@jafant So what u are saying is what I am using now Straight wire Crescendo is a good match with my ARC ?
Help with XLR ICs.
Ok gang. So here’s my situation. I’m looking to upgrade my XLR ICs. I’ve been using Straightwire Crescendo XLR ICs for many years now. I originally bought them for my first system I put together about 10 years ago. Since then I have totally upgraded my whole system including PCs which are 4 Audioquest Dragons (2) HC and (2) source. I really did want to go with Audioquest Dragons for my XLR ICs. But the prices for them brand new is to high for me. 2 m xlr are 18k and 1 m are 12k. I was looking for used for a few months now but never ever seen any that were ever for sale used. I also am using Straightwire Crescendo speaker cables which are quad wired. That’s 2 pairs for ea speaker going into ea mono amp. So u can imagine what the AQ Dragon quad wired speaker cables would cost.100k ++ That being said I will be keeping for now my Straightwire Crescendo speaker cables. So back to my original question post. What high end XLR ics would be a lot better than my Straightwire Crescendo XLRs. Budget is about 4k a pair. And will need 2 pairs. 2 m and 1 m. . I really did like the Straightwire Crescendos ICs and speaker cables for their powerful bass as they are also known for. So that being said I would like high end ICs that are known also for extremely good bass. My system consists of ARC Ref 750s mono blocks. ARC Ref 6Se pre. ARC ref 9 CDP. And a McIntosh MQ 112 EQ.
Showing 12 responses by tattooedtrackman
@nrchy Yes they are amazing cables. But retail is about 18k which is something that u can’t do right now for 2 cables. And I’ve never seen them used for sale yet. |
@audphile1 I’m really interested in the Nordost Valhalla 2 XLR. I’m gonna continue to research and read the reviews. Ty. |
@yoyoyaya I just was talking to my ARC dealer and he suggested that if I can’t afford or find the Audioquest Dragons XLR cables used that the AQ Thunderbirds are phenomenal cables for the price. I also will be looking at trying to find the AQ Firebird XLR used. This is the top of the line AQ cables. Dragon > Firebird > Thunderbird. So with that being said that’s my goal. |
@yoyoyaya + 💯. Hearing is definitely believing. When I changed all my Shunyata high end PCs to all AQ Dragons I was amazed what a huge difference I heard. |
@audphile1 Ty I’ve seen them also. One huge giveaway is the price.Even private sellers u have to watch. |
@quantos I am not hear to get into a discussion that probably will turn into an argument over what I can hear with cables. Also I do not have “too much money “ I work hard and save for all my audio equipment. |
@elrod Thanks but I’d rather deal within the states. |
@yoyoyaya I originally was using the Shunyata Sigma HC for my ARC Ref 6Se. Shunyata Sigma Ztron digital for my ARC Ref 9 CDP and 2 Shunyata King Cobra Helix CX for my ARC Ref 750s. Changed them one at a time to the AQ Dragons to hear the difference. And each time I heard bigger sound stage. More depth. Details were so much more revealing. Better clarity. Also the Shunyatas were extremely bright compared to the AQ Dragons. Definitely worth the upgrade for me and my system. |
@kennymacc I totally believe what said about AQ ICs. I have been looking for 2 pairs of Thunderbird ICs. 1m and 2m. I wish I could have afforded the Dragons but right now they are totally outta my price range. I’ve read a lot of fantastic reviews of the Thunderbird ICs and also really feel that they would totally be the end game for me as well. Right now I’m lookin for them used for about 3 weeks so far and nada. Did u buy yours brand new from AQ ? And do u still have the Pegasus? Would u be selling them when u get the Tbirds ? Also I would love to hear your impressions of them vs the Pegasus. Net ya can’t wait for the Tbirds to arrive!! Happy listening!!!! |
@nagel please check your messages in here. Mike. |