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AP's Oval 9 Black vs Audio Art SC-5E vs Nordost??

Trying to determine what is the better step up in sound quality from my current SPEAKER CABLE. My goal is overall greater musicality, and taut bass. I currently have the Audio Art SC-5 standard (which is just OK, NOT THE MORE COSTLY SC-5ER

Either Analysis Plus Oval 9(Black); Audio Art SC5E; or Nordost Purple Flair. Two of the SPEAKER cables retail at $745 for a 12 ft pair; Nordost PF may be more. I have heard the Nordost A FEW TIMES, BUT ONLY BRIEFLY; But not the AA SC-5E or or AP Oval 9 Black. My speakers are Acoustic Zen Adagios driven by Red Dragon digital monoblocks. (The amp "might" be changed later for a stereo PASS XP-150. Will appreciate all comments and advice.
sunnyjim
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Why tale a chance? Just call The Cable Company. Then you'll know for sure.
telescope_trade
539 posts
 
Hey Sunnyjim,

I also have the SC-5's but I think they are better than just ok personally. :o) I have had many cables that I played with in the recent past and keep coming back to the SC-5's. I to am interested in upgrading but it's hard knowing just what & how much it's going to cost to beat them "substantially". I am going to borrow a pair of the new Stereolab LectraLine's from my local dealer this week as I have a couple of Stereolab IC's and really like them.

Will let you know how them compare to the AA's when able.

BTW...price for 2M pair is $495.
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 
Thanks to all have responded so far.

To Telescope-trade. Thanks for the suggestion; Let me know what your impressions were of the Stereolab speaker cable. This is all such a crap shoot with cables, so often the sound is dependent on the electronics, and IC's(especially if they are a different brand than the speaker cable.)and to a degree room acoustics.

To ZD542: I am not sure the Cable Company can help, unless you are suggesting auditioning at least 5 to 10 loaners. A couple months ago, I was recommended a speaker cable called Crimson( could be more to the name I'll check) They actually encourage home audition of their cable contingent on available loaners and lengths
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 
TO Telescope trade: I cannot find a link on Audiogon about the Stereolab speaker cable. Can you provide the link to their site??. I have to be honest I have never heard of this brand or the model of speaker cable you indicated.

Also,..... what happened!! Nobody even mentioned the "new" Leif Nordost series of cable. I think the model I cited the "Purple Flare" has been outdistanced by the next step up, the new Nordost "Blue Heaven" cables. I have read a few reviews and they are very good; unfortunately, they are too expensive for an 8ft pair,...let alone a 12 ft pair whereas the Purple Flare are reasonable depending on length. Thanks, Jim
telescope_trade
539 posts
 
Sunnyjim, Here you go.

http://www.stereolab.us/gallery-view/black-cat-cable-2/

Just picked them up today and immediately I can tell you they are superb sounding. I need to break them in but so far they are (compared to the AA's) faster, clearer, much more dynamic, and all at the same time far more musical. BTW, I also got the IC also, so put them in at the same time. More later, but so far I like them a lot at the 4.5hr mark. :o)
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