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Advice on interconnect choice

Hi All. I would like to ask for your recommendations (and associated impressions) on interconnects. I need a just one pair, which will go from my Marantz SA7001KI (SA8001) player to my Woo Audio WA2 headphone amp / preamp. This will be used primarily with the Sennheiser HD800's.

I am looking for something relatively neutral, but would not mind a little additional warmth and body - a smooth and engaging midrange would be ideal, so long as it does not roll off highs or lack taut bass. I would not want anything cold or lean, nor tipped up at the top.

I currently have the following on the shortlist ($250-$350 used) and would appreciate any advice or experience with these:
- Analysis Plus Solo Crystal
- Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II
- Nordost Heimdall

Also any suggestions for cables which may meet the criteria (price and sonic character) would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance
X
xenithon
juancgenao
64 posts
 
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:
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
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.
kabir's avatar
kabir
36 posts
 
Soundstring or Audio Metallurgy which is available on Audiogon auction. I have had great results with either off them.
fiddler
581 posts
 
I'll second the Audio Metallurgy. I just finished an audition with Synergistic Research Apex and Precision Reference ICs and the Audio Metallugry was better in every respect except the mid-bass articulation and even there it was close.

But tonality, clarity, bigger soundstage, holographic imaging, musicality, etc. the Audio Metallurgy won hands down. This is about $400 worth of ICs that handily bettered $6,000 worth of ICs in my system.

I can't recommend AM more highly. Forget bang for the buck, they are simply outstanding period.
ton1313
272 posts
 
Check out the new Zu Mission interconnects. I have had them in my system since June, and they are fantastic at their price. I was using the Zu Varial, which was more expensive, and a great cable in its own right. These project a smoother soundstage presentation with super detailed low level detail and an extremely focused center image.
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