I had Nordost SPM XLR interconnects that were used with a Audio Research Ref. 1 preamp to a Plinius SA100 MKIII amp. I tried the NBS Monitor I XLR interconnect and felt that the NBS had a more natural tonal balance, the soundstage was more clearly defined with a finer sense of air around the instruments, they were also more revealing without being bright. The bass sound improved as well. I found the Nordost SPM's a bit more forward with a slight edge to the treble. I also have the NBS Monitor III speaker cables, which I also prefered to the Nordost SPM for many of the same reasons. Needless to say, I now have NBS cables and sold the Nordost. However, that's how they sound on my system, to my ears. You really need to try both and decide what sounds best to you. Remember:"Music is in the ears of the beholder!" Ross
