MIT cables

heiney9

I have been a big fan of MIT cables for a long time. But I am confused about what plays well together. There are so many lines of products.

I recently acquired a 1M pr of Shotgun MA IC's. I am looking at purchasing a pair of Magnum S3 IC's. Are these compatible? Replacing Shotgun S2's.

Running Shotgun S1 bi-wire speaker cables.

Is there a rule of thumb (besides sticking with the same line) about the poles of articulation, etc?

H9

Toolfan66

Ever since they changed things a few years ago, you don't hear much talk about them anymore.
Not around these parts anyway..

heiney9

Because the current lines are priced in the stratosphere. They don't have an affordable line any longer. They are still winning awards, etc.

They always were pricey, worth it in many cases. But I don't have $7-10K to spend on current MIT cables.

Toolfan66

Agreed, they cut guys like us out of the mix, and the biggest reason, I will never part with what I have, even the stash I have not in use..

I do wish it was all S1 but I love my S3's..

heiney9

Yeah, I have a spare 8' pr of Shotgun S3's. I found a great deal on an 8' pr of S1 bi-wires recently for the L600's. I just purchased (2) (brand new) pr's of AVt S3 speaker cables an 8' set for the main TV room audio and a 12' pr for the office rig.

I may keep the extra 8' S3's. I still have 2 pr. Terminator 2's ICs for a rainy day.

Used market is pretty good, but the asking prices are ridiculous. In some cases for AVt stuff they are asking over retail. And those pieces have been around FS for months and months.

H9

Emlyn

The MIT Shotgun series were somewhat expensive when they were sold at their full retail price (that I never came close to paying) but the lowest line of MIT cables that's been out for a few years now is more equivalent to the old Magnum line in terms of performance. The new prices are unrealistic for most people.

From what I remember the audible differences between old Shotgun S1 and S3 were mainly slight improvements in bass extension. But I had no concerns with mixing them in the same system. I've had S1 (main two channel), S2 (home theater), and S3 (secondary system) matched speaker/IC cables in place for so long now that I don't even pay attention to them. They're not going anywhere.

F1nut

Brock, I tried some Shotgun MA cables, didn't like them and returned them. YMMV.

As for mixing and matching I don't believe there is any set rule, but I prefer to use the same series in a rig.

heiney9

My system sounds fantastic, so maybe I shouldn't mess with it too much. The Shotgun MA 1m was a decent $$$, so I grabbed it.

If you go to MIT's website they have 3 pdf files of "no longer supported" cables. It's the best way to make rhyme or reason out of the different series and it helps date them. Gives a few details and retail price.

I've been using that as a guide for a time line of different series.

So much of the used stuff has been balanced (which I am not) and unusual (custom) runs lately. Like always, if I wait long enough eventually something comes up for sale. But it takes lots of vigilance. I feel like I'm tube shopping again, looking for that needle in a haystack.....lol.

Jesse, what didn't you like about the MA's? I've read they can be rather forward up top.

H9

JayCee

I have S1 bi-wire and associated balanced IC's throughout on my main rig (see my sig), w/S3's either in storage or on secondary duty. Had them for years and all purchased through Joe Abrams below MSRP.

Haven't felt the need to upgrade, yet, but Joe's always been helpful when I had questions. Also, his go to demo tracks coincidentally lined up w/mine, so I relate to his preferences. IMO, he'd be my first call to clarify past vs present offerings.

heiney9

I thought about that, but I have no intention (too much $$$) of buying any of his current offerings so I wouldn't feel comfortable getting into a deep discussion about 15-20 year old cables and him not getting anything out of it.

H9

F1nut

Jesse, what didn't you like about the MA's? I've read they can be rather forward up top.

Exactly

jonicont

I recall a convo here many years ago that when mixing cables, poles of articulation downstream should be greater than upstream. I have all MIT Avt MA cables

kevhed72

I have a mix of Shotgun S1 S2 and S3 and a spare set of balanced ICs I once in awhile think about "trying something new"...then slap myself out of that idea.

motorstereo

I also use a combination of s1 and s2 balanced, MIT power cord, mh750 speaker cables MIT digital cable and MIT wiring without the boxes for my dreadnaught wires. All were bought used before the prices went crazy. A while back I needed longer balanced cables after moving some gear and I temporarily daisy chained a couple pair of shorter cables. Certainly not an ideal set up and perhaps borderline blasphemy but it worked fine for a couple weeks until I located the longer s1's I needed. I also haven't felt the need to move on to any other brand.

Clipdat

I haven't felt the need to put additional passive electronics in the signal path.

VR3

I owned the full shotgun series from speaker to ics to power. Great cables but I have found I enjoy other cables more but that's what makes this hobby so much fun

Toolfan66

Posted before, but what the hell!!😎.