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Suggestion on XLR Cables

I’m looking for a suggestion on reasonably price high-end XLR cables. By reasonable I mean <=$1k. I prefer pre-owned cables because I hate paying retail, especially for cables.

The rest of the system is

PS Audio DMP Transport
PS Audio DSD Dac
NAT Audio Magnetic Preamp
PS Audio BHK Stereo Amp
Wilson Audio Duettes
Synergistic Powercell 10 UEF Conditioner
Acoustic Revive RTP-2 Power Distributor
(2) Acoustic Revive R-777
3 Furutech Flux 50 Power Filters
Various Furutech Power Cables
Dueland XLR interconnects
Acoustic Revive Speaker Cable

Most of what I listen to is Jazz, Vocalists (Diana Krall, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald) or Pop/Rock (Eagles, James Taylor). Occasionally classical but then mostly solo piano.

Thanks in advance.





ihmeyers
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
@shadorne 
@gdhal 
@pbnaudio 

Do you find the Canare Star Quad L-4E6S has a consistent sonic characteristic?  e.g., ., full bodied and warm vs lean and neutral?  I don't have an opinion having never used this IC so looking to your experience with it.  

Thanks.

@inna 
I found the Tchernov site but it looks like they might be Europe only.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@ghosthouse 

I would categorize the quality/sound characteristics as full bodied and neutral (not necessarily lean or warm). I think one of the key characteristics in the design of the cable is the "Star Quad design". I've also used straight wire musicable II (level 1) which I believe is the same type of cable design http://www.straightwire.com/interconnects.php and also sounds great.

However, I think the version of this type of cable from blue jeans cable is preferred and perhaps "better" because of the connector (Neutrik NC3-B) https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

I think the key ingredient here is the star quad design and the fact that you shouldn't have to spend thousands or even hundreds to obtain it (assuming the length is 3 feet or so per cable, and 2 are needed).
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Thanks, @gdhal 
inna
5,245 posts
 
ghosthouse, no, they can ship to the US from Berlin. I talked to them a few times. But this is not the best option, I guess. The best option is to deal with the Canadian distributor. He doesn't have everything in stock but he would order what he doesn't have from them quickly enough. I first got Tchernov Classic MK II RCAs a few weeks ago and liked it so much that I just ordered the Reference MK II. Both Tchernov people and Jim from Canada assured me that the Reference MK II would be on a totally different level. We'll see. If it is not I can return it, no problem.
bradluke0
147 posts
 
I recently changed my CD player / preamp cables from balanced to single ended and the improvement was stunning . That said , I would contact The Cable Company and try different ones to see what you like . You can buy them at a discount as they are used . If you need more highs , Nordost or Tara . More warm , Cardas or Gabriel Gold . Good luck .
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