MIT Shotgun S3.3 Cable Demo/Review Round 4

Mike Reeter

heiney9 wrote: »

listening is believing and that really is the ticket, so to speak, in this hobby

They are the real deal and cables matter.

H9

That's why I put the trial demo off for so long, I knew from the comments from MIT owners around here that they WERE the real deal, and I would be left with the feeling of "Cable Envy" until I was able to be an owner myself.

A few years back when I tried my first set of "better" cables, I picked up some Blue Jean Cables, a pair of Audioquest Mambas, some Copperhead i/c's and I was pleasently surprised at what I was hearing. I ended up with some King Cobras that are a solid performer also and have served me well over the years.

Have tried a few speaker wires including some IXOS, Audioquest Bedrock and some Signal Cable Ultras, all better than average wire, but not in the same league as the MIT S3.3

I live in the middle of nowhere, it is a 180 mi. round trip to the nearest dedicated Audio Store were a guy can see and demo anything that resembles Hi Fi. So I really appreciate the offer to try out some very nice wires and cables in my own home, with my own gear, and my own material.

Santas list is getting started a little early this year!

heiney9

If you are vigilant and scour Ebay and Audiogon a few times a day, you can find some great deals, but you have to act fast. I paid a fraction of retail buying used and all mine look brand new. The only downside to being "cheap" :cheesygrin:, is I waited quite awhile to get a complete set of Shotgun cables for my rig. But for the price I assembled it all, it was worth the wait.

H9

Mike Reeter

Hey, I'm all about buying " good used " I quess another term for being " cheap " !!!

Clipdat

Hey Mike, nice review! You did a great job describing the build quality and fit & finish of these high end cables.

Can only imagine how awesome the tube amp & CDP sounded together with the MITs - Looks like we know what you want for xmas!

Mike Reeter

Thanks Drew, the demo was an "ear opening" experience for sure. Well worth the price of admission :biggrin:

SDA1C

Hats off to Jesse and MIT for the opportunity to audition a grand set of interconnect and speaker cables at such an outlandishly low cost. Anyone considering an upgrade of this type should definitely get on the list for what is, if nothing else, an opportunity to verify or put to rest the great cable debate.

Equipment;

Sunfire TGP3, Sunfire Sig425/5, Oppo BDP-93, Belkin PureFilter60, Technics 1360 TT

Current cabling;

Monster Cable single Helix 16ga, DHLabs Optical Toslink, DHLabs Prostudio XLR, Peps Power cables all around. Furutech plugs on the Oppo. Kaptain Cables on the TT.

Speakers;

SDA1C-boards, caps, resistors, spikes, rings, Dynamat baskets, Rd-0194 tweets.
RTA11T-caps, resistors, rings, Dynamat baskets, spikes, Rd-0194 tweets.
5JR- Bone stock all factory original.
DCM Timewindow-Vifa Tweets.

Room size and dimensions-16x24x8 feet all calculations for timing and distance handled through the TGP3 all settings on the Oppo zeroed.

When I received the cables I opened them with my UPS driver watching. We both went ohh and ahh when I unwrapped them. What a spectacular looking cable! Well built and of a no nonsense size. They really command respect from their appearance alone. I set them out for the night contemplating where I would start.

I began with a CD version of The Cult-She Sells Sanctuary/Live. I have heard this a million times and can even add to the drum solos hehe. I then switched the cables to the Shotguns. The best way to describe it would be the music seemed to move forward towards me as if I had gotten closer to the stage. I also noticed the tweeters picking up detail in the CD that was not previously there. Small minute details, some good some bad, but more detail none the less. I noticed no difference on CD with the changes in impedance if switched at the boxes. I put my originals back in place and grabbed the Vinyl. With The Cars-Heartbeat City I reminded myself why I like dynamics. I then switched to the Shotguns and again I gained a sort of 3 dimensional widening and felt a bit closer to the music. I realized the same differences in the Vinyl that I noticed from the CD. Pops are a bit poppier and the cymbals rang a little longer. The two comparisons proving the same results satisfied my question of whether or not cables make a difference. To me they certainly do. Curiosity getting me now, I decided to actually read the brochures and do it ?Their Way? LOL. Noting these have their best foot forward when used in conjunction with one another I promptly plugged in the first set of IC to the Oppo, fl and r, and to the CD in of the TGP3. I then went to the front current source on the Sig425 and disconnected all of the other XLR cables. Now is when everything should shine it?s brightest, no extra cables or connections and all channels freed no the amp. Unfortunately I didn't notice a discernible difference from the original setup telling me I couldn't completely agree that having nothing in the chain but MIT makes that big of a difference. I even noticed a bit of smoothness with the XLR from the Pre to the Amp that the MIT didn't provide. What I concluded was the speaker cables made the difference not necessarily the IC. I tried every speaker set I own with the same enhancements in detail and dimension. I firmly attribute this difference to the Shotgun S3.3 Speaker Interface Cables.

There were a couple things that turned me off, first of course is price. If I were to put the sonic differences I noticed in financial terms based on bang for the buck compared to the board and crossover component upgrades done previously I would give the Boards a 10 and the cables a 3.5. Second is the enormous size of the boxes that are said to work the magic. I had a hard time concealing them and frankly I think they are a bit on the gaudy side but if you take away those two negative aspects they are quite a nice set of cables. After this demo am I looking to buy a set of these?? Not really. I like them and they sound good, I can?t take anything from their sound and will certainly hand them some in certain areas, which to me is a good thing, but the boxes are over the top in my view and can say they probably wouldn't stay long if I were to buy a set. The improvements, to me, do not warrant the price and the extra real estate required to house them.

Thanks again, Jesse, for an awesome opportunity to try out some really great cables. My hat is off to MIT for allowing this traveling audition to take place. I learned quite a bit to further my journey, had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the MIT Shotgun S3.3 Interconnects and the MIT Shotgun Speaker Interface Cables.

Mike Reeter

Good review 1C, I have to agree with your size comments, they are huge to say the least. The magic boxes on the speaker wires look as if they need their own stands just to support them.

The MITs are a special cable though, and some things you just have to overlook!

brgman

Mike Reeter wrote: »

Good review 1C, I have to agree with your size comments, they are huge to say the least. The magic boxes on the speaker wires look as if they need their own stands just to support them.

The MITs are a special cable though, and some things you just have to overlook!

Agree.The boxes are a PITA but if that is what it takes so be it.I love my MIT's.

SDA1C

Oh yea. I have nothing but good to say about their sound and after all that IS what it's all about. I had another concern that probably fueled the box size critique and that is if the connections on the speaker are higher than the out side of the box is long. In that case they would need some added support or something to sit on. I am still looking to upgrade obviously and to have the chance to try this big of a jump for next to nothing was a great opportunity. when the kids are gone and the tubes move in I am sure there is something from MIT on the list. But for now...

P.s. Consider me part of the Blue column lol.

Systems

Nice review Dan!

F1nut

What extra real estate? You would still have cable on the floor running to the speakers, these just have a box on them that is a few inches wider than the actual cable. Really, I don't understand the issue. Besides, the boxes say badass like none other....be proud, show them off.

I had another concern that probably fueled the box size critique and that is if the connections on the speaker are higher than the out side of the box is long. In that case they would need some added support or something to sit on.

The speaker cables can be ordered with longer tails. The overall length will be the same, say 8 feet, but the tails will be longer while the main cable will shorter.

As for needing support, nope. I've had a pair of Shotgun cables "hanging" off the backs of my office speakers for 6 or 7 years, not an issue.

SDA1C

F1nut wrote: »

What extra real estate? You would still have cable on the floor running to the speakers, these just have a box on them that is a few inches wider than the actual cable. Really, I don't understand the issue. Besides, the boxes say badass like none other....be proud, show them off.



The speaker cables can be ordered with longer tails. The overall length will be the same, say 8 feet, but the tails will be longer while the main cable will shorter.

As for needing support, nope. I've had a pair of Shotgun cables "hanging" off the backs of my office speakers for 6 or 7 years, not an issue.

Thanks Jesse,

You make valid points and the adjustable length on the out end of the box is a definite plus. As far as the bulbus nanodongle hanging off the back of my office set.....thanks.....thanks a lot, for a nightmarish visual! LOL

Systems

What extra real estate? You would still have cable on the floor running to the speakers, these just have a box on them that is a few inches wider than the actual cable. Really, I don't understand the issue. Besides, the boxes say badass like none other....be proud, show them off.

They are sweet looking, and do their job VERY well from what I have read, but if your amp is higher than the cable coming out of the box, you might have to find some support to reach your amp (As Dan mentioned).
Mine is not that high (as most I am sure), and that would be a fun project for me personally, I can see some coffee cans filled with sand to support the boxes, may actually be some benenfit!
Hillbilly engineering!

Minor problem to say the least.
I would have jumped in on this, but they are out of my price range, and knowing my luck, somehow, they would have ended up broken beyond repair!
But I have enjoyed reading the great reviews!

Plus, I plan on sneaking over to brgman's and stealing his in the near future.:redface:

SDA1C

Regardless of how, Pep, you really should get an ear on them. What a nice smooth sound there is.

Amherst

Curious if this demo will be running after the beginning of the new year?

Would have to move my amp location to accommodate the length of these cables and prefer not to mess with the rig before the holidays.

rromeo923

Looks like these are coming my way. This will put them to the test. I have yet to hear any difference in cables. Now I will also say that I have not really tried any high quality cables.
These MIT will have "stiff" competition as I am currently using a hodge podge set of cables. I think one of the cables I am using was one that came with a cheap cd player I bought in the 80's. You get the picture.

So you dont think that I have a hearing deficiency. I have been able to hear drastic differences in amps, speakers, tubes etc.

Gonna be fun!

Slinger182

Wow what a cool experience trying out these cables. Thanks to Jesse and MIT for the opportunity to try these out.
My gear;
Parasound 2100 pre, Oppo 83 bdp and b&k tx4430 amp.
Signal cable analog 2 interconnects and ultra speaker cables.
TSi 500 speakers (stock for now)
16x15x8 room

When I unpacked these I was blown away by the size of them. They are huge! The build quality is just incredible. I love the quality of my signal cables but these just took it to a completely different level.

Unfortunately after unpacking these I immediately had to leave to catch a flight for a 5 day trip to see some family for Thanksgiving. I got home late Sunday night but after catching up on some work at home on Monday I had most of the day to hook these up to my system and enjoy.

I listened Led Zeppelin 1 because it's a CD I've been listening to almost my whole life. I listened to it all the way through with my signal cables. I swapped in the MITs which was a bit of a chore with the thickness of the cables. I really like the locking interconnects and I swapped in spades on the speaker cables on the amp ends which was quite easy to do.

After getting everything swapped in it was time to sit back and check these cables out. I immediately liked what I was hearing. The sound stage changed a lot. The sound seemed to be a lot closer to me and it was a much wider stage. The cables seemed to do a better job of hiding my speakers as well. Also the music was much more detailed. I was definitely picking up some sounds I hadn't noticed before.

Bass and mid-bass response was also much better. Definitely felt more defined and separated. I quit using my sub a while ago for 2 channel. The psw 505 is fine for HT but for 2 channel it just wasn't cutting it. So the improved bass I got out of my 500s from the cables was one of the most noticeable things right away.

I really enjoyed going through my collection and the new sound I was getting from my modest rig. I don't consider myself audiophile and haven't gotten my ears on a lot of different equipment. I'm just a guy that enjoys music and consider this a hobby or journey into getting better sound.

Overall there wasn't anything I didn't like about these cables. The price is definitely a little out of my range. I don't think I would bother trying to upgrade my cables until I could afford these.

If you have a chance to give these a try in your setup I highly recommend it.

Thanks again to Jesse and MIT.

engtaz

Nice review. Thanks

rromeo923

The eagle has landed. Very large box. I will open tomorrow and check it out!

rromeo923

Ok I opened the box! Here is what came out.

I take them downstairs to my basement rig.

Yaqin MC-10L
Yaqin MS -12b
Klipsch KG4
Pioneer PL550
Squeezebox touch
Here is a picture of the MIT cable and a Monster cable that I was using between Squeezebox Touch.

Here is a picture of the MIT cable and a no name come w/ cheap component cable that I was using between the Yaqin MS 12b preand the Yaqin MC- 10l integrated.

Here is a picture of MIT speaker cable and some Monoprice 14awg

rromeo923

First thing I noticed was the build quality of the MIT cables. These things are heavy duty. I really don't know a lot about cabling but these are impressive by sight and feel.
Time to give them a listen.
I had just listened to a few songs from Natalie Merchant Tigerlily so I could get the sound in my head.
First I just swap out the Monsters for the MIT (low impedence switch) between squeezebox and Yaqin pre. I power the system up at same volume as I was listening. First think I notice is that the volume is a little lower and the highs were slightly muted but the bass was a bit more noticeable. All in all a very slight difference if any difference at all. Hmmm, not impressed.
Second I then swap out the cheap IC's for the MIT between Yaqin pre and integrated. MIT's still on squeezebox too. Again nothing really. I am thinking these things are a bust. Time to call Jesse and tell him to come and get these cables. I am even hesitant to try out the speaker cables because they are so big and slightly unwieldy. Well since they are here I figured better give it a try.
Ok, all MITcables and speaker cables are now in the mix. I turn on the system again and now I hear something different. Bass punch much better, a fuller sound, the horns are tamed. I sit and listen to almost all of Tigerlily and then switch to Abbey Road (which I have heard a thousand times). Come together just comes together! I am now really liking these cables. In fact too much. I decide to do what I have done up to this point but backwards. I take off MIT and put back Monster on Squeezebox. The fuller sound is gone. Things sound thin and brighter, but also it bit more airy. Next MIT off and cheap RCA's back between Yaqins. Sound still the same. Ok back to my Monoprice speaker "wire". Now the sound is really thin and bright in comparison. I now almost wish I have not done this.

rromeo923

Then I go to MIT's website to find out how much these cable cost. Well for these two IC sets along with 10 meter speaker cables we are talking $2500.00. First thing that comes to my mind is, how can I get these or other cables that are similar for much cheaper. Used?
I have now seen/heard what the difference in cabling can do to a system. These MIT's worked wonders w/my basement rig. Next up, Upstairs.

Conrad Johnson MF 2200
Conrad Johnson PV2
Micro Seiki DD40
Squeezebox touch (same one as basement )
Maybe I will even hook up a SACD player (Not sure if I have any SACD's left)
SDA 1C's w/RDO 194's, Clarity caps w/Mundorf Resistors VRTrey'd, upgraded Interconnect SDA cord and connections, Larrys Rings, spikes, etc.

But this will have to wait till tomorrow.

brgman

You can get them for about half that price from Joe at Equus Audio.
Also TheCableCo.com

F1nut

Rick, please wait until your demo is finished to post your thoughts/review.

rromeo923

Ok. However, the basement demo is over. I figured I better write it down while it was fresh. I am now waiting to find out the input impedance of my Conrad Johnson pv2 before continuing the demo.
Wont post again till I am done. It wont be long.

vcwatkins

WOW! Scored some of these S3.3 speaker cables on Audiogon and, once again, I'm amazed at how massive and well-built they are (these are bi-wire) and how much they improve the sound and imaging.

Not sure if it has anything to do with the bi-wiring, but the soundstage width and imaging seems even better than what I remembered during the demo. And where I noted a couple instances of harshness/dryness during the demo, I just don't experience the same thing now. Amazing improvement. I just could not be any happier I decided to take the plunge earlier than planned after demoing, and would definitely make the same decision again. I am sure I wouldn't even have contemplated this purchase if it had not been for the demo, and I wouldn't know how good things could be.

So, thanks again MIT and Jesse for making this program available to schmoes like me.

Craig

Mike Reeter

Good score Craig, I plan on picking up a pair soon myself. I'm sure you realize also, that the MITs might be your "last" pair of wires.

rromeo923

Well I sent an email to Conrad Johnson to get input impedance for the pv2. They said it is 70 ohm so I went with the medium setting and set up the IC’s between the Squeezebox and the PV2. I then hooked up the IC's between the PV2 and MF2200. This I set the impedance to high (100 ohm). I then hooked up the speaker cables to my SDA 1C's.
Originally I was using monster cable between the squeezebox and pv2. I was also using some braided cables made by pepster between pv2 and MF2200. In addition,I was using some in wall speaker wire that a friend of mine installed when we rehabbed the room 10 yrs ago.
One thing I discovered which i like is that you can tighten up the connections on the rca's. That is a nice feature as it makes for a very good connection. I also decided to play around with switching the impedance levels on the IC’s. I heard no audible difference between any of the settings.
I played the same songs as I did before. Natalie Merchant - Tiger Lily and then some Abbey Road. The sound was great and i felt that the sound was getting to a point where I could be pleased for the rest of my life w/ this system. However, the change between before and after the MIT's was more subtle on this system than it was on my basement system. This surprised me as I thought if the components were better the MIT's would shine more. I am guessing that the basement Klipsch KG 4's really benefited from the MIT speaker cables and IC's. The brightness and harshness was gone and the bass was improved. The music was much more textural and warm. With the MIT's and the Conrad Johnson pre and amp along with the Polk SDA 1C's the warmth was not as evident. The improved bass was also less noticeable. I was actually a little disappointed after the revelation that occurred in the basement..
I guess the whole reason for this audio experiment is to further the enjoyment of the listening to music. So that is what I have been doing. I have since listened to a lot of different music from solo piano (Isaac Shepard) to Live Grateful Dead to Old Aerosmith to Frank Sinatra along with many other artists and music types. This has truly been an enjoyable experience and I want to thank Jesse and MIT for the opportunity.
In conclusion I would recommend MIT shotgun S3.3 IC’s and Speaker Interface cables whole heartedly to anyone who loves music and wants to take their system to the next level. Unfortunately for many these cables are cost prohibitive. Will I be going out and buying a set for both my systems? No I wont. Will I be looking for some used deals? Yes I believe so. All in all I can now say that cables DO make a difference, at least MIT’s

F1nut

Ok, at this point in time I don't have any more folks on the list. Have we reached the end of this demo program?

Toolfan66

Does this mean they are forsale? LOL!!!