Bobf, I did not mean to use forward in a negative way. The Rapture's are very lively and highly engaging. In some ways, as I've described before, the even surpass my reference Jade Hybrid Gold.
I did bring up the forward presentation though, because this is very important for someone to understand the poster's preferences. Yes, the Rapture's do have more depth than Steve's earlier efforts that I have heard (Extreme I and Revelation I). Also, many audiophiles prefer a more forward presentation, they enjoy sitting closer to the stage....I can certainly understand that.
I did bring it up though because Grant (Tvad) said he was currently using PAD Venustas interconnects. I have heard several PAD cables, including Colossus, Aqueous, Dominus Rev. C and 20th Anniversary, though not the Venustas. The PAD cables I have heard offer a much deeper soundstage, similar to Jade Audio cables. Now obviously this depth is not for everyone, and yes, the Rapture's offer a stage that is slightly wider and higher than the PAD/Jade stage. I would assume since Grant listens to PAD cables, that a deeper stage is his preference. Hence my mention that the Rapture is a bit more forward. Certainly not as forward as some other cables I've heard but won't mention as to not incite a cable war. IMHO the PAD cables sound closer to the Jade camp, while the Stealth cables are closer to the Rapture camp. No one cable is all things to all people on all equipment in all rooms.
Could I live happily with the Rapture? Yes, and I thank Gary (Glory) for the opportunity to hear it. As I mentioned earlier, and in other posts, it did beat my Jade Hybrid Gold in a few categories, like clarity and stage height/width. The Jade Hybrid did sound a tad more colored than the Rapture, which may or may not be what you seek. I would not say the Rapture was absolutely neutral, which again may or may not be what you seek. The Rapture does have a tad of sweetness compared to 'neutral' cables like the Nordost Valhalla or the Stealth Indra. The Jade Hybrid is even warmer yet.
In my system, with these criteria, I felt the Rapture bested my Hybrid on percussion, with it's tight, articulate, yet powerful bass. On brass, I preferred the Hybrid over the Rapture, as it gave brass more of a burnish hue that I hear with live brass. Sure, some will say this is a coloration, but IMHO it sounded more like 'live' horns. Strings, piano and other instruments were a push. The Rapture did a better job on the leading edge of the note, which is what gave it's apparent clarity. The Hybrid did a better job on the note's slow decay into oblivion, giving a better sense of space in the recording venue. Both cables are exceptional, and will have a loyal following depending on what the listener regards as his/her priorities.
Cheers,
John
I did bring up the forward presentation though, because this is very important for someone to understand the poster's preferences. Yes, the Rapture's do have more depth than Steve's earlier efforts that I have heard (Extreme I and Revelation I). Also, many audiophiles prefer a more forward presentation, they enjoy sitting closer to the stage....I can certainly understand that.
I did bring it up though because Grant (Tvad) said he was currently using PAD Venustas interconnects. I have heard several PAD cables, including Colossus, Aqueous, Dominus Rev. C and 20th Anniversary, though not the Venustas. The PAD cables I have heard offer a much deeper soundstage, similar to Jade Audio cables. Now obviously this depth is not for everyone, and yes, the Rapture's offer a stage that is slightly wider and higher than the PAD/Jade stage. I would assume since Grant listens to PAD cables, that a deeper stage is his preference. Hence my mention that the Rapture is a bit more forward. Certainly not as forward as some other cables I've heard but won't mention as to not incite a cable war. IMHO the PAD cables sound closer to the Jade camp, while the Stealth cables are closer to the Rapture camp. No one cable is all things to all people on all equipment in all rooms.
Could I live happily with the Rapture? Yes, and I thank Gary (Glory) for the opportunity to hear it. As I mentioned earlier, and in other posts, it did beat my Jade Hybrid Gold in a few categories, like clarity and stage height/width. The Jade Hybrid did sound a tad more colored than the Rapture, which may or may not be what you seek. I would not say the Rapture was absolutely neutral, which again may or may not be what you seek. The Rapture does have a tad of sweetness compared to 'neutral' cables like the Nordost Valhalla or the Stealth Indra. The Jade Hybrid is even warmer yet.
In my system, with these criteria, I felt the Rapture bested my Hybrid on percussion, with it's tight, articulate, yet powerful bass. On brass, I preferred the Hybrid over the Rapture, as it gave brass more of a burnish hue that I hear with live brass. Sure, some will say this is a coloration, but IMHO it sounded more like 'live' horns. Strings, piano and other instruments were a push. The Rapture did a better job on the leading edge of the note, which is what gave it's apparent clarity. The Hybrid did a better job on the note's slow decay into oblivion, giving a better sense of space in the recording venue. Both cables are exceptional, and will have a loyal following depending on what the listener regards as his/her priorities.
Cheers,
John