Audioquest vs Acoustic Zen

Interesting Steve, thanks for the comparison. I do realize that this is just in your system, and to your tastes, but it's interesting nonetheless.
I'm not really surprised that $8K speaker cables bettered $1.2K speaker cables, though I guess I am mildly surprised to see that $1.5K interconnects bettered $3.6K interconnects. Do you know if Robert Lee has any plans to release an Absolute Copper version of his speaker cables?

I actually did just compare these two brands, for speaker cables. I was using a pair of Acoustic Zen Hologram II and a friend strongly recommended trying the Audioquest Gibraltar which he was enjoying immensely. Since I found a good price on them from Music Direct (closeout sale), with a 30 day money back guarantee, I thought "why not"? So in went the Gibraltar's. Compared to the Hologram II's, the AQ cables were clearer and more extended in the high's. I wouldn't call them bright, but I'm sure that they could sound bright with some gear. The AQ cables also presented a more immediate soundstage, not as forward as some cables I've heard, but a bit too forward for my taste. In comparison, the AZ cables sounded more laid back soundstage, with a fuller and more musical tonality. Again, the AZ is not the warmest cable that I've ever heard, but I'm sure that it could sound too warm with some gear.

In the end, I sent the Gibraltar cables back to Music Direct for the refund. They were very good cables, much better than the old pair of AQ Midnight 3 speaker cables that I keep around as backups, but in my system, in my opinion, the Acoustic Zen cables sounded more natural, more musical, whereas the Audioquest cables sounded like very good hi-fi. As always, YMMV.

Thanks Sksos1. Dealer disclaimer for what? AZ? PAD? Both?

Any updates Steve?

Dennis, Steve did say that he is using McCormack's VRE-1b preamp and Atmasphere's M60 amps in his thread on 2/12. I also believe he mentioned earlier that he was using Acoustic Zen Crescendo speakers on 1/23. Though I don't recall him mentioning sources.

The fact that you preferred the Audioquest Gibraltar over the AZ speaker cables, while I preferred the AZ over the Gibraltar's just shows how much of this cable and system matching is synergy related as well as personal tastes related. Just like Sksos1 did not like the Parasound CDP, while Calvinj is enjoying it immensely. You just cannot predict how one component or cable will function in another system, or suit another person's personal tastes.

02-13-14: Sksos1
You will have to ask Mr Lee himself. I'm currently just listening to my system and enjoying the muzic and that's what this is all about.

I'll take that as a sign that you are not carrying Acoustic Zen cables. Enjoy the muzic. ;)