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Review 3 of 5
Price Paid:
$695.00 Summary:
Warning: I have only tried the single-ended interconnect. This review is on that type of product only. If and when I try out the balanced interconnect and speaker cables, I will post reviews for those.
The Tara Labs Air 1 single-ended interconnect (I'll refer to it as SEI from now on) is highly recommended for high-end systems where balance and neutrality are paramount. If you're looking for sonic spectaculars or a tone control, look elsewhere.
The Air 1 SEI tries very hard not to add or subtract from the signals it passes. This is plainly evident in its overall sound. It does not restrict image depth. It does not reign in the soundstage, or warp its dimensions. It does not sound gritty, grainy, or harsh. Nor does it flood your system with milk or that awful warm diarrhea coloration.
The Air 1 SEI does have some minor colorations. You have to ask yourself if you are comfortable with these colorations. If not, ask yourself if you'd rather spend the money on, for example, Tara Lab's ISM series cables, which, in my experience, are significantly better performers.
Tonally, the Air 1 SEI errs ever so slightly on the warm side of neutral. Yet, I didn't find it to add unnatural heaviness to voices and instruments.
Maybe it's due to the lack of ISM shielding, but I found that the Air 1 SEI falls short in see-through transparency. There is a thin, silky veil thrown over and between the instruments.
The Air 1 SEI is also a bit slower and sweeter than absolute neutrality. Pace and rhythm are a tad retarded, compared to the ISM series cables.
At this price point, XLO Signature 1.1 has long been the best (i.e., most neutral). I now declare the Tara Labs Air 1 SEI to be the alternative. The XLO Sig 1.1 is faster and images more sharply than the Air 1 SEI. But the Air 1 SEI counters with a generally smoother sound, and much better reproduction of image depth and size. Tonally, the XLO leans toward the bottom (due to the slightly lean mid and restricted image depth in the treble), while the Air 1 SEI mildly favors the mids.
So which is better, you ask? IMO, it's a toss-up. If you like dynamics and focus, you'll choose the XLO Sig 1.1. But if you favor sobriety, balance, and poise, you'll pick the Air 1 SEI.
The Air 1 SEI sounds almost exactly like Kimber's KS-1030. The KS-1030 costs twice as much as the Air 1 SEI. You make the call. The only problem is, if you can swing the scratch for Kimber's KS-1030, you're probably not going to buy the Air 1 SEI. You'll probably go with Tara's ISM-series cables.
Whatever the case, in my exhaustive auditioning of single-ended interconnects, the Tara Labs Air 1 SEI is at or near the top for this price range. Recommended. Strengths:
Well-balanced sound Weaknesses:
Not as fast, open, and transparent as the best out there Similar Products Used:
AQ everything; Kimber everything; Tara Labs ISM-3, The 2, and The One; XLO Reference and Signature
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