Just completed the system. Will provide feedback soon.
Owing to the amount already spent, the only upgrades in the system could be replacing the nterconnect and speaker cables with Kharma Grand Reference cables and that will be the end. I work for a living and have to stop somewhere.
Hi Lall, I can relate to your findings with the Cardas Quadlink 5C speaker cable. I think the world of it also in terms of richness and overall great sound. Bass freaks can really rock out with it if the amp is up to the task. What I really wanted to say after seeing a pic of your system is "Marvelous" very cool listening room
Lall, good decision to go for the Supreme Ref. speaker cables. They are an absolute stunning combination with the 1.2's.
If you ever think about an other upgrade and specially with more delicacy, go for the 1.2 Diamond Enigma option. If you love the 1.2's (I've never met someone who doesn't), the DE-version is absolutely breathtaking. Very transparent and silky smooth, I've never heard a tweeter so completely 'loose' of everything. Goosebumps all over ! But nevertheless Lall, you have a great and balanced set on your hands anyway. Pleassure garanteed!
System edited: Speaker cables upgraded to Kharma Supreme Ref. Also,Capitole player upgraded to SE version Kharma Grand Ref. power cords now feeding mono amps Shunyata Cobra now on CD player Sound now has exceptional decay; deep & big sound. Soundstage has become huge; speakers disappear completely Would like a bit more delicacy at times.
System edited: Just added a pair of Shunyata Cobras Pcs. Voices have now become very smooth, at times a bit seductive. The speaker cables are the last bit of my puzzle. Would welcome suggestions. Present sound is a bit boomy in bass and perhaps lacking in transparency.
Re: wires. Important, your equipment is suberb. It seems you'll have to fall back on friendly dealers. I suggest you audition specific cables & keep notes on how they perform in your system -- and post them. Then other posters may be able to narrow down the choices based on your findings, i.e. how you listen and how "it" sounds to you in yr system. Recommended cables for trial (from a practical point of view, i.e., many here have compared & contrasted these with other cables): *Nordost Valhalla or SPM (I would leave out the quattrofil), and/or *Purist Dominus I/C + Purist speaker OR Valhalla OR SPM speaker and/or *Siltech SILVER (whatever it's called) I/C + speaker OR Valhalla OR SPM speaker... ...whatever is available. Having heard your equipment (but NOT in your configuration!) I could have a few ideas based on your findings. I'm sure other will have many ideas. Cheers!
Buckingham Thanks for your suggestion. I fully agree with you and am trying to obtain good cables on trial but every dealer wants full payment first, refundable if not satisfied. Nobody is willing to accept a credit card imprint. Paying and then refunding + twice foreign exchange transaction costs + twice credit card commisions + twice freight charges will total at least 20-25% of the amount involved. On a budget of $3000, the cost of each trial will amount to around $600. Can you suggest an alternative?
Lall, one more thing, your cables could be much better than they are. The Cardas stuff is great but it is definitely not on par with your other components.
Ljgj I appreciate your suggestion but am not into turntables and cartridges. I would love to upgrade the wall sockets but am unable to find audio grade UK type 3-pin plugs inmy country. Same applies to speaker filters etc.
You need to upgrade your wall sockets, buy a turntable and great cartridge, and what about the absorber thingys for under all this stuff to stop vibrations, speaker filters........ you are just getting started. Really you have a great set-up there. Congrats!
JD3, the Capitole is the CD player and yes no preamps in the system.
The Kharma speaker and power cords were received last week. The Grand Ref power cord brought a huge improvement over my Audio Note PC. As regards the speakers, they have only about 20 hrs on them and Kharma factory recommends considerable experimentation with speaker positioning. I'll revert with proper feedback in due course. For now, I have noted a certain delicacy in the sound.
Lall it sounds like a great system. Are you happy with the end result? I think your words about knowing when to stop are sage advice. I think one needs to set boundaries or rules and then live by those.
I am guessing that the Audio Aero Cap is the CD player? Does it have its own volume control because I don't see a pre-amp in the chain, unless the KR EntVT-8000 is an intergrated amp.
