Advice on interconnect choice

There is no realistic way to predict how ANY cable will match either your particular musical preferences or your particular choice of components. You MUST do this by trial, particularly when expensive cables are concerned. The means finding a dealer to try out cables or using one of the companies that has a huge line and offers in-home trial (e.g., check out thecableco.com).

A lot of the better, and very expensive, cables are extremely fast and detailed sounding, and in my opinion, less suited for headphone listening than for speaker listening (experience based on Stax Omega II headphones). So, recommendations based on listening to speaker systems may be WAY off the mark.

As a general rule, most brands have a particular "house" sound, so I would start with trying different brands first before refining the search within a particular brand that suits your system/taste. However, there are some exceptions, such as NBS, which has different lines with distinctively different sound.

I think you should either work with a dealer with a broad line of interconnects or with one of those companies offering home trial.

Hi there and thanks for the reply - gave me food for thought, especially about the applicability of cables and their sound to dedicated headphone systems.

I have spoken to some Nordost owners who have said that the Heimdall is certainly warmer than other Nordost cables but still quite forward in the mids/highs. The likes of the AP and AZ seem like they would be a better fit. Right now, the AZ Matrix Ref. II's are the primary candidate.

Unfortunately trialing is not really an option. Living outside the US (in Africa) using someone like The Cable Company is not really viable; even if they would allow a trial here, shipping back and forth would be cost prohibitive. Also locally availability leaves much to be desired - there may be "official distributors" but they rarely hold any stock and only import upon order.

Cheers
X

Just wanted to add: when I say "warmth" and "body", what I am really aiming for is a full-bodied, smooth sound especially with the likes of female vocals, which forms the majority of what I listen to.

HI, the analysis plus solo crystal should be your choice
great midrange, full body sound and very good base,
in it's price range can't be beaten,and believe me, I change I/C,s at least twice a year, made the solo crystal my absolute reference, have used I/C,s many times more $$$$$$$
MY 2cents:

If you dare to try something NOT audiophile approved, but near the equal of my $6500 MIT Oracle V1.2 IC's, then I may have a solution. Monster Cable Professional makes a microphone cable Cat# SP1000 which comes in 5ft lengths on up. It's cost is $49/IC or $99.98 for a pair! The sound is open, clear, full, extended and warm. Midrange is superbly musical while low bass has tremendous authority. Treble is delicate and brassy. A product like this makes one question the entire cable industry:O) Sweetwater.com is a pro gear outlet that may be able to hook you up.