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Review 5 of 46
Price Paid:
$70.00
from A&B sound Summary:
I purchased this cable to replace a five year old pair of ultralink Challengers. I read all the reviews and found quite a variety of opinions. I did however note that a large number of the reviews had similar complaints a common one being that these cables are too bright. Many of these complaints seemed to be from beople with speakers that I find to be bright in the first place leading me to believe that perhaps the cable used prior to the z series masked the speakers natural brightness. That in mind, I set out to try them for myself. I'm glad I did.
I must stress....these (and any cable for that matter) must be broken in.
To begin, I will say that I an enthusiast with audiophile aspirations but a hobbyist budget. My system consists of a Technics SA-DA10 reciever, A pioneer DVD-440, Mirage 760 front speaker, a PSB Stratus C-5 center channel and Stratus minis for rears. Ultralink balanced cables and power cables are used with a monster power hts-1000 for clean power.
When I first hooked these up they sounded terribly bright. Audio fatigue took a brief 10-15 minutes of listening. Soundstage and imaging seemed to be improved but bass was all but non existant, midrange muffled and highs were ear piercing. Having experienced this in other cables and equipment, I was willing to wait for break-in to complete before fully evaluating.
These cables seemed to take a long time to break in, but each time I listened, sound quality improved. I am now simply amazed.
Bass has improved substantially over the break in. My speakers now produce lower frequencies at a much higher output with tighter dynamics.
Midrange has improved significantly leading to a smooth natural sound with excellent staging.
Highs have smoothed as well, perhaps from the increased bass and mid output. Frequency respose and reaction is improved.
Overall the soundstage is wider and deeper with much more realism.
Dynamics are excellent allowing every nuance to be heard. I hear new detail in tracks I have literally heard hundreds of times. I can now here suptle differences like the plucking and tapering of a guitar string and the breaths between lyrics.
Overall I consider this cable to be an excellent value. I think on a bang per buck basis, it's the best add on I've purchased. I purchased mine in bulk so it was even better. I have only done the two main speakers, but can't wait to do the others. I would recommend them to anyone.
Try them for yourself, but break them in before you review. Strengths:
Excellent improvements in soundstage and clarity. Weaknesses:
None for the price. Similar Products Used:
Ultralink Challenger 12 gauge, Radio Shack 12 gauge
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