Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
After going digital coax out for quite a while from a Rotel CD player into a B&K AVR 305 with Paradigm Monitor 9s up front, the sound was still brighter than I like. Decided to let the B&K handle the analog signal from the Rotel which sent me on a quest for the right interconnect. Listened to Tara Labs, Harmonic Tech, Monster (had some already) and the Encore IIs.

The sound of the Encore IIs was, quite simply, a "sweeter" sound than the others. This is true from lows through the mids, and especially the highs that were fatiguing before. This is a great cable, well constructed and cool looking with it's red interior wrap. If you have a system with some high end edge, you should really give this cable a listen before you buy. It continues to sound even better with burn-in. Also, the guys at Straightwire are great to work with and like to match their wire with your needs. Top notch rating all around!

Strengths:
Smoothing out high end harshness
Very natural sound

Weaknesses:
Not in my system

Similar Products Used:
Tara Labs
Monster

Price Paid:  $75.00 from Home Theatre Store

Summary:
I cannot say enough good things about this cable. It displays every attribute a person could want. Excellent detail without adding any harshness or sibilance to the higer frequencies. Keeps the bass tight, defined, and well-controlled. Lends a warmth and musicality to the music that is a pleasure to listen to. These 1.0m are connecting my Arcam CD62T to my Marantz SR7200 receiver. The marantz has a warm, musical personality, and the Arcam is a forward, very razor-edged-in-detail player. This cable marries their two personalities exceptionally well. I threw these cables into the system right out of the box, expecting little from a raw, unburned cable. They immediately beat everything i'd tried. After about 60 hours of burn-in, midrange warmth had bloomed a bit, but tonal separation and definition still remained very crisp and pleasing. They had matured into the perfect cable for my equipment. I've cycled through a few brands to date, and am finally satisfied. At 75.00, this is a fantastic, competitive cable. Absolutely recommended.

Strengths:
Quality of transmission covers every facet of good sound reproduction. All cables add coloration to the music signal. This one's color is a pleasure to hear

Weaknesses:
I am not a fan of the ruby red jacket. A silly gripe and would never stop me from buying. Ignore this cable at your own risk!

Similar Products Used:
Kimber Pbj and Tonik- nice detail but no bass from my system. Tributaries DCA 100- great cable for $30. Good bass, but just a hair less detailed. I still use these for my sacd player. Tributaries SCA-