I really have to laugh after reading this stuff. We've all seen stuff like this before. Cables are extremely system dependent and a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless, here's my take on the situation : ) Kimber 8TC will sound somewhat forward and "analytically etched". Their harmonic structure is lacking and notes decay very rapidly. For a system on the dull and slow side, it would breath life into it. Analysis Plus Oval 9's had very erratic response in the system that i tested them in. While bass was extremely tight and well controlled, i found it lacking in output. Midrange was a series of peaks and dips while the high end was over the top and smeary. I have no idea as to what type of system these cables could be used for. Maybe good for an overtly strong subwoofer or bottom end of a bi-wired system that's using multiple drivers in a vented enclosure. The Oval 9's would tend to level out the response and tighten it up quite a bit. Goertz MI-2's typically sound well balanced and quite musical. Good extension at both ends, lot's of open midrange with good air and soundstaging. This is not a "band-aid" type cable but does have it's own baggage that it brings with it to the party. Due to the design, you may need to run a Zobel network at the speaker system to keep your amp from oscillating and going up in smoke. They are not nearly as flexible or easy to work with as the other cables mentioned. Due to the fact that they may be more difficult to route in tight areas or around bends, you may need a slightly longer run than with other cables. MIT's in general tend to sound warm and smooth. Not as much detail or high frequency extension, but good for getting rid of rough edges on an overtly bright or hard sounding system. Can add "body" if mid-bass is lacking. Some of the XLO's do quite well for the money, but i've never stuck with the factory configurations. Taking a few cue's from Kimber's designs, i've rewound XLO's and had worthwhile results. Some competitive cables can be had for a reasonable price if you don't mind doing some cutting and soldering. These would not be the last word in any category, but then again, the price reflects that. The Audioquest's that i've used were kind of "there". Nothing bad, nothing good, kind of middle of the road. Did nothing to stand out but didn't offend either. Depending on what your system is like, kind of neutral to slightly dull. Nordost's tend to have an open, well defined upper mid and treble response. Good soundstage, air and depth. Can be somewhat thin sounding though with a lack of "slam" or bass output, slightly reducing the "drive" of the music. Never tried any Cardas or Tara's unfortunately. Sorry for some of the generalizations. It's been a while and i've tried more than a few, sometimes multiples from the different brands. As mentioned, these were based on my results in my systems and my opinions. What are these comments worth ? Place your own value on them. Sean >
