Wilsons with Cardas or JPS?

I have cables that for me seem to "do it all" and they're on your short list. The new Synergistic Research Tesla Series have the most usual combination of strengths I have ever heard. Detail, extension, air, mid-range warmth, layering, "bloom", speed, and a holographic presence beyond my wildest dreams. I currently have the Accelerator interconnects and Precision Reference speaker cables but I'm thinking of upgrading to Apex (even the Apex cables are much less expensive then my previous cables).

If I sound over the top it's because, for me, I've found the Holy Grail. These cables are an audio miracle.

Khrys----You hit my problem on the head. I have heard better detail, soundstage and extension on certain cables but they usually lose some beauty and musicality in the mids. Is wanting it all too much to ask? I have just placed an Indra between my cd and pre and its character is the most neutral and holographic I have ever heard. The detail and dimensionality are astounding. So far, the mids are not so much edgy as lacking slightly in weight. However, I'm told the cables need 100 hours break in and I've only given them 8 so-----there's much more to go. Out of the box, they are the best ICs I have ever heard. I would gladly trade the slight loss in weight in the mids for the enormous gains elsewhere. Let's see if they develop into that "everything I could ever want cable". But rest assured I am on a cable hunt and intend to listen to JPS Aluminata for comparison.

As I said, Cardas GR and W/Ps are inherently musical and satisfying but with the more linear and extended frequency response of the 7s over the 6s and again with the 8s over the 7s I could hear more information at the frequency extremes but it rolled off sharply, truncated prematurely to my ears. And the upper midrange began to deviate from a pleasant "presence" to a bit of a glare.

So I began trying different cables as GR had been constant in my system for many years. When I tried Audioquest Sky IC/Everest spkr., it was a revelation. There was so much more detail and dynamics and the frequency extremes were extended by at least a clean octave. But though the Cardas midrange sweetness was not there, the genie was out of the bottle.

So I have no doubt that GR is limiting my system and I am looking for cables that combine the strengths of GR and the AQ. FWIW Nordost Valhalla was one of my least favorite auditions and the only Purist cables I like are not in my price league.

So my current short list includes JPS Aluminata, Synergistic Research Tesla and Virtual Dynamics.

Speltz may be my destiny!

Hi Gpgr4blu,

I am using the McIntosh MC1201 and not the MC2102. They are different altogether. The MC2102 you mentioned are tubes stereo (but can be mono) while the MC1201 are SS mono's. The MC2102 tube power amp, when mono gives out about 200 watts per channel while the MC1201 which I am using is rated at 1200w per channel.

As for cables, I have tried Tributaries, Audioquest and Monsters (many years back). Thats all. Periodically, I have some exposure to higher end stuff like Transparent, MIT and the like but nothing fancy me more than the Cardas GF as to me, they represent value for money for what they can do as against others.

My listening area is about 600 square feet.

Cheers

Jerryseh----Are you using 2102s? I'm not familiar with 1201s. Also, not to get off my own thread but how much did using 2 amps(bridged?) bring to the table vs just 1? How large is your listening area? Did you ever try other cables in your system to compare against the Cardas?

Dont understand why Khrys found the Cardas GR less optimal. I have been using the same cables (from DA to Power to speakers - CD to DA uses Neutral Ref as there's no GR Digi cables) from WP6, to WP7 (not 8 as yet cuz pondering on Maxx 2) with McIntosh gears (MCD/MDA1k+MC1201's) and found them to be extremely musical and revealing.

Khrys---I too will audition the Aluminatas. How can u be sure know that the Cardas aren't allowing full potential? If they don't, I probably won't even bother to audition.

I have used Cardas GR with W/P 6s, W/P 7s and now W/P 8s. GR + W/Ps are inherently musical and satisfying but with each step up the W/P chain, I found the cables to be less and less optimal, like they were holding back the speaker's potential. I am actively looking for more extended and transparent cables for my W/P 8s and JPS Aluminatas and Synergistic Research Apex are on the short list (especially after reading this thread).

I have WP 7's and the WATCH system also. I am building a Mastering room and all of my cables (including In-Wall electrical) are JPS. I use the Aluminatas with Pass Labs amps. I don't feel there is anything better!

Regards,
Bruce

I have WP 7's too w/ Cardas Golden Reference, I'm very satisfied.

...as one with an almost complete 'aluminata' system..and one who has tried alot of the 'best' cables, you owe it to your ears to audition the 'aluminatas'...this is easy to do through 'the cable company'...i have come to learn,over the years..the importance of the right cables to ones' system...they are the best i have heard..i have not heard them with the wilsons' but my guess is you will love them..they are expensive but ..imo..worth it if your budget allows..there is a great review of them in this months' stereophile magazine