Price Paid:  $25.00 from Audiogon.com

Summary:
I attached these interconnects to my Panasonic DVD player, to be played throught my Toshiba stereo television. The upgrade from OEM cables, yielded an immediate improvement in voice definition, mid-range control, bass presentation and spatial information. The overall soundstage was very real.

Strengths:
Midrange detail, treble control, bass control, steady sound stage, voices are instantly rendered more accurately without being constricted or distorted.

Weaknesses:
Nothing to complain about for $50.

Similar Products Used:
I was already a Straight Wire fan after having the original Maestros interconnects and speaker cables. I promptly junked my various Monster Cables with their blaring midrange BULGE after finding Strai

Price Paid:  $50.00 from Columbia Audio/Video

Summary:
If you have followed my reviews of rebuilding my system starting with adding the Velodyne HGS-10, you'll find that when my Outlaw Audio 750 amp arrived, my new interconnects were MIA. So, I pulled out some old Phoenix Golds and went forward. Things sounded good but the highs seemed to be rather muted at times on familiar music.

Well, I got the Symphony IIs on sale while travelling on business and cancelled my on-line order. Once they were in, the highs came back. The Symphony II seems very balanced, clear, and bring out everything in the mix. The only sad thing to note is that the Phoenix Golds did one thing really well and that was carry the bass line. I almost kind of miss the meaty bass they brought to music, but I know what I was hearing was the only part of the music they did well.

In general, a nice improvement and a demonstration that a few extra bucks on cables are worth it. Now, I'm still skeptical that any cable could be worth $100+, but maybe someday when I'm swimming in Krell equipment they might be worth a try!

5 stars on value 'cause I found them on sale!

Strengths:
Nice balance, good high end

Weaknesses:
Bass a bit thin?

Similar Products Used:
audioquest

Price Paid:  $53.00 from SE FLA

Summary:
I have Straightwire Musicable, Chorus, and Symphony II interconnects in my system.

I use Musicable for cassette, and used Chorus for everything else.

I purchased a headphone amp to use with my system. Needed another cable so purchased the Symphony II this time instead of the Chorus. I removed the Chorus from between my amp and preamp to use with the headphone amp, and inserted the Symphony II in it's place. There was an immediate improvement in the sound. I was very surprised. I did not think there would be much of a difference, if any.
There was a noticible increase in midrange level and clarity. Increase in detail. I had the midrange level adjustments on my speakers up slightly. I had to reduce these to normal setting.

For the purchase price of $53 it is an amazing performer.
Straightwire has a trade in policy. If they will give me a good deal on my old Chorus interconnects, I will upgrade.
I would recommend these wires.

I use A Rega Planet CD player, Acurus RL11 preamp and A100 power amp. Vandersteen 2ce Signature speakers.

Strengths:
Good construction. Detailed sound. Excellent value.

Weaknesses:
None I can hear or see.

Similar Products Used:
Straightwire Chorus. Radio Shack specials.

Summary:
It seems to be true that these cables provide massive bass, prominent midrange, smooth treble and a wider soundstage, but totally the sounds are heard quite artificial for me. Female vocals sound a bit nasal and Orchestras electronic. Just the opposite of natural. These cables would be for people who want to modulate the sound by them, but not for the people who want neutral cables. The Van Den Hul D102‡V would be the better.
System:
CD: Philips LHH300R
Integrated Amp: Arcam Alpha9
Power Amo: Arcam Alpha9P for biamping
Speakers: Celestion 300

Strengths:
Price, detailed, Transparency.

Weaknesses:
Artificial sound.

Similar Products Used:
Monster M550i, Van Den Hul D102‡V, Monitor PC PC-080.

Summary:
I JUST GOT THIS--WOW! RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX IT SOUNDS BETTER THAN THE AUDIOQUEST RUBY I WAS USING TO MY CD PLAYER. WARMER, YET NOT LACKING IN DETAILS. ALSO A WIDER SOUNDSTAGE THAN THE RUBY--AND THE RUBY COST TWICE AS MUCH!
I THINK AFTER TRYING VARIOUS BRANDS, I MAY HAVE FOUND THE BRAND FOR MY SYSTEM AND MY EARS. THIS IS A HECK OF A BARGAIN. MY CURRENT SYSTEM CONSISTS OF: NAD 304 INTEGRATED
AMP(A FINE LITTLE PRODUCT); AMC CD8a CD PLAYER; MISSION 702e
SPEAKERS. ANYONE WITH A REAL WORLD SYSTEM SHOULD GIVE STRAIGHT WIRE A TRY.

Strengths:
MIDRANGE, PRICE, BUILD QUALITY

Weaknesses:
NONE SO FAR

Similar Products Used:
AUDIOQUEST RUBY AND TOPAZ AND VARIOUS MONSTER CABLES