Need opinions on MIT EXP-1 and EXP-2 cables and interconnects...

philipjr

Hello,

I have a good-sounding but very modest system and I am interested in possibly upgrading to some entry-level MIT cables and interconnects, but I had a few questions first. I would need:

1. One long run of interconnects. I think the EXP-1 in 8 meters might be a good fit. What improvements sound-wise could I expect over the EXP-2 interconnects? How would you classify the sound of each? My Polk LSi-9 mains have the Vifa ring radiator tweeter, which is really smooth but a little dark-sounding. I was hoping to find some cables that offered more resolution, clarity, and detail in the high frequencies without sounding harsh.

2. One 20 or 25 foot pair of EXP-2 speaker cables. Do you recommend EXP-1 speaker cables instead? How much better do they sound than the EXP-2s?

3. Was also thinking about upgrading power cables to my preamp and two monoblocks. Is this upgrade worth the cash outlay? What does it do to the sound? I know better cables help, and do improve the sound, but considering the components I own, would it even make sense to lay out a few hundred in cash for better power cables?

4. Does an upgraded subwoofer interconnect make a noticeable difference in the clarity, tightness, and impact of the bass and sub-bass frequencies?

Lastly, I am currently running Canare Star Quad speaker cables and Monster Cable THX 1000 interconnects. Decent sound and build quality, but what kind of improvements in sound quality can I expect with the MIT combination I outlined above? There is no doubt in my mind that MIT products are far superior, but how noticeable will the improvement be? Will the EXP-1 and EXP-2 cables play well together? How much break-in time do all these cables need to open up?

If it helps, here is a quick run-down of my system/signal chain:

ASUS Xonar Essence soundcard in PC with Burr-Brown DACs, playing anywhere from 16/44.1 to 24/92Khz FLAC music files

Analog out from the soundcard into an Emotiva USP-1 analog pre-amp using 8 meter Monster THX 1000 RCAs (supposedly some of their better interconnects)

Preamp to 2 Emotiva UPA-1 monoblocks (running 4-ohm, 350wrms each)

Polk LSi-9s, crossed over at 50hz

Polk Micropro 2000 sub, crossed over at 50hz

Do you feel this system is of a high enough quality to really benefit from an upgrade to the entry-level MIT products? Don?t pull any punches ? you won?t hurt my feelings haha... I love my system, but I know it would be considered ?mid-fi? at best...

Sorry for the long email and so many questions, but my means are limited and I wanted your honest opinion on whether this would be a good ?bang for the buck? upgrade to what I am running currently. I could put this money into upgrading speakers instead, but a couple of people on here I correspond with said they noticed a big improvement with upgrading to MIT cables, although theirs are much more expensive than the cables I am looking at.

Thanks in advance for all your help! I really appreciate it!

Philip

F1nut

Generally, as you move up the ladder within the same series, the bass response improves while the rest is pretty much the same.

Why do you need such long cables?

philipjr

Well I have a rather strange setup when it comes to cables. My PC and sub sit under a desk with the LSi9s to each side of the desk on 36' stands, which is in the middle along a 25 foot wall in my bedroom. The PC is connected to the pre by 8 meter RCAs. The reason I need such long cable from the PC to the pre, and then from the pre and monoblocks back to the mains and sub, is because my rack components sit on a hardwood corner shelf in the far right-side corner of the wall. Weird setup, but it looks nice. I use equal lengths for the Canare speaker wire so it does not seem to negatively impact the sound.

I remember you telling me some time back that you started with entry level MIT speaker cables and interconnects and then worked your way up. Should I go with all EXP-2 for now? I can get an incredible deal on b-stock. All that is wrong with them is the arrows on the jacket showing signal flow are backwards. That's it. Just wanted to hear from some folks like you that have used this series and could answer some of my admittedly abundant but specific questions. If you don't think this low of a MIT series would be a noticeable improvement over the cables and interconnects I am using now, I can always save up and get EXP-1s or AVT-1s later on down the road, or another brand if you know of any great deals on b-stock or used. I did try out your suggestion on checkingout Audiogon, but soon realized that my knowledge of the various brands was lacking to the point of prohibiting me from making an informed decision on what to purchase. MIT seems to be pretty universally well-regarded, so I thought I might start there. Any impressions you can share on your experiences with these, or answers to some of the questions about them I posted above?

As always, your feedback and others on the forum is much valued and appreciated. Sorry for the long posts.

dorokusai

I'd save your money and start with the Shotgun series. I don't think the EXP lineup is all that great compared to other manufacturers in the same price class.

philipjr

Thanks for the feedback. Do you feel that what I am already running is good enough to not be too dtrimental to the rest of the system? If I spend any more money on my system, I of course want to put that money where it will make the biggest improvement. I think my component selectio, while certainly not top-notch by any means, is pretty good for what I spent on equipment, so my thoughts have turned latelt to trying out some better cables. If I understanding you correctly though, these are not the greatest cable for the money and I should hold off for now...

You mentioned other brands which offered more performance in that price range. What brands and series did you have in mind?

philipjr

BY the way, let's say I only replace for now the 8 meter interconnects from the PC soundcard to my pre. Would the EXP-1s be a noticeable upgrade from the Monster Cable THX 1000 RCAs I am currently using? I can get the EXP-1s for only $60 new B-stock. They normally retail at $250. The EXP-2 speaker cables I can get in 25-foot for $83, which retail for $330. Would this even be worth it?

cokewithvanilla

if you moved your pc, you'd save a crap ton on cables. Why not stick the PC in the corner, go wireless for mouse/keybord and run a single long DVI?

edit: well, nvm.... the b stock stuff is real cheap.

philipjr

True, that is a good point, but what I really need to know is if moving to the MIT EXP-1 series interconnects, and from the Canare Star Quad speaker cables to the EXP-2 cables would net me any noticeable increase in sound quality. Even though it is a great deal on the MITs, it doesn't make sense to pull the trigger if I end up with no significant improvement in resolution...

dorokusai

Well, given the distance, the Shotgun series is a bit much to spend in hindsight.

B Run

Hey phil, i'd bring my MIT's over and let you check em out but they're only 10ft runs. I'd give it a shot, if you're not satisfied you can always return them.

PSOVLSK

I noticed maybe a little better low end on the EXP-1 compared to the 2's.

In my opinion, you will not notice a difference that justifies the cost...even at the great B-stock price. BUT, as B Run says, give them a shot because you may find that it is worth the cost. Plus, then you'll know for sure and you won't have to wonder.

I can't respond regarding the IC's as I've never heard MIT.

philipjr

I am confused - the EXP series is MIT. Or do you mean you have heard the speaker cables from that series but not the interconnects?

I have PMed the gentleman on here that had some Nordost Blue Heaven half-meter ICs for sale to see if he still has them. After hanging out a few weeks ago with B Run, he convinced me that even a short run IC between the pre and the monoblocks can make a small but noticeable improvement, even considering the ridiculous 6 or 8 meter run I have between the PC and the pre-amp that precedes it in the signal chain.

On a side note, I had a long (45 min) and enlightening conversation with a very knowledgable gentleman at Nordost today. Learned a lot about speaker cables and ICs that I did not know before - and he also said this (sorry if this is common knowledge it was surprising to me). He said don't worry about ICs and speaker cable upgrades until after you upgrade your power cables - always do that first. I always figured it would be the other way around. This backs up everything B Run and I discussed during our listening session a little while back. I am looking into grabbing three power cables soon but I think I need to snatch up another .5 meter IC to replace the short run between my pre and amps. They were top of the line Monster Interlink 400 when I got them new, but that was...drum roll please...21 years ago LOL. I am 36 now. I am pretty sure cable technology has come a long way since then haha. The Blue Heavens or something comparable to replace that small run might be well worth the cash layout for a used pair, especially if they will add a bit of air and detail in the upper treble. The tweets in my LSi9s sound a bit dark (although pretty smooth) with the setup I am running right now. What do you guys think?

I still want to know if anyone thinks the MIT EXP-1 cables for the long 6-8 meter run from the PC to the pre would be worth buying to replace the Monster THX 1000 pair I have now...

B Run

I'd do this order honestly: get 3 power cables from pepster (like the one i brought over) or anywhere you can get a good deal on them, then do your short IC's between the pre and amps, then look into the long IC's and i'd do the speaker cables last. I heard an improvement going from the Canare to the EXP 2's but not as much as I got from my interconnects or power cables, mainly bc I think the Canare is a pretty decent wire for the price.

F1nut

and he also said this (sorry if this is common knowledge it was surprising to me). He said don't worry about ICs and speaker cable upgrades until after you upgrade your power cables - always do that first.

Gotta disagree with that one.

I can always save up and get EXP-1s or AVT-1s later on down the road

I'd suggest saving up for the AVT1's rather than purchasing the EXP's.

heiney9

F1nut wrote: »

I'd suggest saving up for the AVT1's rather than purchasing the EXP's.

Yep, that's what I'd recommend also.

The Monster stuff isn't that great, the Canare is actually pretty respectable. So save your $$$ until a great deal on AVt's comes around......and it will.

H9

philipjr

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I have decided to take the advice given and wait until down the road a ways when I can afford to replace all my cables with nicer ones from the same family, likely the MIT Avt or something even nicer if I can find some used. In the meantime, all I have bought is a short 30-inch run of Kimber PBJs to replace the ancient Monster ICs I have running between my pre and the monoblocks. I have heard nothing but good things about them being one one of the best bang for the buck entry level ICs around, but I did buy them without having a chance to listen to them. The deal was too good to pass up ($55 brand new), but I wanted to see if any of you guys have actually had experience with these ICs, and what you thought of them...

Have a great weekend everyone!

Phil

F1nut

That's a plan.

PSOVLSK

philipjr wrote: »

I am confused - the EXP series is MIT. Or do you mean you have heard the speaker cables from that series but not the interconnects?

Sorry about the confusion. Yes, I've heard the EXP 1 and 2 speakers cables, but not the IC's.

Sounds like a good deal on the Kimbers. Never heard them, but have heard good things about them.