Acoustic zen Matrix 2

tonyb

Mr. Wagner, bless his soul, has granted me the opportunity to try his AZ matrix 2 IC's before actually buying a pair to see if they work for me.

We both have the AZ Satori speaker cables so it was pretty much a no brainer. Mr. Lee of AZ and formerly Harmonic Tech, recommends the Matrix 2 with the Satori's and a mix of Matrix and Silver resolution cables for overly warm systems.

I've seen pics before, but man, for a pair of IC's....I've seen power cords not as thick as these. Really well built, and if your the type that wants to brag about how big your cables are, these won't disappoint. However for me makes no difference, only thing that matters is the sound.

Well, how about the sound then ? 2 words came to mind as soon as I plugged them in between the amp and receiver....HOLY Sh^t !! There it was, there was the sound I was looking for in all my cable switching in and out. When Mr. Lee says these go well with his Satori cables, he isn't just yankin' your chain to sell you a cable. Similar to the Analysis Plus crystal ovals I have also, but a wider soundstage and more layering in the lower bass. Nothing is emphasized, details come through, highs are not etchy and extend well with some air up there. Very well balanced cable that you can listen to forever without fatigue.

A tonyb 5 star recommendation for sure, along with the Satori speaker cables. Sad thing is, I have to eventually return them to Mr. Wagner, and I'll cry like a little girl too. Now I just need to find some myself, or the Absolute IC's. If this is his mid priced cable, holy smokes on the higher end stuff. Now I have to try his digital cables too. Damn this hobby gets expensive. Certainly is a synergy thing going on when all cables are the same brand, as F1NUT has also pointed out in the MIT threads.

Mr. Wagner needs another badge for being an all around champ of a guy too. He even included some special pepper sauce for my BBQ this weekend. Can't beat that with a stick guys, the man is a class act.

vmaxer

Wow, sounds awesome. Wish I could afford some.

tonyb

Buy used bro, that's the only way I can afford them too. Also wanted to mention about noise. These also have a black background, just like the speaker cables do. Takes a little getting used to, not having that audible grunge in the signal we think is part of the recording. When it's gone though, it's a very different presentation.

voltz

sometimes they show up here used

http://www.usedcable.com/category.aspx?mid=6515

tonyb

voltz wrote: »

sometimes they show up here used

http://www.usedcable.com/category.aspx?mid=6515

Too bad their prices are way off base for used. HIFI SHARK has much better pricing on used cables.

tonyb

BTW...the IC's I had before these were not broken....just sayin'.

voltz

Kudos to Mr.Wagner for sharing them with you!

Sometimes it can be tough to find a good pair used especially when you need several pairs. But there is probably someone wanting to buy you older cables.

erniejade

Nice review! I haven't heard any of the AZ cabling yet. Looks like I might need to get my ears on some.

Jhayman

I'm running a pr of AZ WOW IC's, I like the sound , looking for more used but have not found any yet.
If I have one complaint its they are very hard to work with, not very bendy,they need room..
.

tonyb

If you like the WOWS pal, the Matrix is a decent step or 2 up from them. Used around 250-275. The Absolutes are suppose to offer a bit more extension at both ends.

Jhayman

Thanks Tony I'll check around for some Matrix

tonyb

Yeah...good luck to you. I've been trying to hunt up a pair myself, or the Absolutes. Prices seem high for even used pairs and very little on the used markets. I did see a 6ft pair of Satori speaker cables though for 190 bucks which is a down right steal.

tonyb

Wanted to add to this because Mr. Wagner has gone and done it. Before I could send the AZ matrix 2's back to him, he asks if I want to try the Silver reference IC's too.

Blew my mind....oh hell yeah. Having all AZ cables in my system....no brainer. The Silver reference and the Matrix are meant to be used in conjunction with each other and that certainly was the case in my system. I was using the Matrix from receiver to amp and Analysis plus crystal ovals from dac to receiver. Took out the AP's and slide in the Silver reference and hit play.

WOW....just simply...WOW ! The detail that was coming through was unbelievable. A bit more air around the notes, bass slam to die for with no loss of warmth I previously had. No fatigue anywhere and a complete balanced sound top to bottom. Everything in it's place, nothing over emphasized as some cables do. I can't recommend AZ Matrix and Silvers enough, absolutely top notch and may even get you off the cable merry-go round. Go find you some used, last IC's you'll ever need.

I'll get these back to you soon Mr. Wagner, as soon as I stop crying. I definitely appreciate the opportunity you have so generously afforded me. I owe ya dinner my friend, next time your in town give me a yell.