Not looking to change any cables for a while.

I too have purchased a set of GG Reflection v2 ic's off an audiogon auction ... and I must say that after full break-in these cables are a true steal at the auction price and trully a good deal at full retail.

They convey sound in a very natural, un-embelished way. Non-fatiguing, articulate with resolution a-plenty. They currently serve duty in my headphone system where even the bass is surprisingly articulate.

Given my overall experience, I can say that I'm a big fan of these cables.

Here are some other IC's I've used in the past in my system:

Kubala Sosna (Emotion, Expression and Fascination lines)
Audioquest (Sky, Cheetah, Jaguar, King Cobra ... older lines)
Transparent (Reference series)
Nordost (Valhalla line)
Silnote (Morpheus Reference v2)
Antipodes (Komako line)
Monster (Sigma line)
Anticables
Audio Note (Vx series)
Cardas (Golden Reference, Golden Cross and Neutral Reference)
Whest Audio
Harmonic Tech (MKIII Silkway)
Revelation Audio Labs (Paradise)

Just to update, both cables are broken in now and my system sounds awesome. Some much more natural and smooth and the soundstage is now much wider and deeper. Imaging is incredible and overall music is just much better than before. I love these cables

Well I picked up the gabriel gold xlr yesterday and had a short listening session last night. All I can say is wow, these are some really nice cables, and they are not even broken in.
The cables replaced a set of purist audio xlr that I have loved for years but those will now be going to a friends system. I find the gabriel golds to be a little better in the bass and soundstage. The highs are about the same, maybe a little more detail in the gabriel gold, but I know from experience that these babies will get better with a few hundred hours on them

I have a reflection xlr coming in the mail soon and it will be replacing a very nice cable that I have had for a few years. Judging from the sound of the new reflectionv2 rca that I have I am confident that this new xlr will be a fowards move for my system. I will post details later.

Jmcgrogan2,
You make a good point. The root of the problem is Audiolabyrinth, not you.

Jmcgroan2,

You're very welcome.

Thank you for the lecture Sabai, though I do wonder why you chose to single me out again. You certainly are isolating on me. How could you not read Audiolabyrinth's posts as disrespectful? Perhaps you can also heed your own advice as well, as you have displayed a tendency to snap and become disrespectful as well.

I do find that the minority here, ones that have been shunned by the majority due to their inappropriate behavior, do seem to bond together and join together as a kindred spirit, as you and Audiolab seem to have.

I will take your advice though, and ignore any of your future postings.

I apologize to Steve for side-tracking this thread. Please continue to talk about Gabriel Gold cables, they are quite good bang for the buck.

Greg (Denon1) thank you for the kind words.
How is your system sounding these days?

Denon1,

I do not feel it is appropriate for you to assume everyone feels as you do -- that any given poster's opinion is "always valued and matters" in all cases. This will vary depending who the participants are, what the discussion is about and what each side thinks and feels. IMO.

Jmcgrogan2,

I am not "isolating" you. I am merely commenting on your manner of addressing fellow posters -- a pattern that is not apparent with most others. There is nothing to be gained by following the lead of "arrogant folks" by copying their ways. IMO. This only leads to a general deterioration in the quality of the Forum which I find lamentable.

Nobody is forcing anyone to accept the views and opinions of others here. We are all free to ignore posts and posters we feel objectionable -- or to disagree using a respectful tone even if we disagree strongly with their views.

Agisthos,

I'm sorry but the facts show that your statements are totally inaccurate.

1. This is from the Stereo Times review that lauds Paul McGowan and Ted Smith:

"... DirectStream represents a new benchmark in audio reproduction ..."

2. This is from John Darko's Digital Audio Review:

"... the DirectStream ... takes the listener to an altogether different digital audio realm both in its creative circuit design and its sumptuous sound ... I've put my money where my mouth is: I've purchased the DirectStream review unit ... I think that speaks for
itself."

3. This is from Vade Forrester's review in The Absolute Sound:

"It’s easily the best DAC I’ve heard in my system, making digitally-recorded music sound better than I’ve ever heard it."

4. This is from David Robinson's review in Positive Feedback:

"This is a brilliant design, with exceptional execution, and paradigm-setting sound."

5. This is from Art Dudley’s review in Stereophile:

“… for those who've waited for a computer-friendly DAC that offers, with every type of music file, the best musicality of which DSD is capable, the PerfectWave DirectStream may be in a class by itself.”

6. This is from Karl Sigman’s Audiophilia review:

“The DS is a game changer … The DS gets my highest recommendation; hats off and a bow to PS Audio.”

IMHO it is unfortunate you did not get your facts straight first before commenting on the DirectStream DAC.

Sabai, John(Jmcgrogan2) is
experienced audiophile who’s opinion always valued and matters. Because of people like Audiolabyrinth and some others who are consistently pushing the same product all over- the Audiogon is not the same it was. I only hope that people like Jmcgrogan2, Jafox, Guidocorna and some
will not stay away from this forums for good, because of all those crappy salesman that soliciting products on these boards.

Sabai,

Why do you feel the need to isolate me from the others?

Obviously many here have issues with Audiolabyrinth and his mental gymnastics. You can see the same on his thread, Taralabs. In general, I treat folks with respect, until they become disrespectful. I only return serve. These forums used to be quite pleasant and fun, with worthwhile reading material, until a couple years ago, when we have seemed to become overrun with shills and arrogant folks who do not realize that there are many ways to audio nirvana.

My main beef with Audiolab is that he feels that expensive Tara Labs cables are the ONLY way to musical bliss. Yes, that type of naivete actually exists. While that in itself is not a bad thing, it becomes a bad thing when it is forced down the throat of others.

04-01-15: Sts
IMO-You can't put Pirelli P Zero Nero tires on a stock Toyota Camry and think your car is not ready to run Nascar.

Very well put Steve, my thoughts exactly. However, for some, that concept is beyond reach. They will spend years trying to preach how wonderful their tires are, and how it makes their vehicle "world class". Ignorance is bliss I suppose.

Jmcgrogan2,

Why do you feel it necessary to get personal and abusive with those who disagree with you?

I know Cris, the irony is amazing. According to the all powerful Oz (Audiolab), you can get incredible speakers on the cheap. However, you can't find great cables for less money than Tara Labs. Talk about someone who is totally lost! There is no one on these forums more lost than him.

I know he has never heard any of Steve's cables, yet that won't stop him from displaying his ignorance for all to see. LOL! What a total tool!

John, you had to know that the shoe wouldn't fit on the other foot. I wonder how many pairs of GG cables he has listened to? He sure is still capable of judging them though. In his own intimable fashion, he has put a thousand dollars in feet and nearly that much into jumpers and declared a $700 pair of speakers as unbeatable.

Audiolab....I remember a post by you in 2013 or 2014 when you said you paid $600 for those JBLs. You bought them for the nice cabinets and were going to flip them. You better check your archives.

You got to be talking to someone else, my speakers I have thousands of dollars into, also, those who enjoy jbl know my speakers are legendary, until you listen to a pair with bi amp cables or quality jumper cables, your really talking out the side of your mouth!!!

03-31-15: Audiolabyrinth
the cables here may be good for a few hundred dollars, what I am saying is that none of these here will ever compete with the likes of state of the art cables out there, that is all, the G.G. cables are entry level cables by many audiophile standards, cheers.

Just another audiophool who thinks that sound quality is directly tied to pricing. Tell us Audiolabyrinth, if this is true, then how bad do you inexpensive speakers sound?
Sure, they may be good sounding speakers for a few hundred dollars, what I am saying is that your JBL speakers will never compete with state of the art speakers. Your JBL's are entry level speakers by many audiophile standards, cheers.

the cables here may be good for a few hundred dollars, what I am saying is that none of these here will ever compete with the likes of state of the art cables out there, that is all, the G.G. cables are entry level cables by many audiophile standards, cheers.

Hi Steve, just to clarify, I was just responding to audiolabryinth, I think your cables are great

I don't know about cheap connectors or anything like that but I can tell you that the new interconnects outperform many cables I have had in the past that were much more expensive, so if Steve can keep the cost down and still have an excellent cable then I am all for that.

Audiolabryinth said:

anybody that believes that silver does not oxidize does not know anything about cables

It does of course oxidize. The relevant questions are:
1. Does it oxidize at an appreciable rate when exposed to air?
2. How does the conductivity of the oxidation product differ from silver itself?

Per this thread on AA is seems that the answer, as is often the case, is "it depends". If you live near a salt marsh or another area with lots of hydrogen sulfide in the air, silver seems like not so good an idea. Otherwise, who knows. Anyways, periodic cleaning of connectors is always a good idea.

Chill out, dude ;-)

anybody that believes that silver does not oxidize does not know anything about cables, come on, I have heard about your cheap termination's, and what your cabes look like inside, talkig about the major fleesing of the cable industry!

furthermore, coming from someone whos system is inferrior to mine by a long shot is just plain stxxxx!, say whatever you want, you will ramble on and on, quit crying, LOL!

you live in a fantasy world buddy!, come hear my system and see my system, I have proof, whats wrong with you?, and you know nothing of my reputation buddy, frankly, I am proud of my reputation, numerous calls, e-mails from all over, and numerous from Tara labs, krell, etc..., you again are talking from the side of your mouth!