I'm using the Data Basic with Pro Basic II transport. I've tried several digital cables and ended up using the Iluminations D60 for a while. I purchased a Stealth Varidig Premier silver digital cable and after extensive listening, I decided on it over the D60. It was more dynamic, detailed, extended and less colored. The differences, while subtle, were noticable. I purchased the Stealth cable new from Audiogon auctions. It's a great cable, one which I'm in no hurry to replace.
Best Regards,
Steve |
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your reply! Yes, I've heard good things about the Stealth Varidig too! Apart from what you described, how is the bass & midbass performance of the Varidig! Is it punchy, deep, bodied etc!
Thanks & rgds,
Ramesh |
Hi Ramesh23. I've never heard a Theta Data Basic II, but am very happy with the Theta Pearl transport I own.
I have had good results with Cardas Lightning L-15 and Mapleshade Double Helix digital cables, but am currently favoring the Kimber Illuminations D60. I think if I went with a cable that was more revealing and less colored, my system would become too lean.
I'm using the Pearl with a Bel Canto DAC 1.1, Simaudio Moon I-5 integrated and ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures. With the D60 my system is detailed and quick, yet just warm enough to listen for hours.
Do you already own the Data Basic II? |
Hi Gunbei,
Thank you for your reply! Yes, I already own the Data Basic Mk II and I do have the Cardas Lightning 15 including the Elco Ultimate digital cable. Results with the L15 is good however with the Elco, the sound is more nuetral! I'm using the DB MK II with a Link III.
I've heard many good things about the Mapleshade and I've also been told to consider the Goldmund Lineal and a brand called Clou Cable from Sweden! Have you heard of this brand!
Rgds,
Ramesh |
I'm running a data basic to a classe dac1. I to am using the stealth varidig for my connection. The rest of my cabling is mit. I like it alot. I compared it once to a kimber orchid. Actually like the Stealth better.. |
Hi Glen,
Thanks! The Stealth Varidig, would that be the normal Varidig, Varidig Premier or Varidig Signature! What type of sound does it have!
Rgds,
Ramesh |
Ramesh, I have had my Data Basic II for about 3 years. I run it to my Theta Pro Basic IIIa. I have had the D60 digital interconnect and it was very fine. However, I have found the balanced digital cables to offer better sound. I have tried the Transparent Premium and the balanced cable from Theta itself. In my head to head listening I chose the Theta balanced cable. It sounded better and was $150 cheaper. |
I guess it's the basic Varidig (AES/EBU) Retail $700.00. But can usually be had for around $300.00 at auction. I have a little bit of a problem describing the sound of a cable when it's connected to $10K in gear out to 5K speakers. Not to exclude another 2K in mit cabling. I have compared this cable to the Classe cable that came with the DAC and the Kimber. The stealth sounded the best. It was not a huge difference like when you upgrade to a pricer pre-amp. Just a subtle difference like what you would get from a tweak. There is good dynamic range, great bottom end,very clear and transparent ETC...ETC... But for the most part I always had that anyway. Now it seems like it's a couple of percentage points better. I'd love to tell a tall tale of some dramatic life changing alteration a new cable had on my system. The fact is it is a good cable and very compatible with the rest of my gear. End of story. |
Hi Bwyoung
Thank you for the info!
Ramesh |
Hi Glen,
Thank you too for the info! So many good cables! I'll really have to try them out and have a ball of a time!
Rgds,
Ramesh |
Glen,
By the way, is your Stealth Varidig with the WBT rca connectors!
Thanks,
Ramesh |
The AES/EBU is a three pin connector. Looks like a balanced connector except for digital connection. Bal. being analog. |
I was using a Nakamichi digital cable for quite awhile. Just recently I purchased an IXOS Velluto digital cable with phenominal results. Most notable to me was increased low end resolution and more detailed sound in string arrangments. Todd both cables were coaxial |
