jimboman

Responses from jimboman

Cable upgrades
Thanks @badgerdms for the recommendation. Will add them to my list. I've noted a similar improvement to soundstage/detail by moving to the AQ Diamond USB cable between streamer and DAC, and I’m also demoing the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8, whi... 
Cable upgrades
Thanks @subaruguru for the informative post. I really appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I ended up with symmetrical lengths of ICs, due to the addition of a preamp, and the subsequent repositioning of the components in my system. So I’m al... 
Cable upgrades
Hello all! Well, after a handful of months, it feels like I've made huge progress in my system-refining journey. The most recent upgrades are: the aforementioned Cardas Beyond Power cable, which I'm using on my AHB2 amplifier, now utilizing a Ca... 
Cable upgrades
Hi folks: An update.  2+ weeks and 120+ hours of run-in on the Cardas Golden Ref XLRs.  They are sounding good!  Vocals are smooth, articulate.  Soundstage is wide but not thin.  Bass seems well-balanced, maybe not as beefy as some XLRs, but very... 
Cable upgrades
@jafant  I’m currently running in the revamped Cardas Gold Reference XLRs.  Gonna do this for a month before deciding whether to move on or keep ‘em. Also really digging the most recent addition of a Cardas Clear Beyond power cord. It’s doing won... 
Cable upgrades
@ghdprentice , great advice as always. Thanks.  I’m really enjoying the Clear Beyond PC (even with the OEM cords on the front end).  It’s even making the Golden Reference XLRs sound much more full.  I’m going to leave the GFs in for a full month b... 
Cable upgrades
Thanks @mclinnguy   Your comments are bang on the money!  
Cable upgrades
@mclinnguy Yeah!  That's the crazy thing.  Even with the OEM PCs on the streamer and DAC, the improvement is massive, right outta the box. I do have an AQ NRG-4 PC supplying the AHB2 amplifier, from a dedicated 10AWG 20-amp line. Now I have to f... 
Cable upgrades
Well, this almost feels like it should be the start of a new thread, but -- just plugged the Cardas Beyond Power cable into my PS Audio Duet (which is feeding the Lumin U2 & Benchmark DAC3 HGC via stock PCs) -- and it feels like my system just... 
Cable upgrades
Thanks @decooney   I’m not sure exactly what Cardas did, but they certainly went above and beyond the minimum. The cables definitely sound better than before their factory visit. I’m giving them overnight cycles, and they are connected and will st... 
Cable upgrades
@magnuman  Could you please use a more respectful tone in your posts? Both@decooney and @audphile1 have been more than generous with their time and expertise, and I’ve learned a lot from them in this thread. Best, JAMES  
Cable upgrades
@audphile1 @mclinnguy  Great leads, thanks!  I’m going to hold off on trying AZs while I let the Cardas GR settle in. And — because I just bought a used Cardas Clear Beyond Power cord! Arriving tomorrow! Lots of experimenting to do. Gonna try it... 
Cable upgrades
@magnuman  Thanks for your posts.  Like you, I have appreciated the Audio Sensibility OCC cables.  I had a pair of Statement SEs that sounded very good.  I opted to replace them with the Neotech 3001 MkIs, as I thought they were even better.  I'm ... 
Cable upgrades
@audphile1 Thanks for detailing the AZ setup. If I head in that direction, I’ll probably start with the Matrix Ref IIs — although, I may add a preamplifier to the chain sooner than later. Might stay in the Benchmark stack, and get an LA4, if a goo... 
Cable upgrades
@mclinnguy Got the cables back from Cardas yesterday. They are now certified and have been re-terminated with updated sleeves. They look brand new!  I’ve got them in my system and will give them a month before deciding whether they stay or get res...