Budget balanced IC recommendations

One cable that I like that I think is often overlooked is the Tara Labs Reference Gen 2. They can be picked up on Audiogon for $125-$200.00. I bought a demo pair from a dealer for $200.00. It may be that they just fit best in my system configuration, but I tried them against the Signal Cable balanced, Kimber Select KS1111, Tara Labs Air 3, and a few others. I thought the Gen 2s were the most tone correct, and had a fuller sound to them, especially extension in the mids and highs. I thought they were also more full and tone correct even compared to their own Air 3s which s a more expensive cable. And again, thought they had better mid and high extension than the $550.00 Kimber Cables. But for $49.00, the Signal Cable sounded pretty darn good. Pretty subjective review here but I think it depends a lot on your system and other cabling. The best sound out of all the cables for me was the Tara cables from Source to preamp, and Kimber from Preamp to AMP. Some strange synergy existed there.

Hello,

I have "stepped up" a few times the last few years with XLR ICs. Currently I use NBS Statement which are ridiculously expensive but at 20-25% retail cost...when I found them, they were a huge improvement to my system over the already excellent Cardas Golden Cross which I had been using for a couple years. Before the Cardas, I used SilverAudio Silver Bullet 6 cables and these were an outstanding value. I see these on the used market here in the $100 range. Check out www.silveraudio.com. The owner, Max, is a very nice guy.

One thing I have learned is that some links in the system are very critical to cable changes and other links can be very subtle until a certain component comes a long and makes cable differences very dramatic. The line stage to amp has been for me the most sensitive link so I have tried many many brands here to find out what worked well with my ARC, and BAT and Counterpoint gear along the way. The phono stage to line stage really made very little difference in cable changes. For the longest time with an ARC PH2 to LS5, I tried so many cables here and the differences were very hard to hear if they existed at all. Only when I put in an Aesthetix Io and then wow, the NBS magic came through. But until then, believe it or not, a $50 Belden XLR cable was mighty fine for this link. It may sound strange to have multiple thousand $$ cable in one link of the system and then $50 elsewhere, but for me, it worked well at that time.

Incidentally, I do not use these Beldens anymore and so if you'd like me to send these to you .... for free, let me know. I also have a pair of the SilverBullet 6's around here some place that I could ship to you to try if you'd like.

As for some of the sites mentioned above, fatwyre, etc., nothing against these businesses, but you can get a far better value through so many private audiogon members. Try these out at the great used prices and if they do not fit, sell them off again. Just browse through IC cables here and there are plenty to keep you busy reading and researching. You really do need to try several to find one that fits best with your components. And what you seek is very different than the rest of us.

John

Cobalt Cable is about the same price as Signal cables. Cobaltcable.com, for more money but still in your price range (used) Harmonic Technology Truth-link is very good cable.

Another vote for Signal Cable, I must admit they are exceptional for the price, thanks for your input Triumph.

I have never listened to a silver IC, Copper only. I read that they are somewhat more airy, or open on the top, but sometimes weak on the bottom. I might just buy some just to give 'em a listen. For $65.00 shipped, at audiopartsinc.com, thats a steal.

You couldnt be more right, Mbreeze2, I didnt even think about Tara Labs, I did when shopping for speaker cable, but not ICs, they manufacture quality products.

Thats a heck of an offer John. I might just take you up on that. You hit the proverbial nail on the head... SYSTEM, SYSTEM, SYSTEM, its so dependent on not just that, but the ears of the beholder as well. Thanks so much for info on your evaluation, and selection of cables, that helps a ton.

I have looked at the Cobalt website. I have a Cobalt digital coax cable, it works well. I have been considering a Cobalt component video cable, but thats another story. Thanks Sogood51.

I see another thread, here in cables, about the best cable purchase. Several folks voted for Pure Note. Some even said they bested the mighty Valhalla. Any thoughts? Pure Note has a sale on currently, 33% off website orders. This is out of budget, but, maybe they will scratch my persistent upgrade itch. What am I saying, its the itch thats half the fun. I just need a second job.

the coincident cst interconnect goes for $150 to $170.

it is a wonderfull cable that is very transparent and a little pushed ( i mean the tiniest amount) back in the top end.

hope that helps !!

Mike