Cable Question?

Chicomoralessxm
Chicomoralessxm Posts: 417
edited November 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
I'm looking into these three brands which are available to me and within my budget. Ixos(british firm) Audioquest and Vampire Wire any thoughts on these choices? Are they ok?

i'm looking at interconnects
AQ Copperhead or Diamond back
VampireWire ccc II SC II
ixos XHA516 OFC

SpeakerCable
AQ X2
VampireWire ofhc 12gauge
Ixos XHS 253

http://www.vampirewire.com
http://www.ixos.co.uk/us/index.asp
Chicomorales:)
Post edited by Chicomoralessxm on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited November 2007
    I can speak for Audioquest speaker cable X2. Don't waste your money. I was running this before I heard what real a SC can do. As for the others, I cannot comment.

    Seriously, lamp cord will do fine compared to this wire. Seriously.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Chicomoralessxm
    Chicomoralessxm Posts: 417
    edited November 2007
    Ouch ok i'll take you advise. What speakers and amp were you using?
    Chicomorales:)
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited November 2007
    Polk RTI-10's and a Carver M1.5t, M-500t, M1.0t, M4.0t, TFM-55 [and some of these amps were mono-blocked] couple of Yamaha and Denon amps [and separates combo'd], Nikko Alpha3 and more I can't remember off the top of my head.

    I had it silver soldered with Fluke nanners on brand new wire.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited November 2007
    I haven't had a bad experience with the Audioquest cables I've used. Currently have Type 8 speaker cables and their "black mamba" AA special in one of my rigs and I wouldn't compare it to lamp chord at all. A few folks around here use AQ and like it.

    I would suggest checking out Kimber though.

    Have heard good things about Ixos, and what little experience I've had with them was good. A few people here have used them in the past. Do a search and you should get some good info on all of the cables you mentioned. Best thing to do is try some and go with what sounds better to you....
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited November 2007
    phuz wrote: »
    I haven't had a bad experience with the Audioquest cables I've used. Currently have Type 8 speaker cables and their "black mamba" AA special in one of my rigs and I wouldn't compare it to lamp chord at all. A few folks around here use AQ and like it.
    I've got the CV-8. The X2 is what I was referring to.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    i've been using IXOS IC"s for many years now in my home theater. they are well made and I have never had any problems with them. I think they are a good bang for your buck.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited November 2007
    I'll go on the premise that those you listed are in your price range and most of us have financial limitations. I'd say if you can afford more get more by buying used but depending on the rest of your system money might be better spent elsewhere as lots of wire can get pricey quickly.

    I personally have x2 running long distances for my surround speakers(20'/30') and previously had it for my mains. The x2 was a significant upgrade over some older monster stuff I had been using for years.

    There is better than x2 of course. I moved up to some Audioquest CV-6 for my fronts and they are great. It's actually on sale right now at audioadvisor.com I believe. How long do you need for the speakers?

    For the ICs I found the biggest difference I think between Diamondback/King Cobra in the AQ line. I started at the Copperhead like you though.

    I can't speak to the other brands you've listed though. I've tried Nordost Blue Heaven IC and Signal Ultra Bi-wire speaker cable. I thought the AQ CV-6 beat the signal and AQ King Cobra's beat out the Nordost.

    Depending on the speaker cable run you might look into signal cable too. Everyone hear seems to like them. The ultra biwires are doing nicely in the front right now but think I'll keep the AQ. (couple more days of listening)

    What are the rest of the compenents in your system?
    Good Luck!
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited November 2007
    Thie below link store has fair prices on IXOS and some other audio cables. I bought a SACD player a while back from them and got good service.

    http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category/AudioCables
    [
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited November 2007
    The Vampire CCC IC's seem to my ears to be the equal of the AQ Diamondbacks for about $25 less.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • Chicomoralessxm
    Chicomoralessxm Posts: 417
    edited November 2007
    Well i bought the some of the XHS706 from A4LS for my new mains. Some ixos453 for a slighterly longer run for my second pair of bookshelves for 2 channel listening. Now on to the interconnects...........:) thanks for the suggustions guys. Can't wait to hear my new speakers when i they arrive hopefully next week. After i hear them i'll be able to pull the trigger on an amp for sure.
    Chicomorales:)
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