Signal vs Cobalt Cable ICs for Mutlichannel Audio SACD/DVD-A for Denon 2900

malikarshad
malikarshad Posts: 527
edited April 2005 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Since I have got a Denon DVD-2900 player I want to enjoy SACD/DVD-A so I’m looking for some ICs.
I have a budget of max $200 and Signal cable and Cobalt cables are within that budget.
Now I’m confused between Signal and Cobalt. I know both have a similar performance. But I would like your opinions.

Given that Signal cable and Cobalt cables have good reputation. What’s a good cable choice for MultiChannel Audio?
http://www.cobaltcable.com/product/multichannel_audio_bundle.htm

The cost is the same with shipping after the applicable discount. Unfortunately I missed the cobalt cable 30% sale . Then it’s was no brainer.
Advantages with Cobalt.
1.Color codes for MC audio
2.90 day return policy
3.If the cables go for sale within a reasonable period of time they will refund sale price difference.
Disadvantages
1.Resale value iffy
2.Not sure of connector quality

Advantages with Signal
1.Polk Forum support
2.Good resale value
3.Sosche connectors ( I don’t know if the Cobalt’s connectors are equal in quality to Sosche).

Disadvantages
1.Not color coded for multichannel. (I guess I have to ask Frank about it.)
2.30 day return policy
3.Never goes on sale apart from 5% forum discount

Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
Post edited by malikarshad on
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Color coded Cobalt MC bundle ICs

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    I'm open to other brands within my budget range.
    The Signal Cables are $165 shipped with forum discount
    The Cobalt cables are $158 shipped with 10% discount.
    Outlaw Audio PCA Cables also have a 1.2 bundle for $140 shipped with locking RCA connectors.
    Also I stumbled across Heartland cables with bullet plugs they cost about $162 with shipping for 3 pairs of cables.
    Any suggestions....:confused:

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited April 2005
    Scosche has been making stuff for car audio since I can remember, so I'd imagine they have good connectors.
    Never Forget
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Outlaw Audio PCA cable locking RCA connectors

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited April 2005
    You can also check out Blue Jeans Cable.

    http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/6channel/6chaudioprices.htm

    I love their connections. They go on and off easy unlike most where it's a real tug of war!

    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by cfrizz
    You can also check out Blue Jeans Cable.
    Yes I have checked them out and I have bought cables from them before and I'm not a big fan of Canare connectors.

    How do I move this thread to 2 channel area. Looks like nobody is paying any attention to this forum area.

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    I guess I could not wait and placed the order for SC cables as I'm more comfortable with them. I already have SC ICs connected to my preamp and amplifier and they sound great.
    Just want to hear a different opinions but looks like I posted in a wrong forum area.

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2005
    I would use Scosche connectors before the Canare or Cobalt Cable offerings, but that's just personal. The Scosche IMO is a better design and employs top notch construction.

    That Outlaw is nice but way too bright for me. However I like locking RCA's.

    You simply can't go wrong with Signal, period.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai

    You simply can't go wrong with Signal, period.
    Thanks. That's what I wanted to hear. Appreciate it.

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited April 2005
    Cobalt Cables promo word "Newsletter" gave 30% off last week.

    Just FYI, in case anyone is looking at cables soon.

    DG
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2005
    I will definetly say that 30% is a great offer from that company....and the users have been pretty happy thus far by using Cobalt.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by Dennis Gardner
    Cobalt Cables promo word "Newsletter" gave 30% off last week.
    DG
    It does not work anymore otherwise I would have bought cobalt in a blink. I talked to their CS 3 times and they won't offer the discount. They said its their policy not to extend any promotion after its ended. Its my bad I should have ordered but then I got 2900 last week. So I missed it.
    Looks like couple of years back they had a one day sale called TAXDAY on April 15th. So i'll keep on eye for that.
    At the same price point between SC and Cobalt I choose SC as I already have them in my system.
    Anyways SC ICs are good so there is nothing to regret

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2005
    Don't lose any sleep over it.

    I ordered a pair of Cobalt's last week and am playing with them now....just for my own information.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited April 2005
    I used to have Outlaw interconnects and I replaced them all with Cobalts. I noticed a difference right away. More detail and not as bright. Even my roommate said the Cobalts sounded better and she is not really into this stuff. I now run all Cobalts including speaker cables.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited April 2005
    I love the SC's. I haven't had time to do actual A/B comparison but just from what I remember before the switch, I like the Analog 2's more than the 2 MIT Terminator 2's I was using before - though I'll still do that A/B test since i Know people tend to like what they're listening to "now".

    I had also read some opinions on various forums that most people prefer to use Digital Coax for DD/DTS streams rather than 6 analog cables and letting the DVDP do the decoding. I've found the opposite to be true, and I find things to sound much better in both music and movies using the 6 channel direct with the Analog 2's. And amazingly I've gotten everything calibrated so that it sounds pretty good switching between SACD/DVD-A and DVD-Video, sub might be a couple dB short for one or the other but the overall sound quality is so much improved that I don't mind.
    Dodd Audio ELP [ Tubes ] // Harman Kardon AVR330 // Parasound HCA-1203A // Denon DVD-2900
    Polk Audio LSi9, LSiC, LSi 7 // HSU STF-2 // Signal Cable Interconnects (SG BW/A2/MP)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2005
    The MIT Terminator series is junk....simply a supply and demand offering IMO.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited April 2005
    Well, bring your sweet little self to Ga and I let you hear "junk" that will make you get down on your knees!!!

    Since they are so bad though you can bring your shotguns.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2005
    That was meant with all due respect Big Daddy :)
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited April 2005
    Its all good, hey, not saying I would not love to have the Shotguns, my next logical step!:D
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  • malikarshad
    malikarshad Posts: 527
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai

    I ordered a pair of Cobalt's last week and am playing with them now....just for my own information.
    Let us know what you find out...There is much interested in cobalt cables lately.

    Speakers=>Salk Soundscape 8, Soundscape Center,Surrounds-Dali Rubicon LCR, Lsi7
    PreAmp, Amp => Marantz AV8801, ATI 6007 amp, Oppo HA-1 DAC
    Source => Sonore MicroRendu, Oppo BDP-103, Mede8er 600XD, Dune HD Smart D1, Synology DS1813+(16TB)
    Sub - JTR Captivator S2 (Dual 18")
    Power - Furman IT-Ref20i on dedicated 30Amp circuit with Furutech GTX-R outlet
    Screen=> JVC RS-45 projector Da-Lite HP 133" 2.35
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter