RCA interconnect recommendation

I forgot to mention that I haven't tried the AZ Silver Ref II; was leary of silver at the time. Soix has an interesting point about trying it, if you like the MR II.

@smaarch1 ,

I agree with the AZ Matrix Reference II being very good, especially for the money. If you like it, you will probably also like the Cardas Golden Cross or Golden Reference, although someone else had a different opinion. I went from AZ Matrix Ref II to Golden Cross and found it to sound more spacious, fuller and more rounded, yet with a little more clarity than the Matrix. I wouldn't rule them out.

Does anyone have experience with the cable company lending library? And is it worth a try?

I have used The Cable Co in the past; it's been a while. They typically like to loan out three different sets of cables at a time, and give you enough time to allow two weekends of use. I'm not sure what their current fee is, but found it a great way to get the flavor of different brands and evaluate system compatibility. They also have a database which I believe is compiled by user feedback. They may be able to make specific recommendations based on your equipment and goals, but I'm not sure if this is without bias regarding certain manufacturers. I listened to their advice, but stuck to trying the brands and models that I had narrowed down based on my own research.

I have also found dealers, out-of-state no less, that were willing to let me try out cables if I was willing to place a hold on my credit card until I returned them. I was able to borrow some very high-end cables at one time doing this.

With all the system variables and recommendations, it would be best to try several brands IMO, if you are willing to put the time into this.

Good luck and have fun with it.

@decooney 

Yes, I have owned the GR and GC IC at the same time (and also GR, GC, and Hexlink Golden 5C speaker cables). I had a slight preference for the GC IC in my system. The GR IC was very good (perhaps more clear and balanced overall), but the GC added more fullness a more liquid sound, and I didn't find the highs to be rolled off (or not to a noticeably detrimental level, IME).

This was in a system with a Simaudio CD player and integrated amplifier, so I suspect that YMMV with tubes or different SS equipment. I only mentioned the GC/GR because AZ was recommended, which I have also used and am familiar with. That, and the comment to steer away from Cardas, because I find some elements of AZ and Cardas to be similar, yet in other aspects not at all.

The AP solo crystal IC and SC are also very good, and I've also owned both, as well as Oval 9 and 12 SC.