I've not directly compared the older Kimber to the newer but have heard some and own some. In the day I felt the entry Kimber was much better than similar priced AQ, Monster and etc. First set of ICs I bought directly from Ray over the phone in the 80s and they came with a box of Pepperidge Farm cookies; nice touch. I really like Kimber, but I think one can do better if ones looking at the lowered price stuff from companies like Clear Day Cables and others. I've compared the Clear Days at home against my Kimber's and took them to my local shop that picked up Kimber years ago on my suggestion and they were amazed how much the Clear Days walked all over the Kimber's; wasn't even close. The Kimber we compared were the TC speaker cables, Tonic, Timber and PBJ. To be fair the the Clear Day is a little more expensive, but not by much. I personally think the KCAG is a fine cable and the Clear Day is so close or equal to it I wouldn't spend the difference. So why bother on the lower priced Kimber? Kimber's upper priced cables are definitely fine cables, but much more expensive and I bet out of reach for most or just won't drop the money regardless. Forgot to mention that one of the employees at the local Kimber shop has outfitted his personal system with Clear Day Cables.