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Audio Horizons ComponentPlus Premium Audio Interconnects
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MSRP:
$
These interconnects utilize a low noise, rapid transfer, high Q wire. Again, the positive and negative
These interconnects utilize a low noise, rapid transfer, high Q wire. Again, the positive and negative wires have the same Q factor and are individually shielded to reduce EMI and RFI noise and twisted to insure stable capacitance in both wires across the entire length. The positive and negative wires are individually shielded so there is no mutual conductance, and to insure the lowest contamination or clean-transfer between hot and cold. Again, the cables use the superior dielectric of air and Teflon, and use a geometry that reduces that microphonic phenomenon that creates a nasal midrange so commonly found in popular coaxial geometric designs. Tarnish-proof Gold Plated RCA plugs with a center expansion plug and a cinch down jacket insure tight internal and external connection and thus a wide contact area and stable signal transfer. The XLR jacks are of equally high quality. Digital interconnects are designed to match the impedance where it is known of the output signal, whether that is 75 ohms or 110 ohms. To shorten the signal path as much as possible, interconnects come in varying lengths from 0.5 meter up. What emerges from these interconnects that balance the positive and negative and have matching capacitance and high Q is sound that emerges from a dead quiet background, one that seems both softer and less edgy and yet more transparent and airy. Highs are crystalline, mid frequencies clean and possess more presence, and the low end is more controlled and more impactful than before. Designate either RCA or XLR connectors.
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Rating
Reviewed by:
cedar
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
July 23, 2005Overall Rating
 5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
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Review 1 of 3
Price Paid:
$195.00
from Audio Horizons (dire Summary:
I've used several Audio Horizon products now, including these interconnects. In each instance, Joseph's work has far exceeded my hopes. In the case of interconnects, I had used various, quite expensive, interconnects made by MIT and by Synergistic Research. The Audio Horizon interconnects (both unbalanced and balanced) outperformed these other premium brands at a far lower cost. Now, I use the Audio Horizons interconnects throughout my system. I sold the other brands and used the extra money to buy Joseph's power cords (another great performer).
Regarding the audio performace of the interconnects, I can only echo what the previous reviewers have said. The resolution of my system has improved dramatically. The soundstage is wider and deeper. The sound itself is uncolored and detailed. I wish I could set up my turntable with the same precision and economy with which Joseph has designed and made these interconnects.
Another reason I like these interconnects is their construction. The uniquely designed knurled RCA connectors are easy to grasp and look beautiful (to an audiophile!). The wire and protective jacket are slim and flexible, making them easy to use in tight or hard to reach places. Strengths:
Transparent, detailed, and clear - they make music.
Well designed and easy to use in tight confines inhabited often by audiophiles.
Tactilely and aesthetically pleasing to use - they look and feel good.
Comparatively, a very low cost - a great value! Weaknesses:
none Similar Products Used:
Synergistic Reseach Resolution Reference
Various MIT interconnects
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Rating
Reviewed by:
michael_gamecock
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
July 22, 2005Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year |
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Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$195.00
from Factory Direct Summary:
I have had a chance now to get a real handle on the ComponentPlus Premium AC Power Cords and Series X Interconnects. Let me come right to the point, both products are outstanding. My first experience with Joseph Chow's cables was the Premium AC Power Cord. I had purchased one as part of an upgrade package for my vintage Kenwood L-01T tuner. I thought that both the upgraded tuner itself and the power cord were outstanding sonically. I decided to order a pair for my Pass Labs XA-160 power amps. Much to my surprise, they sounded every bit as good as the Shunyata Anaconda Alphas that I was using; so good in fact that I quickly sold the Alphas. The difference in cost is not insignificant- the Alpha is $2000 versus $195 for the Audio Horizons Premium AC Power Cord. I truly belive that in this age of over-hyped cable claims, that the Audio Horizons ComponentPlus Premium AC Power Cord represents a true bargain. It offers superior performance at a real world price.
I had a similar experience with Joseph Chow's Series X Interconnect. I compared it with my Transparent Reference MM interconnects in my system. In absolute terms, I found the Transparent cables to be a touch more refined. But at $6800 per meter pair versus $195 for Joseph's, I simply could not justify the extra expense. In a blind listening test, I'm not sure I could easily distinguish between the two. I plan to sell the Transparent interconnects and purchase Joseph's for my entire system.
In short, Joseph's cables are a serious attack on the state of the art, and all at real world prices. With his home trial program, there is absolutely no good reason not to give them a listen. Potential customers can get the fine sound they seek and save a lot of their hard earned money in the process.
Joseph also upgraded a vintage Kenwood L-01A integrated amplifier for me. I compared it to my reference First Sound Paramount SE preamp and Pass Labs XA-160 amps. No, the upgraded Kenwood didn't sound better than my $34,000 reference combo, but neither was it embarassed in the comparison. Once again, this is a true testament to Joseph's abilities. In fact, I have commissioned Joseph to build me a pair of statement tube mono amps. Now that will be an interesting comparison. Strengths:
Excellent price/performance ratio
Affordable price
Extended highs and well controlled powerful low end
Extreme transparency and micro-detail retrieval
Absence of coloration Weaknesses:
None Similar Products Used:
Shunyata Anaconda Alpha power cords
Transparent Reference MM interconnects
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Rating
Reviewed by:
Drte
(AudioPhile)
Review Date
July 22, 2005Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
1 to 3 months |
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Review 3 of 3
Price Paid:
$195.00
from Factory Direct Summary:
ComponentPlus's Audio Horizon Interconnect has to be one of the best examples of how the sonic excellence of an interconnect cable is not necessarily related to its price. For a fraction of what high end cables cost--and that I have paid for them--Component Plus has produced a truly remarkable product in the Audio Horizon Series X Preminum Interconnect. This cable is one of the most transparent interconnects I have ever heard, and I have heard quite a few in my over 20 years in audio. It does not act as a tone control shaping the sound delivered. It does not add anything or subtract anything. Instead, it allows all the musical information through, including the musical micro-details, without any coloration. It simply lets the music flow through the equipment. It has clarity and a sense of detail, a smooth midrange and a very extended top end. The bass is powerful and well controled. If you want to hear how well your equipment is trully capable of sounding, then these interconnects are a must audition. Strengths:
Excellent price/performance ratio
Affordable price
Extended highs and well controlled powerful low end
Extreme transparency and mirco-detail retrival without hardness or brightness
Absence of coloration, even in voices that previously seemed nasal Weaknesses:
None Similar Products Used:
Acoustic Zen Silver Reference
Audioquest Diamond
Tara Labs Air
Audio Magic Sorcerer 4D
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