Taralabs cables

Hello audiolabyrinth,

FPB600c.

Dave

Hi dlcockrum, Do you have a krell amplifier now? 

Jafant,

I once owned the Krell 300i integrated. Had forgotten. A very nice piece and perhaps a "taste of Krell", but not ultimately representative of Krell's finest products IMO. You already know my opinions on good SS amps...

Best to you,

Dave

Hi jafant,  I've studied your Thiel speaker's,  I  believe the krell 400xi would be lean on the bass, neutral,  maybe bright on your speaker's,  the kav 300i is not as resolving on the top end, but it is warmer sounding with better bass!, the kav 300i sounds good on vocals,  to me more musical for your speaker's,  the 400xi needs warm sounding speaker's,  your Thiel speaker's are far from warm,  extreme resolution with extreme resolution can be fatiguing,  it's my opinion that the krell kav 300i will give you a nice balanced sound,  and better fit, 😉

Making Sense of….Gen 3 ConductorsTARA Labs, Inc. has just announced the introduction of its Generation 3 Rectangular Solid Core® conductor, to be used exclusively in its state-of-the-art interconnect cables.
The Gen 3 conductor has an increased bandwidth and high-frequency extension that makes it unrivalled in important test measurements and listening tests.
The new Gen 3 conductor has the same current-carrying capability of a 28 gauge conductor but has the high frequency linearity of a 40 gauge conductor.
TARA Labs' Matthew Bond explains why this is possible: “In a conductor with a rectangular profile, there is a huge reduction of ‘flux-linkage’ or ‘coupling’ of electromagnetic lines of force. These lines of force are created as the signal (music) passes through any conductor.” Bond said further, “In a round conductor there is a large center that tends to roll-off or attenuate much more of the high frequency information … this does not happen in a Rectangular Solid Core® conductor”.
The new Gen 3 Rectangular Solid Core® conductor is smaller than the current Gen 2 conductor used in most of TARA Labs’ audio cables. The Gen 2 conductor measures approximately 25 thousands of an inch wide and 12 thousands of an inch in height. The Gen 3 conductor is about 66% of the size of the Gen 2 conductor, and that it is Super-Annealed™ to increase its conductivity.
Both the Gen 2 conductor and the smaller Gen 3 conductor are said to be Eight-Nines™ pure copper, which is 99.999999% pure. TARA Labs’ trademarks for this technology are 8N™ and SA-OF8N®. SA-OF8N means Super Annealed – Oxygen Free 8 Nines copper. The term ‘annealing’ refers to the method whereby a conductor can be made softer and more conductive.

The Muse Interface



TARA Labs has been at the forefront of design & technology for thirty years. In that time, TARA Labs has been credited with numerous “first inventions” in the field of high-end audio cables; Rectangular Solid Core (RSC), vacuum dielectric technology (VDT), and now we are introducing the advent of a fantastic new product known as: The Muse Interface.If you could improve the sound of your audio system, what would that be?Would it be a more expansive soundstage, less glare or stridency, more musicality?There are literally thousands of component models available in the audio marketplace. And many of these components when combined together, will not offer that symbiotic relationship and sound that audiophiles are looking for? TARA Labs has always been at the forefront of technological advances in this industry, and our high-end audio cables have brought many a system close to “perfection.”In an effort to expand our product line to bring audiophiles closer to the “live-sound”, TARA Labs is now introducing The Muse Interface Sound Enhancement System. You can now add this incredible technology to your audio system and improve your sound like never before! And it works with any audio system or audio cables regardless of brand. The Muse Interface can be connected to any RCA or XLR cable termination, and what you’ll experience is a lower noise floor, wider sound-stage, more presence, mid-range warmth and richness, as well as enhanced musicality without sacrificing detail and high frequency extension. A sound that is more coherent and natural, bringing you closer to the “live-experience” like never before!*The Muse Interface is especially recommended for systems that have wide-bandwidth electronics (with limited filtering*), or with systems that use loudspeakers that have a tonal balance that emphasizes the high frequencies, including systems that are slightly etched sounding or overly detailed, perhaps with a sense of glare or stridency. In addition, we have found that when used with high-end audio systems, the effects become more apparent. Meaning the better the audio system, the closer you’ll become with that “perfect live sound.”The Muse Interface is unlike traditional shielding methods or filter networks. Even complex shielding methods still remain in proximity to the conductors, thereby distorting the audio signal. Filter networks in boxes at the ends of the cables often contain low quality resistors, inductors and capacitors to perform the filtering. These reduce RFI/EMI in the cable itself by being soldered in series and parallel between the signal conductors. This alters the integrity of the signal, in particular, the higher order harmonic structure. Using The Muse Interface, RFI/EMI is dissipated and absorbed within the Muse technology. This function occurs in isolation from the signal conductors. The signal path is not cut and fitted with additional components. The Muse Interface is extremely effective in eliminating the noise of RFI/EMI without the attendant high-frequency anomalies of filter networks. This translates into a sound that is closer to live than ever before.

TARA Labs are categorized into two lines: Controlled Bandwidth and Extended Bandwidth. These two categories offer a wide range of reference-grade cables that will enable the audiophile to accommodate and upgrade the majority of the high-end audio components available today.
Controlled Bandwidth
The ISM™ OnBoard Series of cables employs the Controlled Bandwidth technology from TARA Labs. The ISM™ OnBoard Series presents a range of cables with more presence, mid-range warmth and richness without sacrificing detail and high frequency extension.
A common misconception is that the words warmer and richer may indicate a sound with smearing or coloration of the upper bass through mid-range frequencies. This is not the case with any of TARA Labs' cables. The sort of smooth or rolled-off sound is found most often with cables that employ filtering such as inductors and resistors found in network filter box designs. By contrast, the sonic signature of a TARA Labs cable is one that is more coherent and natural. The sound is often described as being lifelike with bloom and body.
The ISM™ OnBoard Series of cables is especially recommended for systems that have wide-bandwidth electronics (with limited filtering*), or with systems that use loudspeakers that have a tonal balance that emphasizes the high frequencies. In general the ISM™ OnBoard Series (Controlled Bandwidth) is recommended for systems that are slightly etched sounding or overly detailed, perhaps with a sense of glare.
*Higher frequencies in the RF bandwidth, or Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can be picked up easily by longer lengths of interconnect cables, especially those with low Capacitance. Connecting this type of cable (especially single-ended) between high-powered solid state amplification can sometimes be a problem with components having limited filtering.
Controlled Bandwidth - Onboard Capsule
The ISM™ OnBoard concept is unlike traditional shielding methods or filter networks. Even complex shielding methods still remain in proximity to the conductors, thereby distorting the audio signal. Filter networks in boxes at the ends of the cables often contain low quality resistors, inductors and capacitors to perform the filtering. These reduce RFI/EMI in the cable itself by being soldered in series and parallel between the signal conductors. This alters the integrity of the signal, in particular, the higher order harmonic structure of the music.
In the ISM™ OnBoard system, RFI/EMI is dissipated and absorbed within the OnBoard capsule. This function occurs in isolation from the signal conductors.
The signal path is not cut and fitted with additional components. The OnBoard capsule is effective in eliminating the noise of RFI/EMI without the attendant high-frequency anomalies of filter networks.
Extended Bandwidth
What this means is that the cable design employs a cable construction that takes advantage of the electrical characteristics such as Capacitance and Inductance. For example, we can reduce the Inductance in a simple conductor by changing its size, and in the case of a Rectangular Solid Core(R) the shape of the conductor can reduce the Inductance in the conductor. By reducing the Capacitance value in an Interconnect cable, we can extend the high frequency detail. These factors, including reducing the dielectric construction in a cable will make the cable sound more open and neutral.
The Extended Bandwidth Series of cables is recommended for most audio systems. A very good example of the EX cable design philosophy is the Air Series of cables from TARA Labs. In most systems, the Extended Bandwidth cables deliver a sound that is more revealing, open, neutral and transparent.
Most audio electronics use filtering and do not amplify extremely high frequencies such as RF/EMI. The best loud-speaker systems are generally phase coherent and do not sound forward or overly harsh, or even bright. However there are some combinations of audio electronics and loudspeakers that create strain or glare in the sound.
Extended Bandwidth – w/HFX Floating Ground Station
The HFX Floating Ground Station is an extraordinary component that is included with all reference Extended bandwidth interconnect cables. TARA Labs proprietary ground station is made of mil-spec aluminum alloy. Our specific metallurgical properties allow for the reduction of RF and electromechanical resonance; EMI/RFI. It's 18.23% heavier and stronger than aircraft-grade stock. Equipped within the HFX station is a patented ceramic composite of metallic oxides and an amalgam of mineral elements in a ceramic binder called "Ceralex." Because the HFX functions completely outside of the signal path, its ability to dissipate and eliminate the effects of EMI/ RFI (Electromagnetic interference & Radio frequency interference) which also includes sonic distortion, noise, "snow", and lack of image clarity. The appearance of the HFX station is one of beauty and elegance, in addition to its superb performance.

No worries

Jafant, are you pulling the trigger on the integrated's?, my system is fine,  this entire discussion was about your move on a vintage krell integrated amplifier. 

TY- Keith.

how is your system coming along? Are you up and running?
I certainly want to listen to it!  Happy Listening.

Jafant,  yes, transparent cable's are good for the setup with your Thiel speaker's,  also, Taralab's The One , speaker cable's and interconnect's, remember , the 400xi has better clarity,  but the speaker's and high quality cable's have good clarity,  the 400xi will have a tiny bit better slam,  these two integrated's are different animals from each other,  both very good,  comes to specific system matching,  the 300i will be warmer sounding,  sometimes Thiel speaker's need some warmth,  I  hope you get one of these units 🤗

Possibly- Keith.
I want to demo the 300i to get a "taste" of Krell. Then, I will make a buying decision.  Cabling suggestions?

Jafant,  the krell integrated's are worth more for value with the remote control,  they are a joy to use with the remote as well, so,  are you pulling the trigger on one of these amplifier's? 

Yes the remote control is there as well.

Why do you ask?

Jafant,  I used spades,  do you know if any of these krell integrated's have the remote control to them? 

Also,

did you use spade or banana connections?

Much Thanks! audiolabyrinth

I will keep you posted. I can demo the 300i prior to purchase.
The 400xi -I cannot demo prior to any purchase.


Which cables/cords did you use w/ your 300i ?

Jafant,  btw, the krell 400xi usually goes for  $1,400.00 and up to  $1,800.00 used, I sold my 300i for  $1,100.00 without a remote control!, however,  mine was meant like new condition,  I would be surprised if you can get either unit at the pricing you disclosed here,  get back to me when you can,  cheers 🙄

Jafant,  you need power,  regardless which is more musical,  go with the krell 400xi, it's a fine choice,  make sure you get the remote control for the unit,  cheers 

Jafant, do any of them have the remote control? 

TY- Keith

the 300i is all original, I would offer $750.  The 400xi has been recently serviced and re-capped in CA - I would offer $1000. Which one is the better and most musical?

I own Thiel CS 2.4se loudspeakers and you know that these babies crave high-current.  Which Tara Labs did you have connected w/ yours?

Happy Listening!

Jafant,  this depends on pricing,  you do need to know that both of these units sound different from the other,  I like both, these are my two favorite integrated amplifiers from krell,  they have connections that the new krell integrated's do not have,  like preamp out, tape loop, just to name the two that is important to me,  of course you know the 400xi is 200 watts a channel, so what's the pricing on these?, does any of them have the remote control?, have any of these two recently been recapped?, I assure you that I do know the fair pricing on both of these integrated's, it is in the near future that I will get another one of these two integrated's,  jafant these sound incredible when mated with a very good power cord, actually surprisingly good,  cheers 

KAV-400xi  corrected.

My choice;

the KAV-300i  or KAV-400ix ?

I figured that you have owned or at least auditioned this model.

Any opinion on the Krell KAV-400ix ?

Hi jafant,  The Krell kav 300i was manufactured in 1996, krell sold this unit for 4 to 5 year's,  this is the thinnest, most powerful integrated amp for its size krell ever made in their history,  they have made a couple of 200 watt per Channel integrated's,  but they were thicker, astecically,  this unit to me is cosmetically the best looking unit krell has ever made,  150 per channel,  awesome tone!, I have owned one before,  likely will get another one,  every integrated amplifier krell has made sounds different from one to the other,  this unit may not be the clearest in their history, but this  is one of the most Musical,  none fatiguing,  or analytical,  when recapped,  burned in,  this is one of the best values in audio today,  cheers 

Keith,

you are a Krell guy- tell me about the KAV-300i integrated amp?

Happy Listening!

Apollo I interconnect's, high end  budget cable's that out perform cable's costing 2 to 3 times the money, 



Apollo I uses the TARA Labs frequency tuned SA-OF8N conductor, proprietary dielectric material and CCI testing and the result is nothing short of stunning! The Apollo I is open and accurate with precise detail and resolution. Perfect for the up and coming audiophile.RCA (Torque-Lock™), orXLRProprietary Dielectric Material & CCI Ultra-testedFrequency-tuned twisted SA-OF8N conductorSmooth and accurateNeutral and open 

The Zero Prima w/HFX



The Zero Prima is a state-of-the-art analog interconnect cable using an all PTFE (Teflon) air-tube construction and a pair of helixed Rectangular Solid Core conductors. The extended Bandwidth technology is employed using a product design that has a perfect air-dielectric environment and minimal dielectric construction to extend the high-frequency bandwidth to provide a linear and uncompromising approach to the sound of the interface. A complex system of braided shielding made of pure copper and silver is used to control the RF and EMI interference. The shield is part of the ISM Shield System. ISM is the Isolated Shield Matrix, where the shield floats at both ends of the interconnect cable. The shield is connected at the source end, to the HFX Floating Ground Station. The Floating Ground Station uses Ceralex devices internally to absorb and dissipate RF and EMI interference in the shield. This is done outside the signal path, and so the Zero Prima Interconnect with an ‘out-board’ Floating Ground Station does not affect the high-frequency signal within the signal carrying conductors.
The Zero Prima with the Floating Ground Station is designed for component interface of all extreme high-end audio components, but not recommended for electronics that have limited filtering.

RSC® iCon Cable - 1/8 Stereo > 1/8 StereoInterconnect's, 


Natural, open sound with extended highs; increased clarity and transparency and is an exceptional upgrade for iPod or MP3 players. The RSC® iCon cable is constructed of RSC® SA-OF8N® copper conductors; natural fiber spacers, Aero-PE® dielectric and Anti-corrosion coated SA-OF8N® copper braided shield.
Mini Stereo Plug to Mini Stereo PlugShieldedRSC® SA-OF8N® copper conductors.Natural fiber spacers.Aero-PE® dielectric.Anti-corrosion coated SA-OF8N® copper braided shield.The RSC iCon cable use SA-OF8N copper conductors. (Super-Annealed, Oxygen-Free, Mono-Crystal, Frequency-Tuned, 8-Nines-99.999999% copper conductors) All cables have: hand-polished conductors and are handmade per order in Ashland, Oregon, USA. The RSC iCon - is lifetime guaranteed. The cable arrives in a box with poly bag.

The Grandmaster Evolution



The new Grandmaster Evolution speaker cable is a stunning achievement, boasting the greatest current-carrying capability of any speaker cable in the world, together with the High Frequency extension and linearity of a 32-gauge conductor. The Grandmaster  Evolution Speaker Cable is an all air-dielectric design with 288 Rectangular Solid Core ® conductors per channel.
Importantly, the gauge size for each channel is far greater than any speaker cable ever made or ever conceived in history. The gauge size is not 10, or 6, or 4, or even 0. The gage size for an Evolution Speaker Cable is 000, that's an area of 85,000 square millimeters per channel.
• BSM (with 1/4"or 5/16" Spades or Bananas)• Gauge size is 000 = an area of 85,000 Square mm per channel• SA-OF8N® copper.• Each channel comprised of 288 Rectangular Solid Core ® conductors per channel• Aero-PE® GMI™ dielectric.• Separate positive and negative conductor run for each channel.• Helixed Rectangular Solid Core® conductors and air-tube technology• Spectacular power and clarity. Absolutely neutral and coherent.• Superb resolution of micro-detail and ambient information.• Incredible dynamic contrasts & vivid imagery• Holographic soundstage & superb resolution of micro-details• Excellent imaging & absolute coherent and neutral.

The Omega Evolution AC power cable,



More than twice the conductor mass is used in the Omega Evolution, the live run uses 18 rectangular conductors, the neutral run uses 18 rectangular conductors, and the ground run uses 18 conductors where as there is no ground run in the Cobalt. The Omega has more than twice the conductor mass.
Additionally, three low frequency conductors are used are used for each live, neutral and ground (earth) run. The Omega is fully shielded with each live neutral ground runs being separately shielded and then the shields runs are connected electrically. This is a much more powerful dynamic rich clean detailed combination of sound qualities not heard in any other AC power cable.

Hi Kodak805, I'm glad the 0.3 speaker cable's work for you,  however,  here is the replacement model, The Omega Prima SP speaker cable's.

I paid  $1,000.00 for the technology of a $5,500.00 power cord,  and then the kicker,  3ft out performs the 6ft version according to taralab's technical team.

Hi Kodak805, taralab's power cord's are expensive,  however,  I have found them worth their asking price,  although I bought my power cord used, it was really new by way of confirmation from taralab's using the serial number,  less than 3 month's old, the gentleman I bought from took many long power cord's and had them cut, reterminated,  brand new!, his idea to do this was to make money,  he was strictly a seller in it only for money,  he was not an audiophile,  a dealer! 

audiolabyrinth!

Thank you for the system compliment.

Early this year I replaced my TARA Labs Air 1 loudspeaker cables with the 0.3's.  I have no desire to change anything in the system for a very long time.

By the way, a quick comment here regarding my use of Analysis Plus PC's.  Analysis Plus is staffed by degreed engineers.  Their cable geometry bears a very close resemblance to TARA Labs.  I found that their PC's I use compliment my system very well in their synergy with the TARA Labs signal cables.  I previously used Wireworld PC's and these Analysis Plus designs are a big improvement.

http://www.soundstage.com/yfiles/yfiles199912.htm

Kodak805, oops, I forgot I have a nackamichi RX-505 cassette deck in mint condition as well, cheers 

Kodak805, I  have a modified krell 700cx amplifier,  Vincent cd-s7 with Mullard nos 10m 12ax7, 12au7, and a tube in the power supply, jbl L7 vintage speaker's,  taralab's cobalt power cord with oyaida termination’s 3ft for complete resolution for the Vincent digital player,  shorter is better, taralab's special order omega speaker jumper cable's on the L-7 speaker's,  the Vincent runs directly to the amplifier, balanced taralab's zero gold interconnect,  taralab's omega gold speaker cable's,  single pole 30 amp breaker on amplifier,  running dedicated power cord's in attic for system, furutech ncf gtx-rhodium outlet's through out, magico q3 speaker's as well,  other equipment- technics sl 1600mk2 turntable,  technics sl d303 turntable,  jbl L-1 book shelf speaker's with mk-V125 subwoofer,  vintage advent 3 speaker's,  bose series 3 301 speaker's,  vintage sherwood 8800 reciever 40 watts times 4,,, a jbl 120 watts subwoofer laying around in closet, vintage taralab's speaker cable's from the late 80's that Mathew bond hand made him self when his company first moved from Australia,  personally know Mathew Bond, merril Bergs, Devon Scott at taralab's factory,  been useing Taralab's  cable's shortly after the conception of the company, I like the jbl L-7 speaker's better than the magico q3 speaker's!,  any way,  I'm honored to meet you Kodak805, you have great system and of course cable's 😎, you know taralab's recently discontinued the 3 cable's, do you plan to move up the cable food chain for speaker cable's? 

My system is posted and described on Audio Asylum under username House13:

http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/11266.html

audiolabyrinth!

My own long term audiophile experience has demonstrated to me that signal cables and power cords from the same manufacturer do not always bring out the best in a system.  given that i use the following power cords:

Analysis Plus Power Oval 2 power cords with Oyaide connectors on sources. Analysis Plus Ultimate Power Ovals on each mono amp.

Hi Kodak805, what do you have for power cord's? 

audiolabyrinth!

I have used TARA Labs products almost exclusively since 1998 with extremely positive results.  My system is comprised of the following:

TARA Labs Zero Evolution Balanced Interconnect. TARA Labs The Zero Onyx Digital AES/EBU Cable. Each with HFX Floating Ground Station. TARA Labs The 0.3 Loudspeaker Cable.

Currently, I have a pair of RS-1 XLR 2.5M interconnects for sale on Audiogon.  They were replaced by the Zero Evolutions.

Hi Kodak805, Do you own some taralab's cable's? 

Use the link below to see the video on TARA Labs cable technology:

https://youtu.be/C4ODI10n84w

Their labor intensive construction techniques and materials are unsurpassed and the sonic result proves it.

Divinearun,  thankyou for your email,  have you decided what model you are interested in? 

Divinearun,  you send your email through audiogon,  like you have before,  cheers 

Hi Audio labyrinth.  How do I send you a pm.?? I don't see your email address anywhere! 
Thx

Hi divinearun,  you need to email me about dealers or deals,  however,  we need to talk here on the thread about taralab's cable's,  I am well educated on everything taralab's products, also,  with taralab's,  the more you spend the better performance you get,  system matching is crucial,  although taralab's works on any system,  it's best to only spend on what you need,  an example of what I'm saying is,,, you would not need the zero Evolution Interconnect for component's that cannot produce enough resolution for the cable's performance value. 

Hi Audio labyrinth. 
The dealer whom I contacted is not responding to my emails. 
Also I am confused as there r too many models to choose from. And without an audition it's even more difficult. 
Can you advise me some good dealer who gives super discount??
Thx

The Grandmaster Evolution w/ dual mono-block HFX grounding station 


The Grandmaster Evolution Series from TARA Labs is truly beyond belief. It is quite simply the new watershed in the art and science of audio cable design. The Evolution Series is in a class of its own, beyond all other audio cable products in the history of the audio industry worldwide.
The Grandmaster Evolution Interconnect uses the same multi-lumen air-tube concept invented by TARA Labs as used in the ZERO Interconnects and the AIR Series Interconnects originally developed in 1986. However, the Evolution Interconnect is remarkably flexible.
The Evolution Interconnect uses the same displaced and Floating Shield design together with a new Dual Mono-Block HFX Ground system with greater absorption of RF/EMI and a vanishingly low background noise.
Incredibly, the new Grandmaster Evolution Interconnect boasts a remarkably low capacitance figure of just 2 pF per foot. This means that the new Evolution has a High Frequency bandwidth that is more than 300% greater than any other high-end cable in the world.
The most advanced air-tube technology and designAll new proprietary "dual mono-block" floating ground station (HFX) and floating shield systemControlled spacing of conductor to conductor geometry, produces record low interconnect capacitance of a mere 2 pf (picofarads)Additionally the conductor to shield capacitance is remarkably low so the EMI/RFI coupling from the shield to conductors is negatedThe outer shield is expanded and spaced away from the conductors to such a degree that the background noise is at an all-time lowTwo layers of anti-corrosion coated SAOF-8N copper shieldCompared to the Zero Evolution, The Grandmaster Evolution has a larger, more complex system of Teflon and Aero-PE filaments that ensure a complete air dielectric system.The most revealing and lifelike presentation possibleCompared to the Zero Evolution, The Grandmaster Evolution has a high-frequency bandwidth that is 50% greater, with a stunning low level of background noise contrasted with more image outlines and fine detailRevolutionary liquid micro-film (LMF) dielectric ensures a linear transfer of low-level ambient and spatial information.