AudioQuest line of cables.

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
edited December 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
I've been poking around on their website & saw some interesting stuff. Any thoughts on the line & does anyone have any in their system? Thoughts & comments anyone.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2008
    I've got a couple of pair of Sidewinder IC's and one DiamondBack IC. I've never been overly impressed with these. I compared them to Signal Analog II's and liked the SC cables better.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited November 2008
    I've used most of the lower end of the Audioquest line interconnects....G-snake, Sidewinders, Copperheads and Diamondbacks. I still have the Copperheads in my 2 channel rig. I used the AQ Type 4 speaker cables for quite some time as well. I am a fan of the AQ brand. I use either AQ or Signal Cable in my rigs.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2008
    I'm a huge fan of Audioquest. I have used the Sidewinders, Copperheads, Diamondbacks, and the Jaguars for IC's. The jaguars by far are the superior connection in comparsion. Not to take anything away from the Sidewinders as a entry level cable which I feel works great. I still have a pair around somewhere. Speaker wire I use 14-2 Custom Inwall Cl3 by Audioquest. I have it on all the surround speakers and even wired up the front end. It's really good sounding cable and it a great match for my system. I also have owned the CV-8's which are the very best so far I have ever owned for 2 channel. Excellent speaker wires.
    I also use everything else in my system Audioquest like power cables, HDMI , DIgital coax , Optical and component cables. All of which I have found to be as good or better then everything I have ever used.
    Audioquest can hang with anyones cables. I have compared them to just about everything I can get my hands on. If you need any advise about which cables would work well in your system, just post up your system and I'll go threw it.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited November 2008
    Dan, where do you stand on MIT vs. Audioquest?
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2008
    I've just been toying with the idea of trying out a new pair of speaker cables. From AudioQuest, these guys look inviting...CV-4, CV-8, Rocket 88, Rockefeller. Also LAT International & MIT are also on my radar. An 8' bi-wired pair will do the trick.

    I'm on the list to demo the MIT's that are making the rounds. When I'm up maybe I'll order a few of these to do a comparison.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited November 2008
    I'm also a fan of AudioQuest cables running some Diamondbacks and Bedrock speaker cables. I also tried Signal Cables Analog II's which I didn't like over Diamondbacks. Other cables in use BlueJean cables which I buy HDMI, S-Video, and Optical cables been please with these also in the video department.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2008
    AQ makes great cables, especially speaker cables. Get yourself some CV-8's or Bedrocks and you're done.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Dan, where do you stand on MIT vs. Audioquest?
    First off let me say that both companies make fantastic cables. MIT sister company Transparent is almost exactly like MIT in terms of sound quality and how they achieve there ability to shield out interference.

    Audioquest to me is the Ideal cable. I have found them to work in so many systems and do a great job.MIT is also one of those companies that do what they do and do it well.

    It's really a toss up as what would be better. I prefer Audioquest over everything I have ever used. I never owned MIT only demo'd it against other cables. I used to own Transparent.

    So I stand with Audioquest for good reasons. I'm soon going to be testing Cardas cables which should be fun. My new company carries them as well as Tributaries and Kimber Kable. I see a huge wire shootout with my Audioquest and them. I already did the Kimber shootout and I prefer Audioquest for the neutral sound. Nothing sticks out or gets hidden away. Kimber had a sparkle to them. Something I sometimes miss. It was really good cable. I loved the 8tc 8tc bi wires I had. They sounded so damn good over the Transparent and Monster I had back then.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited November 2008
    I've got AQ King Cobra ICs and CV-6 speaker cable. I've been very happy moving up the AQ line of ICs and to this level of speaker wire.

    I'm at the end of the MIT demo so I've just done this comparison.

    I'll write up a review in a week or so after I switch back but both have been great. No question there are differences but don't think you can go wrong either way.
    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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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited November 2008
    I've owned Copperheads, Jaguars and Panthers. The latter two are the DBS cables and I really liked them. They were comparable or better than my Cardas Quadlinks.

    The MIT Shotgun S1's I own are in a league by themselves. I own three pairs of them. Much better to my ears than any Audioquest I've tried. I haven't tried any of the high end 72 volt DBS cables, they may be very good, but I can't afford them. The S1's aren't cheap either, they are about as much as I want to pay for a cable, still a lot less that the high end 72v DBS AQ cables.
    Carl

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2008
    I also have the AQ King Cobra i/c's and Bedrock speaker cable...Yes,there is better,but for my budget AQ is good value for the money.

    You can pick up used King Cobra i/c's for around $100. per meter pair.
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited November 2008
    Our local Ovation store is carrying the AQ lower end cables right now for about $20 pair/ 1 meter and I got to A-B them side by side last week. They're a very good sounding cable but ARE prone to signal interference. In all fairness, they were used in an inclosed system rack that powered about a dozen or more receivers, ran maybe 2 dozen pairs of speakers, and maybe a dozen or so CDPs in their speaker room. They will get a good workout this weekend as I'm pulling the living room apart to put up the xmas tree.
    I'm going to buy a pair of 2 meters to use for testing out gear just because the cost of the longer high end cables gets ridiculous.
    I'm running the AQ Diamondbacks on my CDP and reel to reel where it's most important and I'm using the Sidewinders from amp to pre. They work great and the only issues I've had are the tight fit on some gear and occasionally I'll have to resolder the connectors. Not an issue though, I'll change out gear up to a half dozen times daily. I run mostly tube gear and I haven't run into noise issues with the AQ. Money wise, hard to beat.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2008
    HB27 wrote: »
    Our local Ovation store is carrying the AQ lower end cables right now for about $20 pair/ 1 meter and I got to A-B them side by side last week. They're a very good sounding cable but ARE prone to signal interference. In all fairness, they were used in an inclosed system rack that powered about a dozen or more receivers, ran maybe 2 dozen pairs of speakers, and maybe a dozen or so CDPs in their speaker room. They will get a good workout this weekend as I'm pulling the living room apart to put up the xmas tree.
    I'm going to buy a pair of 2 meters to use for testing out gear just because the cost of the longer high end cables gets ridiculous.
    I'm running the AQ Diamondbacks on my CDP and reel to reel where it's most important and I'm using the Sidewinders from amp to pre. They work great and the only issues I've had are the tight fit on some gear and occasionally I'll have to resolder the connectors. Not an issue though, I'll change out gear up to a half dozen times daily. I run mostly tube gear and I haven't run into noise issues with the AQ. Money wise, hard to beat.

    Thats Interesting. I have wired up hundreds of systems using all levels of AQ cables and never had any noise problems. I'm assuming you don't know the basic's of wire management? Not trying to insult you but there are thing you don't do when wiring up a system. You can make antenna's out of your cables.I have wired up full racks with Audioquest ITA 1.1 bulk wire and built them all myself to custom lengths with excellent results. Excellent cable by the way. I also never had any RCA problems. Can you explain the problems you are having? You said you have to re-solder some connectors, which ones?

    I also have to make a comment about the places where it matters, I have found it to work out better then the amp and pre are wired with the best quality over the source if this has to happen. Your system maybe different but give it a try and see if it makes any sonic difference. Try the Sidewinders on the the CD and the Diamondbacks on the pre/amp. Personally I prefer all the Analog cables to be the same. I use all Jaguars but have a few pairs of Sidewinders. There is a pretty big difference between the 2.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited November 2008
    mantis wrote: »
    Thats Interesting. I have wired up hundreds of systems using all levels of AQ cables and never had any noise problems. I'm assuming you don't know the basic's of wire management? Not trying to insult you but there are thing you don't do when wiring up a system. You can make antenna's out of your cables.I have wired up full racks with Audioquest ITA 1.1 bulk wire and built them all myself to custom lengths with excellent results. Excellent cable by the way. I also never had any RCA problems. Can you explain the problems you are having? You said you have to re-solder some connectors, which ones?

    I also have to make a comment about the places where it matters, I have found it to work out better then the amp and pre are wired with the best quality over the source if this has to happen. Your system maybe different but give it a try and see if it makes any sonic difference. Try the Sidewinders on the the CD and the Diamondbacks on the pre/amp. Personally I prefer all the Analog cables to be the same. I use all Jaguars but have a few pairs of Sidewinders. There is a pretty big difference between the 2.
    You're not going to insult me in any way at all. I'll always be receptive to all help. It's not my system at the Ovation and was just there as they were wiring everything up. They changed locations and were setting up everything in the store. It was still a work in progress in an unopened store. There's a lot of work opening up a new audio store in a strip mall shop.
    Sidewinders were the ones I personally use mostly while changing out gear. They're tight fitting and at times hard to get off of some gear. I do change them out more than anyone I know. I could have sent them back to AQ but it was my fault using them differently than they are designed for. I've used many different cables between the old MC75's and McAlister Custom pre I run as my primary system and it doesn't seem to make a critical difference with this combo. On other systems I put together I do hear noticable differences and switch out and listen to accordingly. I am by no means a self declared expert and I do appreciate any pointers to improve the sound of my systems.
    I am definitely an AQ fan. I use the X2 speaker cable also. I use simple 2 channel only per my personal tastes and find the AQ cables and wires "more than good enough" leaning to excellent.
    Thank You,
    Harry
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2008
    Mantis - Transparent is not the sister company of MIT. It was started by folks that worked with Bruce Brisson, founder of MIT cables.
    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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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Mantis - Transparent is not the sister company of MIT. It was started by folks that worked with Bruce Brisson, founder of MIT cables.

    Yes, I know. My terminology was flawed. From what I remember of my Transparent training years and years ago, Transparent was a Split off MIT. Some engineers from MIT opened up thee own wire company with there own ideas. From what I gathered they felt they had a little different direction then what MIT was going in. Even as I look at it, both companies are almost exactly the same in every way. they even sound almost exactly the same cable for cable.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2008
    Correct, creative differences.

    I don't believe they sound anything like MIT cables but that's all subjective.
    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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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited November 2008
    mantis wrote: »
    First off let me say that both companies make fantastic cables. MIT sister company Transparent is almost exactly like MIT in terms of sound quality and how they achieve there ability to shield out interference.

    Audioquest to me is the Ideal cable. I have found them to work in so many systems and do a great job.MIT is also one of those companies that do what they do and do it well.

    It's really a toss up as what would be better. I prefer Audioquest over everything I have ever used. I never owned MIT only demo'd it against other cables. I used to own Transparent.

    So I stand with Audioquest for good reasons. I'm soon going to be testing Cardas cables which should be fun. My new company carries them as well as Tributaries and Kimber Kable. I see a huge wire shootout with my Audioquest and them. I already did the Kimber shootout and I prefer Audioquest for the neutral sound. Nothing sticks out or gets hidden away. Kimber had a sparkle to them. Something I sometimes miss. It was really good cable. I loved the 8tc 8tc bi wires I had. They sounded so damn good over the Transparent and Monster I had back then.

    Dan


    Have you tried any Nordost cables? I liked the sonic characteristics and have Frey speaker and ICs in the system.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited November 2008
    jm1 wrote: »
    Have you tried any Nordost cables? I liked the sonic characteristics and have Frey speaker and ICs in the system.

    The Nordost Solar Winds I tried were on of the least favorites in my system. There was LOTS of sibilance with my gear.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2008
    shack wrote: »
    The Nordost Solar Winds I tried were on of the least favorites in my system. There was LOTS of sibilance with my gear.

    Speaking of Nordost...the Blue Heaven II & Red Dawn II speaker cables have also peeked my interest. They both get fabulous reviews & won't break the bank. Anyone had either of those speaker cables in their system?
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited November 2008
    I tried the Blue Heaven about the time I had the Diamond Backs and before I decided to go to King Cobra. While I don't remember anything negative I can't recall anything necessarily in it's favor either.

    Not sure that that really helps. Let me clarify, I'll remember the sound of these MIT cables from the demo. ;)
    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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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited November 2008
    The AQ CV-8 w/ the 72v BP? Sweet sounds man. Sweet sounds, that's all I've got to say. I have two identical pair if that says anything. ;)
    ~ 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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  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited November 2008
    I used to own the copperheads and they sounded good but i had reliability problems where i thought something was wrong with a preamp but i discovered it was really one of the copperheads that was shorting out :eek:
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2008
    I have had Sidewinders, Copperhead, Diamondback, and Granite, Type 4 speaker cable. My only beef was that I broke 2 (1 SW, 1 CPRHD) with what I would call normal handling--causing some serious hum. They have to be handled carefully--more carefully than I'm willing to accept.
    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
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited November 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I have had Sidewinders, Copperhead, Diamondback, and Granite, Type 4 speaker cable. My only beef was that I broke 2 (1 SW, 1 CPRHD) with what I would call normal handling--causing some serious hum. They have to be handled carefully--more carefully than I'm willing to accept.

    What did you break? I have had my system apart and put back together so many damn times and I never broke anything. There ends don't seem any better or worse then anyone elses. But I do however miss the WBT's that Kimber used. I loved those connectors. Controlled fit with the locking abilities. I wouldn't mind using there banana ends. Audioquests are very nice but that locking was better.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited December 2008
    Which online dealer would you guys buy audioquest speaker cables from?
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2008
    mantis wrote: »
    What did you break? I have had my system apart and put back together so many damn times and I never broke anything. There ends don't seem any better or worse then anyone elses. But I do however miss the WBT's that Kimber used. I loved those connectors. Controlled fit with the locking abilities. I wouldn't mind using there banana ends. Audioquests are very nice but that locking was better.

    Dan

    They both broke right at the soldered connection to the center pin.
    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
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2008
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Which online dealer would you guys buy audioquest speaker cables from?

    I usually go to www.audioadvisor.com.
    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
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited December 2008
    I got a set of King Cobras and Diamondback IC's and CV-6 speaker cable. Currently,
    I went to Kimber Heros for the IC's.
    The Diamondbacks sound close to the Heros, the KCs have more
    top end, less bass. I bought a bunch of AQ cables when Magnolia
    closed them out at BIGGGGG discount. They said cunsumers were
    getting confused by Monster cable being sold on the BB floor, but
    AQ being featured in the Magnolia area. Sounds more like Monster
    twisted someone's arm. Good cable. At 75% off, even better!
    I should of went crazy with AQ speaker cable. Type 8 was
    going for even bigger discounts.
    Like all cable, synergy is everything.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited December 2008
    The Magnolias by me still carry Audioquest, but usually at little to no discount. Buying used cables from a reputable source online is probably your best bet.
    Jake
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