Shoot out: Kimber 8TC, DH Labs Q-10, MAC CuQ & PNF Symphony

Ern Dog

That's my experience as well. You can't beat it for the price. You'll find more of the same with their Icon interconnects.

tonyb

marvda1 wrote: »

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.


Post a link here,I'd be interested in reading that since I think the reality cables offer an extreme bang for your buck.

marvda1

it's finished, i just have to add some manufacturer's comments and pics and it's off to stereo mojo.
marvin

xrock

How many different type of IC Does one have. Too many to count and not enuff money to experiment. Stick to one brand that work and save money, unless that one brand/model is ultra expensiive. If you could afford the ultra expensive stuff, then it must be cheap to you. A good recommend would be some where in between. Like the Audio Quest copper head. It is 100.00 pair, but go around $30-60 used. Don't buy into the AQ sky, which retail for 2,500.00 pair. Despite the copy cat from China, they do make good affordable cable too. Hi end copy cat. Just like louis vuitton hand purse. There is level of quality too in copy cate. I read an article where the Hi end copy cat from China wanted to be official part of the real thing (louis vuitton), but the head of the real thing do not go through with it.

marvda1

here's my review of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm

sucks2beme

xrock wrote: »

How many different type of IC Does one have. Too many to count and not enuff money to experiment. Stick to one brand that work and save money, unless that one brand/model is ultra expensiive. If you could afford the ultra expensive stuff, then it must be cheap to you. A good recommend would be some where in between. Like the Audio Quest copper head. It is 100.00 pair, but go around $30-60 used. Don't buy into the AQ sky, which retail for 2,500.00 pair. Despite the copy cat from China, they do make good affordable cable too. Hi end copy cat. Just like louis vuitton hand purse. There is level of quality too in copy cate. I read an article where the Hi end copy cat from China wanted to be official part of the real thing (louis vuitton), but the head of the real thing do not go through with it.

The Copperheads were in the house just long enough for me to put them back in the box and return them. The Diamondbacks or King Cobras are far better. The Copperheads were way too bright and harsh.

phipiper10

sucks2beme wrote: »

The Copperheads were in the house just long enough for me to put them back in the box and return them. The Diamondbacks or King Cobras are far better. The Copperheads were way too bright and harsh.

What he said.

olilugo

marvda1 wrote: »

here's my review of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm

Marvin, I read your write up on audiomojo. I am not clear so I wanted to ask you is your conclusion that for the money and cable vs. cable the PNF Symphony Bi-wire turn out to be a better overall cable?

I am asking on account of this statement:
"PNF's have a harmonically richer sound which adds some more layers to the midrange. The highs are more extended with the Audio Arts but the PNF's are a little smoother sounding"


Thanks

marvda1

in my system i prefer the pnf's.

olilugo

Thanks Marvin.

steveinaz

Cable reviews are darn near useless, unless the reviewer is running the same equipment you are; and it's still a stretch as everyone has their individual expectations/preferences. Dodge or Chevy? It's all about synergy.

Example; I found exactly the opposite as "sucks2beme" in regards to Copperhead vs Diamondback. I found Diamondback to be 2-dimensional and very dry sounding, where I found Copperhead far better. And FWIW, I heard no differences between Copperhead and the less expensive Sidewinder.

After trying numerous brands; AQ, Straight Wire, Analysis Plus, Kimber PBJ, etc., I eventually settled on Kimber Hero IC's and 8TC v.2 speaker cables. I like the fuller bodied upper bass/lower midrange, clean treble that is not overdone, and the over all tonal neutrality in my rig.

Ern Dog

steveinaz wrote: »

Cable reviews are darn near useless, unless the reviewer is running the same equipment you are; and it's still a stretch as everyone has their individual expectations/preferences. Dodge or Chevy? It's all about synergy.

Example; I found exactly the opposite as "sucks2beme" in regards to Copperhead vs Diamondback. I found Diamondback to be 2-dimensional and very dry sounding, where I found Copperhead far better. And FWIW, I heard no differences between Copperhead and the less expensive Sidewinder.

After trying numerous brands; AQ, Straight Wire, Analysis Plus, Kimber PBJ, etc., I eventually settled on Kimber Hero IC's and 8TC v.2 speaker cables. I like the fuller bodied upper bass/lower midrange, clean treble that is not overdone, and the over all tonal neutrality in my rig.

I agree. I've had similar experiences with cables..... Synergy is a huge factor in this hobby.

tonyb

I can also agree with Steve here,about the whole synergy thing. For me the G.S. Reality cables give me the synergy I like at a price that won't blow the nest egg. This hobby of ours is all about trial and error. You have to kiss a few frogs before your prince shows up.

fbm211

I just got a pair of diamondback ICs for my turntable and find them sterile and just too warm sounding.I plan to replace them with air matrix which has very good synergy in my system.

PNF Audio

Hello Polk Audio,

We just wanted to write in and say THANKS for this great review and continued support.

Not sure if this is allowed, but if it is, we are willing to offer a POLK Audio Forum discount. If interested just email me steve@pnfaudio.com

All the Best,

Steve

Ern Dog

Cool beans! Thanks Steve

fbm211

Those Icon ICs look tempting.I just may try those out. The build is a-lot like the air matrix I like so much..

TouchOfEvil

I just ordered a 6 foot set of the Spymphony cables from Steve. Great guy to deal with and willing to make some very good good deals on his cables. Once i get some more free coin i will be giving the Icons a try as well.
Once i get the cables i will be posting my results for sure.

marvda1

i also got his digital coaxial cable at $40 sounds great.

dreyfusfabrini

Do you know how this PNF Symphony compares to the MAC Shotgun?

Ern Dog

dreyfusfabrini wrote: »

Do you know how this PNF Symphony compares to the MAC Shotgun?

I've never heard the shotguns, so can't comment on that.

tonyb

Seems like you concluded a push in comparison with the audioart's. I just want to point out that the Gregg Straley Reality cables are a great value. The audioarts 6 ft pair listed at 395. The Straleys I had Gregg make me was a 10 ft bi-wire set for 360. Now, that was a couple moons ago and his prices may have gone up, but still a great value.