Shoot out: Kimber 8TC, DH Labs Q-10, MAC CuQ & PNF Symphony
Ern Dog
Posts: 2,237
First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.
I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.
The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.
The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.
I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying
Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.
After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.
I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.
The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.
The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.
I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying
Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.
After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.
Post edited by Ern Dog on
Comments
-
Nice write up.
-
Great Shootout!Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
ern dog, let me know what you think of their interconnects when you get them.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
Lets do away with tags...please....cowards and children seem to be the only ilk using them these days.
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
ern dog, let me know what you think of their interconnects when you get them.
Ok, I'll do that. Are you thinking about trying them too? -
ern dog , any word on the pnf interconnects? i might try them if i can catch a good used price.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
Seller shipped them from NJ 8 days ago, so they are running late.
-
nice review.Living Room Rig:D
Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
Xbox360/PS3/WII
M.Br. setup:)
Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
Computer Rig:
Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's -
ern dog , any word on the pnf interconnects? i might try them if i can catch a good used price./QUOTE]
hi, PNF is selling demo symphony & ic's in Audiogon at 35% off (no affiliation) http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddcablspkr&1248145258&demo&3&4&HT / 2 Channel combo system:
LSi9 (xo modified by Face), LSiC, LSi-FX
Mac mini 2010 boot up in 64 bit kernel (2.66 GHz 8GB RAM,60 GB SSD)>itunes> 2TB mini Stack v3>Pure Music>W4S DAC2>Conrad-Johnson PV14>W4S SX1000
oppo BDP 85SE
Onkyo TX-SR876
Emotiva XPA-5
HSU VTF-1
Samsung LN4095D
MIT S3 speaker cables (LR & C) & interconnects
MIT EXP 2 (L & R surrounds)
Pangea PC A-9's and A-14SE's -
ern dog, how about a review on the pnf interconnects. i should have a pair in next week.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
ern dog, how about a review on the pnf interconnects. i should have a pair in next week.
Ok, I'll post it tomorrow on a new thread. -
when you started this, I do remember calling dibs before anyone else....The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on orderFirst off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.
I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.
The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.
The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.
I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying
Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.
After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.
thanks....WCW III 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.
-
W WALDECKER wrote: »I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on order thanks....WCW III
I'd be interested in hearing your impression of them. -
Ern Dog, can I ask you why you didn't include the signal cable ultra instead of the signal cable classic in your comparison?
I am also in a lookout for some new speaker cables for my new speakers, I started by just wanting biwire configuration because the new speakers the manual actually say they recomende having biwiring them.Current HT setup
Mains: B&W 804s
Center: Polk CSi5
Surround: Polk FXi3
Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
TV: Sony KDS60A2020
DBP: Sony DBP-S350
CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire -
Ern Dog, can I ask you why you didn't include the signal cable ultra instead of the signal cable classic in your comparison?
I am also in a lookout for some new speaker cables for my new speakers, I started by just wanting biwire configuration because the new speakers the manual actually say they recomende having biwiring them.
The SC Classics was my first speaker cables I tried beyond the Radio shack speaker wire, then I replaced it with Kimber 8TC's, then did this shoot out and ended up with the PNF's. I skipped over the SC Ultras because I heard so many positive things about the 8TC's, plus they won Editors choice in TAS. -
Thanks Ern Dog.Current HT setup
Mains: B&W 804s
Center: Polk CSi5
Surround: Polk FXi3
Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
TV: Sony KDS60A2020
DBP: Sony DBP-S350
CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire -
I'm very interested! I would love to find out more inforamtion related to this topic. Thanks in advance.
me too, I need more detailed info
taux demande pret personnel en ligne credit simulation Faire un pret immobilier en ligne avec un bon credittaux demande pret personnel en ligne credit simulation -
I'm very interested! I would love to find out more inforamtion related to this topic. Thanks in advance.
me too, I need more detailed info
taux demande pret personnel en ligne credit simulation Faire un pret immobilier en ligne avec un bon credittaux demande pret personnel en ligne credit simulation
LOL, liar!! Reported, hidden link.
-JeffHT Rig
Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
Center- Polk Audio CS2
Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's
Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3
2 CH rig (in progress)
Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:
It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. -
I have to admit that I've never been able to hear any difference between any decent cables.
Maybe it's just me. -
bapatterson wrote: »I have to admit that I've never been able to hear any difference between any decent cables.
Maybe it's just me.
Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set. -
wutadumsn23 wrote: »LOL, liar!! Reported, hidden link.
-Jeff
Good eye! -
SolidSqual wrote: »Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set.
That's the truth. I was able to hear an improvement in my HT when I went from spliced together 14/16 gauge wire to 12 gauge hardware store stranded copper. Just doing that resulted in a clearer, more open aound.Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
SolidSqual wrote: »Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set.
I will never understand that mentality, why when someone can't hear the difference between interconnects/speaker wire they must have a crappy/non revealing system? And since when where SDAs crummy Best Buy speakers?
I don't want to start a debate, I just don't get these types of comments. For the record my opinion is that speaker wire / interconnects will make a small difference, and that difference is measurable. I would consider my system revealing, and can't hear differences between interconnects, power cords, and only slight differences on speaker wire, but there is a good chance its placebo.First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective....
Ern Dog, just curious, how did you do your comparison? I find it easy to compare interconnects, but more difficult to compare speaker wire. Did you just listen to a few tracks then make the switch, or have a component to switch on the fly? -
Ern Dog, just curious, how did you do your comparison? I find it easy to compare interconnects, but more difficult to compare speaker wire. Did you just listen to a few tracks then make the switch, or have a component to switch on the fly?
I listened to each speaker cables for a few day at a time and got an initial impression. During this time I also pre-selected 4 tracks that I knew really well and were excellent recordings and took notes on how each of the cables performed with each song. Then I listened to each cable again to be sure of my findings. -
I listened to each speaker cables for a few day at a time and got an initial impression. During this time I also pre-selected 4 tracks that I knew really well and were excellent recordings and took notes on how each of the cables performed with each song. Then I listened to each cable again to be sure of my findings.
Thanks for the insight. I have a variety of speaker wire and will try a test like this sometime in the near future. -
W WALDECKER wrote: »I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on order thanks....WCW III
Did you receive them yet?? What do you think if you did??Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
i have a review soon to be published of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables in which i compare them to the pnf symphony and straley reality speaker cables. will let you know when it appears at stereo mojo.
marvinAmplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.
I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.
The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.
The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.
I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying
Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.
After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.
Okay, you seem to have sold me...I ordered 2 pair as I am running my fronts bi-amped... I hope they work as well for me as they have for you!!Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
I recieved a pair of PNF Symphony speaker cables on monday and i am very impressed.these cables are very extended from top to bottom with gobs of detail and what really impresses me the most with the high frequency extension is that the sound is very smooth and effortless without a tinge of brightness.The PNF Symphonys are really great cables.thanks....WCW III 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.
