Cost performance ratio thru the roof. Hell, it would be great at any cost.

A bit odd to work with at first, and look at. May be too revealing for poorer setups.

I've always tried to walk the line of cost consciousness with my audio gear, the "accessories" in particular, especially as much of the high priced high end is just not worth it. (I KNOW, cables are not accessories. It's my yankee mentality) But having just changed rooms and getting new speakers I needed to replace the powerline cable I'd had for years as it was now too short.

I got a length of the stranded Kimber as an interim thing, until something better came along. Having just purchased MAD flat pearl dielectric interconnects, I decided keeping the cable type uniform would be a good idea. After I read all the press and good feelings about this cable, when a pair long enough came up on ebay, I grabbed it.

Now, as I had just changed interconnects at the same time, and I'm not the kind who spends the day switching the components in and out to hear differences, ESPECIALLY the interconnects, it should be known the impression was effected by both. I dread nothing more than working the back of the stack. That's the audiophiles version of Twister, only you need to balance (usually) 2 components somewhere on your person while playing it (and one's a 40+ pound amp) while you try to plug something into a hole (and the right hole) that you can't even see. I'll do it just once, thank you, and as it was done, it was done.

Currently I am running;

Conrad Johnson PV-5 preamp (with updated torroidal et al.)
AR ES-1 Table
Adcom Crosscoil Micro Ridge II cartridge
Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 player
RG Pro Expander
Conrad Johnson Sonographe SA250 amplifier
PSB Image 5T speakers
MAD Pearl flat silver interconnects
Alpha Core Goertz cable

What became noticeable instantly with the new cables was a clearness and focus, while retaining the liquidity inherent with the gear. Amazingly, every nuance of the recording was coming thru. I could hear the echo of the singers voice in the recording room coming off the back of the soundstage where it should be as if it was actually reflecting off the rear wall in the recording booth. Never experienced that before on the music on which I was now hearing it. There was TONS of new detail, and it's resolution was killer. And these details were audible out of the sweet spot as well.

I must give some due to the MAD cables also. I got them for $75 each on ebay and they are giant killers. Easly comparable to anything $500 or so, if not better. My friend got them for his setup also and the difference just they made was fantastic. Same goes for the PSB 5t's. Unreal performance for the $$.

I'd also like to make a mention of my use of the RG expander. It is NOT an equalizer like so many people believe, and RG (Robert Grozinski) invented the process, buy one of his, never a DBX unit as they are horrible and change the musical signal. The RG simply uses an algorythmic process to "expand" the musical event. (Sound familiar?) I use it for LP AND CD playback. When one reads all the marvels of upsampling DAC's these days, they hear things like "more dynamic" "wider soundstage" "richer, lusher etc.." Guess what kids, that's EXACTLY what the RG does. The nay-sayers say it's voodoo, I'm making myself hear it etc.. yet the upsampled DAC's are the wonder of the age. I say it makes my LP's come alive and my CD's become SACD's. And if I am decieving myself (which I doubt) at least I'm truly happy about it. My most important piece of gear. Not pertinent here perhaps, but thought it worth passing on.

Anyway, I could not say more about these cables. The only problem you may have is in them showing up flaws in your system, but that will help you in the long run if you aim to correct them. The cables are also user friendly as they can be run (and walked over with impunity) under carpets and do not show at all. I would not worry about bi-wiring, I am not. I think the difference the person below noted was entirely due to this cable, not that it was bi-wired. In fact, a rep from PSB told me he thinks bi-wiring is one of the biggest falsehoods in audio. I tried it briefly with other cable, did nothing, in fact I think it got worse.

In closing, this cable is an absolute best buy in audio. Buy it and don't look back.

Similar Products Used:

Monster powerline, Kimber

Expanded soundstage, excellent bass extension, Smooth mids, and detailed highs

none

Maybe John M is one of the Japanese women that review speakers. I realize this forum is based upon personal listening experience, but there is no way he could have rated these cables so low. I have a modest mid-fi system and these cables were remarkable immediately upon installation. The soundstage gained both width and depth and the vocal and instrument separation was exceptional, massed vocals became individual singers. Detail previously hidden jumped out in surprising ways. I'm not sure what John's ax to grind is all about but even an unfavorable opinion on these cables would have warranted at least a 3 star rating. I'm an immediate fan of Alphacore and will continue to upgrade my system to their products. Great Product!

Similar Products Used:

Monster, Audioquest, Acoustic Research

Clarity, imaging, soundstage

Not a real problem, but due to the unique shape of the wires the banana plugs are a real pain to change.

This was my first purchase of high quality speaker wire, and I have been very impressed. My old wire was just average 16 guage wire. The Alpha-core Goertz MI2 eliminated distortion and greatly improved the overall clarity and imaging. Compared to the cost of other mid/hi-end wire out there it was the best reviewed I could find for the price, and it has exceeded my expectations.

none so far

i bought this cable based upon the reviews on this site.
all i can say is that this is one of the best upgrade i made on my system...my 8 years old BW speaker sounded better than ever, giving it a new life .. Improvements on bass and mids were very apparent.. this cable deserve a five
stars on performance and 4 on value..Try and see/hear the results...

Similar Products Used:

kimber 4pr

While Mr. Marcua below is entitled to his opinion, I think it is irresponsible to give these fine cables 1 star. I was rather skeptical about the difference I would hear with these cables, so I decided to take Alphacore's trial policy. I replaced my Straightwire Encore's with the MI2 biwire with silver spades and was floored. Incredibly smooth cables. Awesome. Anyone who cant hear the sonic improvements these cables offer over even "good" cables like the Straightwire Encore is probably listening through crap speakers and electronics.I am listening through a fairly modest amp/preamp (B&K), a Rega Planet (incredible player! believe the hype) and some really sweet speakers (B&W Matrix 804's). (Im upgrading my amp and preamp very soon). Now I want to replace my Encore interconnects with Alphacore interconnects. Hearing is believing, and these are damn fine speaker cables and are relatively affordable considering their performance. Im not saying these cables compete with $1000 cables, but they are certainly competitive with anyting near their price point.
Definitely recommended.

smooth, grain free treble; transient speed; build quality

none so far

I should note that these are my impressions of the Alpha-Core Python MI2 bi-wired. First, I do not have the time, money, or patience to listen to every brand of cable on the market. Compared to the xlo and audioquest, however, the Python was significantly better in all frequencies, especially the treble. I have all tube electronics, and the treble rolloff I had experienced before the Pythons I had attributed to the tubes. However, with the Pythons, the treble frequency detail and speed increased significantly. The Midrange and bass was more articulate as well.

More importantly, I listen to music much more often than I used to. That is the real test of the quality of the component.

My system is Linn Basik turntable with k18 cartridge and Cardas Cross phono interconnect; Cary SLP-90 pre-amp (awesome unit) connected to Golden Tube se-40 monos via Cardas Quadlink interconnects; Python MI2 bi-wired; Martin Logan Aerius i speakers; Panamax surge protector.

Similar Products Used:

xlo; audioquest

openness, clarity, transparent

detail a bit lacking, deep bass

after using these cables for at more than a year. i have to say that they are a good all a round cable. they do a lot of things right but somehow they don't draw me into the music consistently. i have tried them with 5 different pairs of speakers different amps and goertz interconnect and other interconnect. biwired and not. i dont think they are bad but i guess what blew me away, is that i bought radio shack mega cable for 50 cents a foot and it sounds as good as the goertz. this cable by radio shack is truly amazing and will be the next giant killer of cables to debate about. i will no longer dish out loads of money for cable. its a sham on the audiophile. radio shack mega cable will expose the myth.

Similar Products Used:

mit, transparent, nordost

balance, musicality, sweetness

can't think of one

Some are saying this cable is bright... I've found this quiet the contrary, despite my hearing which mimics a dog's (figuretively of course). The MI-2 runs from a c-j MF-2100 to Maggie 12/QR's (6 ft pair). The quaszie ribbon can be relentless on "hotly" miked recordings. With the MI-2 installed, "poof" went the sizzle, yet, most of the detail remained --- Choose your poison people, insignificant loss of detail or laser etched highs....it's a "no brainer" for me. No cable in my audio neurosis experience (30 years) has resulted in ZERO desire to seek any further cable purchases. Who was it that said, "If it ain't broke......."

Similar Products Used:

you name it, i've tried it

balance, musicality, sweetness

can't think of one

Some are saying this cable is bright... I've found this quiet the contrary, despite my hearing which mimics a dog's (figuretively of course). The MI-2 runs from a c-j MF-2100 to Maggie 12/QR's (6 ft pair). The quaszie ribbon can be relentless on "hotly" miked recordings. With the MI-2 installed, "poof" went the sizzle, yet, most of the detail remained --- Choose your poison people, insignificant loss of detail or laser etched highs....it's a "no brainer" for me. No cable in my audio neurosis experience (30 years) has resulted in ZERO desire to seek any further cable purchases. Who was it that said, "If it ain't broke......."

Similar Products Used:

you name it, i've tried it

These are the most detailed and revealing copper speaker cables around. The bass goes deep, the highs are airy and light on their feet, and the mids smooth. I cannot recommend them enough. Forget about the MITs, Kimbers,DH Labs, etc...They will let every nuance of your systems pass right to your speaker. The only problem with that is bad components and recordings have nowhere to hide. But think of it this way...for a modest price you'll never need to change them if your ever upgrade your system. These cables are so good that they will feel right at home in a $50,000 system. I suggest you borrow one right away and listen for yourself...