MIT Cable Review
BlueFox
Posts: 15,251
in Electronics
I initially posted this in the MIT Styleline thread in the two-channel forum. However, I doubt many people saw it since the new, "improved" Polk forum has a major bug. That bug is if a thread is a sticky then any posts to it DO NOT show up in Recent Discussions. I suspect most people only look at Recent Discussions to see if anything has been posted versus going to each forum and looking for new posts.
Review:
I took part in this cable review since I have been thinking of upgrading the speaker cables in my HT. My HT primarily consists of hand-me-downs from my two channel system, and as such is a pretty good system for HT sound, multi-channel sound, and stereo. At this point I feel the weak links in this system are the speaker cables.
The speaker cables are the first ‘high-end’ speaker cables I put in my two-channel system years ago. They are Mapleshade Clearview Double Helix Speaker Cable with PLUS Upgrade, and retail between $400-$600 for the lengths used in my HT. When I first got them they replaced the generic 12 gauge twisted copper I had been using, and did bring a new dimension of sound to the system. That was when I realized cables can make a difference. Later I upgraded to another cable, and these moved into the HT, where, again, they replaced generic 12 gauge twisted copper. Plus I ordered a longer pair for the right front and right rear, and a single for the center.
http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DHELIX-PL
Anyway, over the years I upgraded the HT electronics, interconnects, speakers, power conditioner, and power cables, but didn’t touch the speaker cables. While they did sound good, I am at the point where I suspect they are the weakest link.
So, I took advantage of this cable demo to check if a ‘better’ cable made any difference.
The MIT cables in the demo are SL12, and list retail at $1200, but MIT sells at big discounts through their dealers. I guess the size of the discount is up to the dealer. So, I would guess a final price to be a little more than what the Mapleshade cables cost.
http://www.mitcables.com/available-in-stores/speaker-interfaces/styleline-sl-12-speaker-interface.html
I used all three speaker cables; two for the front, and one for the center. They all had bananas, except for the amp side of the center, which required spades.
After it was hooked up, and allowed to settle in for a bit, I played my reference Blue Ray DVD, Terminator 3. This DVD has some great audio scenes; such as when the Terminatrix arrives and walks barefoot on the sidewalk. Her steps were now much more clear. Another scene is where John Conner drops a beer bottle off a bridge, and it hits a skull on the river bottom. The clink is now very distinct. The chase scene later on is much more vivid with the improved sound, along with the shootout in the cemetery.
So, I have to admit my gut feeling was correct. The Mapleshade cables are the weak link in this system, no contest. Later, I played music through the system, and it too was better, but I think the added audio detail in movies had a more obvious presence. It seemed louder, had more detail and clarity, and just stood out.
Another cable I tried was the HDMI cable. I have two HDMI cables in my system, one cable is the included HDMI with a new Oppo 103 and is connected to the Onkyo SC5509 pre, while the other is a 5 meter Pangea cable from the Onkyo to the Hitachi monitor. I replaced the Oppo cable with the MIT.
To be honest, I was not expecting much, but changing this one link bought the picture quality up a notch. While I cannot say the picture is ‘better’ with the MIT HDMI, I can say the colors are darker. That is, there is more color to the color, if that makes any sense.
To test the picture, I used the Blue Ray DVD, Avatar. This DVD has fantastic colors, and this cable made watching it like seeing it new. I was noticing insects in the background I had never noticed before, and even the scenes I have memorized were just better because of the more color. This surprised me more than the speaker cables, which I pretty much expected to be better.
I didn’t try either the USB, interconnects, or speaker jumpers.
This demo convinced me it is time to upgrade my speaker cables, and HDMI cable, although I am looking at Shunyata for these components.
Gear:
TV:
Hitachi 57” RPTV, calibrated, with a Shunyata Zitron Cobra power cord. This is on a shared circuit.
Electronics:
Onkyo SC5509 preamp
Cambridge-Audio 840W left channel amp
Cambridge-Audio 840W right channel amp
Sunfire TGA-5400 center, rear channel amp
Onkyo 103 Blue Ray
Bryston BDP-1 file player
Bryston BDA-2 DAC
Xbox 360
Speakers:
Aerial Acoustics 7T fronts
PSB Synchrony One tower for surrounds
PSB Synchrony One Center
Cables:
All Shunyata Zitron power cables (Anaconda, Python, Cobra, Alpha Digital)
MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLR interconnects
Mapleshade speaker cables
Shunyata Anaconda AES digital between two Bryston components
Power:
20 amp dedicated line
Shunyata Hydra AV power conditioner
Review:
I took part in this cable review since I have been thinking of upgrading the speaker cables in my HT. My HT primarily consists of hand-me-downs from my two channel system, and as such is a pretty good system for HT sound, multi-channel sound, and stereo. At this point I feel the weak links in this system are the speaker cables.
The speaker cables are the first ‘high-end’ speaker cables I put in my two-channel system years ago. They are Mapleshade Clearview Double Helix Speaker Cable with PLUS Upgrade, and retail between $400-$600 for the lengths used in my HT. When I first got them they replaced the generic 12 gauge twisted copper I had been using, and did bring a new dimension of sound to the system. That was when I realized cables can make a difference. Later I upgraded to another cable, and these moved into the HT, where, again, they replaced generic 12 gauge twisted copper. Plus I ordered a longer pair for the right front and right rear, and a single for the center.
http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DHELIX-PL
Anyway, over the years I upgraded the HT electronics, interconnects, speakers, power conditioner, and power cables, but didn’t touch the speaker cables. While they did sound good, I am at the point where I suspect they are the weakest link.
So, I took advantage of this cable demo to check if a ‘better’ cable made any difference.
The MIT cables in the demo are SL12, and list retail at $1200, but MIT sells at big discounts through their dealers. I guess the size of the discount is up to the dealer. So, I would guess a final price to be a little more than what the Mapleshade cables cost.
http://www.mitcables.com/available-in-stores/speaker-interfaces/styleline-sl-12-speaker-interface.html
I used all three speaker cables; two for the front, and one for the center. They all had bananas, except for the amp side of the center, which required spades.
After it was hooked up, and allowed to settle in for a bit, I played my reference Blue Ray DVD, Terminator 3. This DVD has some great audio scenes; such as when the Terminatrix arrives and walks barefoot on the sidewalk. Her steps were now much more clear. Another scene is where John Conner drops a beer bottle off a bridge, and it hits a skull on the river bottom. The clink is now very distinct. The chase scene later on is much more vivid with the improved sound, along with the shootout in the cemetery.
So, I have to admit my gut feeling was correct. The Mapleshade cables are the weak link in this system, no contest. Later, I played music through the system, and it too was better, but I think the added audio detail in movies had a more obvious presence. It seemed louder, had more detail and clarity, and just stood out.
Another cable I tried was the HDMI cable. I have two HDMI cables in my system, one cable is the included HDMI with a new Oppo 103 and is connected to the Onkyo SC5509 pre, while the other is a 5 meter Pangea cable from the Onkyo to the Hitachi monitor. I replaced the Oppo cable with the MIT.
To be honest, I was not expecting much, but changing this one link bought the picture quality up a notch. While I cannot say the picture is ‘better’ with the MIT HDMI, I can say the colors are darker. That is, there is more color to the color, if that makes any sense.
To test the picture, I used the Blue Ray DVD, Avatar. This DVD has fantastic colors, and this cable made watching it like seeing it new. I was noticing insects in the background I had never noticed before, and even the scenes I have memorized were just better because of the more color. This surprised me more than the speaker cables, which I pretty much expected to be better.
I didn’t try either the USB, interconnects, or speaker jumpers.
This demo convinced me it is time to upgrade my speaker cables, and HDMI cable, although I am looking at Shunyata for these components.
Gear:
TV:
Hitachi 57” RPTV, calibrated, with a Shunyata Zitron Cobra power cord. This is on a shared circuit.
Electronics:
Onkyo SC5509 preamp
Cambridge-Audio 840W left channel amp
Cambridge-Audio 840W right channel amp
Sunfire TGA-5400 center, rear channel amp
Onkyo 103 Blue Ray
Bryston BDP-1 file player
Bryston BDA-2 DAC
Xbox 360
Speakers:
Aerial Acoustics 7T fronts
PSB Synchrony One tower for surrounds
PSB Synchrony One Center
Cables:
All Shunyata Zitron power cables (Anaconda, Python, Cobra, Alpha Digital)
MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLR interconnects
Mapleshade speaker cables
Shunyata Anaconda AES digital between two Bryston components
Power:
20 amp dedicated line
Shunyata Hydra AV power conditioner
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Comments
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Thanks for the review!
MIT makes a good line of cabling...still got my shotguns for speaker duty!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Nice! Thanks for the review!!2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
How do these compare to the alien crystal?
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polkfarmboy wrote: »How do these compare to the alien crystal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LuiXF1i_JE
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polkfarmboy wrote: »How do these compare to the alien crystal?
Good question. Maybe tophatjohnny can get with the program, and give us an A/B review.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Good read. I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get to try the HDMI cable in the HT due to lack of time. Hearing isn't my strong suit so my eyes can perceive more of a difference. I should upgrade those in the near future.
When is your 2channel going to "hand me down" a newer TV?Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!! -
polkfarmboy wrote: »How do these compare to the alien crystal?
Good question. Maybe tophatjohnny can get with the program, and give us an A/B review.
Man thank you as since you started the review thread that isn't getting a whole lot of momentum (as far as i can see) you can't compare the 2!! I had the MIT Shotgun S2's and I loved them. Crazy quality. Only problem was the deal I was offered was on a 10 ft set and needed some longer cables so I scored a set of Analysis Plus Oval 9's that were longer and they also sound great. The thing is, there are a lot of great cables out there, some not so great, so while some have the golden ears of this earth , I do not. I'd say consult with BlueFox for all your cable questions, as he's the pro in this arena. I am simply a semi retired drummer that has blown his ears to kingdom come and I love em all! Hope that helps with your add on to the detailed review thread you so invited me into!! Yes. I check it all out and read your great review. Now throw down and get all your gear MIT equipped!!"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
***************************** -
When is your 2channel going to "hand me down" a newer TV?
LOL. Probably never, since I don't have a TV in the living room. While my HT monitor is 10 years old, and only does 1080i, after calibration it looks great. Being a RPTV it took a lot of effort to get it into the back room, and it will stay there until it breaks. Then I will cut it up into small pieces to throw away. Hopefully, by then, OLED TVs around 80" screen size, and a reasonable price, will be available at that point.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
[/quote]
The thing is, there are lot of great cables out there, some not so great, so while some have the golden ears of this earth , I do not. [/quote]
You really dont need golden ears to hear a diff if you have a rig like Bluefox. There are cables however that just knock your socks off regardless of how high end the gear is.
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I just had the demo cables delivered today and should have an OPPO BDP-93 blu-ray I just bought here on delivered on Wednesday.
I'll have a good chance to check out all of the cables, except for the center channel speaker cable. I just opened the box, but woke the wife up so I'll check everything out in the morning.
I'm busy trying to fix some of the hack work the PO did to my 3.1TL's, then I can try the RCA's and speaker cables with both systems too."Make a man a fire and he'll be warm for a day. Light
a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." -
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Hey easy there Bluefox, I have one of those Onkyo 103 bluray players hooked up to my Anthem dhc 80.3 pre.
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Is there any links to the original thread? Any way to recover those posts? I had some good reviews for people to read who wanted to check out MIT.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
The original thread is the sticky in the Two-Channel forum.
http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/157156/mit-styleline-cable-demo-review-round-5-usa#latest
The problem is the new, improved Clup Polk does not list any posts to a sticky thread in the 'Recent Discussions' page. So, unless you specifically go to every forum and check, you will not be aware a post was made to a sticky thread.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
Great Post I enjoyed reading it.. I still have my MIT Cables.. that I bought 3 years ago..PolkAudioClyde
