Excellent...thanks for that!
Transparent Cable comparisons across both level and generation
I am considering a purchase of Transparent cables and have zero experience and knowledge of the different levels, which increase in price exponentially. There are some older 'Ultra level speaker cables for sale that are 3 or 4 generations old. They have them listed with the current Ultra list price which I suppose is irrelevant. It appears that an 8ft pair could be purchased for around $1400. My question to Transparent was how would that compare to a brand new Super 8ft pair for $2200. Transparent responded via email and I called and talked to them and they said they NEVER compare both across generation and level. They only say each new generation within a level offer an improvement. I am disappointed in my first experience with this company to provide such a scripted response with no real-world insight. All my electronics are Audio Research and I have spoken with several guys there over the years and they are always open to this type of comparison and speak honestly and genuinely with me. All that aside, does anyone have such experience to offer recommendations as I am considering a purchase. Thanks!
Dana
Showing 4 responses by dhite71
@docknow Thanks for that insight. In my example, purchasing 20 year old Ultra speaker cables for $1400 vs new Gen 6 Super cables for $2200....would be better to get the new Supers, correct? The Ultras I saw are 4 generations behind the Gen 6. It is wild when you look at their speaker cable options. There are 10 levels and the prices essentially double each time starting at $115 up to $77,000!! Yowza |
Thanks everyone for your ideas. Got the Super Gen 5 speaker cables connected last night and have been listening a lot since. I have not gone back to see how the difference compares but just from listening it does seem as if I am getting everything that has been described. I think what is standing out the most is a cleaner soundstage with greater isolation of voices and instruments. I am shopping for used Super balanced IC now. I spoke to one dealer and he said when you get the entire system converted over to Transparent that you will see the greatest results. The cables are very stiff so was a bit challenging to get them into position. It will be no simple task to swap out and back in so not sure it is even worth the experience as I am definitely sold on the upgrade. I got these used so unsure how brand new cables are for the initial set up. I recall years ago getting a random upgraded power cord in the box when I bought a used amp as the guy lost the original. It was also extremely stiff and was hard to get to stay in a component socket. The end/plug eventually separated from the cord while the wires remained intact. It made me laugh because there were three 16 gauge wires inside this super stiff clear rubber hose that was reinforced within the plastic with some mesh material. There was nothing there to shape to ever stay, it was simply flexible but always wanted to remain as straight as possible. These seem to have more pliability and will take on some shape so hopefully I can keep working with them to become relaxed in their new configuration. Does anyone have advice on that process? |