I have recently tried several different balanced ICs - top models from Fadel Art, AudioQuest, Cardas, Nordost and Transparent Reference w/MM.
Fadel Art Coherence was the best one - the most organic, natural sounding - very coherent indeed.
The close second was AQ Sky - almost as good as Fadel, but a tiny bit brighter on top and not THAT smooth. Skys are the cables I'm using right now, but I will probably switch to Fadel Coherence.
The all other cables I have tried, were more or less problematic. The Nordost was too lean in lower midrange, Cardas was simply not transparent enough, and Transparent was not harmonicly correct (which was a big surprise for me). Transparent was also twice as expensive as Fadel.
Fadel Art Coherence was the best one - the most organic, natural sounding - very coherent indeed.
The close second was AQ Sky - almost as good as Fadel, but a tiny bit brighter on top and not THAT smooth. Skys are the cables I'm using right now, but I will probably switch to Fadel Coherence.
The all other cables I have tried, were more or less problematic. The Nordost was too lean in lower midrange, Cardas was simply not transparent enough, and Transparent was not harmonicly correct (which was a big surprise for me). Transparent was also twice as expensive as Fadel.