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Review 3 of 3
Price Paid:
$136.00
from Barney Miller's Summary:
My dealer let me trade in my old pair of Straight Wire Stage speaker cables for a $100 credit, so the above mentioned price is what I payed out of pocket. I was allowed to home demo three models of the Straight Wire Level 3 range: Encore II ($250 for 10 ft.), Rhapsody S ($500 for 12 ft.) and the Maestro II ($800 for 12 ft). These three models were run through extensive AB testing with each other and my original Stage (begining Level 2 range $170 for 15 ft.) cables.
The components used were: Acoustic Energy Aegis 2's speakers, Sony DVP-NC685V cd/sacd player, Denon AVR-2802 (used as a preamp), Acurus A100 amp, Straight Wire Chorus and Signal Cable interconnects.
The musical pieces sampled were: The Eagles: Hell Freezes Over's, Hotel California; Pink Floyd: Echoes, Wish You Were Here; Sarah McLachlan: Surfacing, Angel; and Pink Floyd: DSOTM (sacd), Money.
I noticed an immediate improvement in the Encore II's from the Stage's. The top end wasn't as shrill, the bass was better defined and had more of a thump and the soundstage was "put together" much better. I didn't notice any improvement in sound from the Encore II's to the Rhapsody S's. This is actually somewhat troubling as the price doubles. I knew from the outset that I would not be able to afford the Maestro II's (of course it doesn't make much sense to buy $800 cables for $600 speakers) but I had the opportunity to listen, so I did. The imaging was ultra-precise (a good thing for me) and the sound really now seemed to play from band members instead of speakers. Everything felt tangible, like I could reach out and touch it. This wasn't just a case of pyscho-acoustics; I had friends verify the sound without telling them the cost. Alas, the Maestro II's were more than three times the price of the Encore II's. I took comfort in knowing, however, that while the Maestro's edged my Encore's in price three times, the increase in performance wasn't nearly as drastic.
I still wonder about those Rhapsody S cables though. For those of you looking at the three models in the Level 3 range, look long and hard at the other two before plumping down some serious cash for a questionable product. Strengths:
Very nice build quality. Major improvement from Level 2 series. Excellent bass, smooth clear highs and a very palpable soundstage. Straight Wire's trade-in policy that my dealer honored. Weaknesses:
None at this price. Similar Products Used:
Straight Wire Rhapsody S, Maestro II's and Stage's.
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