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Now I know what they mean by a bright cable.

Have an Integra Research RDC-7 pre amp with balanced outputs. When I first got it I used Better Cables XLR balanced for my front two channels and it sounded great. However I fell in love with a DH Labs Air Matrix ad and swapped them out. Long story short the DH Labs in my system is so bright, the music sounds unnatural and definetly causes listerner fatigue. I swapped back the better cables and the difference is unmistakeable. Perhaps the DH Labs might be good on tube equipment but wow it sounded like nails on a blackboard on mine. What causes a cable to sound so bright? Is is silver vs copper?
darrylhifi
viggen
817 posts
 
He said he fell in love with the advertisement.
rlb61
362 posts
 
I had the same problem. Was using the Air Matrix when I changed CD players (went from Cary 303/200 to MF Nu-Vista 3DCD). The Air Matrix were well-burned in and were still somewhat bright when I used them with the Cary. But, my ears were aching after I used 'em with the MF. I initially attributed it to necessary break-in on the MF, but the brightness remained. I then switched to a pair of Transparent Links (for connections to CD and amp) and the brightness was gone. I've tried other ICs in the system which are not silver over copper and there's no brightness.

I think system synergy is extremely important, as my experience shows. Interesting side note ... my tape deck (Nakamichi DR-8) was sounding a bit dull so I used the Air Matrix on the tape deck. WOW! Tape never sounded so good - great detail and palpable bottom end. You really DO have to experiment with ICs to get the sound that's right for your ears.
audiotomb's avatar
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audiotomb
1,059 posts
 
started with Straight Wire and Audio Researh litz link

tried silver audio Hyancinth
very revealing but they sounded bleached on the high end
grating on my ears

then Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II - very neutral cable but a little less revealing, tonally there (most important) but just not nearly as revealing.

thought I was getting close
then I loaned out some equipment and ouch

found out my preamp was the culprit
Audio Research LS2mkII
upgraded to AR LS5
no more grating sound and so much more involving

now I am looking for the next cable to
enhance and take advantage of the resolution of the new preamp

currently demoing
Acoustic Zen - matrix reference - very nice and neutral
Straight Wire Crescendo - very musically engaging
any other suggestions???

they both work well in my system
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