Delphi Skyfi interconnect review
steveinaz
Posts: 19,538
I received the Acoustic Research cable, model AP042, an upgrade to the .99 cent interconnect provided with the Delphi Skyfi XM radio.
Construction:
This cable is a 1/8" mini stereo jack that terminates to 2 RCA jacks for L,R channels. The cable is 3ft long (.9 mtrs). its used for connecting the Skyfi home cradle into a stereo system line level input.
It looks like maybe Monster cable makes these for AR as they have the same 'turbine" style RCA jacks, which are gold plated. The 1/8" stereo mini-jack is also gold plated. The shealth is a blue/purple color and the cable is just slightly thicker than an entry level interconnect. Quality looks a step above an entry level cable as well.
Cost:
$11.00 at Buy.com
Performance:
As you might imagine, better sounding than the "thread" thin nickle plated connector provided with the Skyfi. Treble extension is smoother and less nasal, bass tighter, yet the slightest bit deeper.
Conclusion:
For $11.00, why not replace the cheese-ball connector provided? This looks to be a very nice cable given its modest price, and a 3' run should work perfectly for most people. Probably on-par with the Monster Cable IP200 (though the AR connectors are better); but not nearly as nice as the Monster Cable IP400.
*** 3 stars out of 4.
Construction:
This cable is a 1/8" mini stereo jack that terminates to 2 RCA jacks for L,R channels. The cable is 3ft long (.9 mtrs). its used for connecting the Skyfi home cradle into a stereo system line level input.
It looks like maybe Monster cable makes these for AR as they have the same 'turbine" style RCA jacks, which are gold plated. The 1/8" stereo mini-jack is also gold plated. The shealth is a blue/purple color and the cable is just slightly thicker than an entry level interconnect. Quality looks a step above an entry level cable as well.
Cost:
$11.00 at Buy.com
Performance:
As you might imagine, better sounding than the "thread" thin nickle plated connector provided with the Skyfi. Treble extension is smoother and less nasal, bass tighter, yet the slightest bit deeper.
Conclusion:
For $11.00, why not replace the cheese-ball connector provided? This looks to be a very nice cable given its modest price, and a 3' run should work perfectly for most people. Probably on-par with the Monster Cable IP200 (though the AR connectors are better); but not nearly as nice as the Monster Cable IP400.
*** 3 stars out of 4.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2