Using this to connect CD players to amp or preamp, this cable produces a very good but slightly unrealistic sound. The sound is very clear, yet it is rounded off at the same time. There is a hole in the midrange, and the sounstage is kinda quirky.

However, using this cable as a digital coax, the quartz is superb. Give it a try, your digital front end will have an extra sense of breath in its presence. Absolutely stunning.

No 5 stars because they are only average as audio interconnects.

Superb clarity, bass depth and control, spacious and smooth top-end and some of the finest midrange articulation around.
Looking for an affordable cable that gives extraordinary performance?, this is it.Accept no substitute!

None that spring to mind at this price, but then look how far you can go with some of the more exotically priced alternatives.

Overall one of the best constructed, most musically persuasive performers i've used.In the the world of fine wire this is one of the finest.

Similar Products Used:

Kimber hero, Chord company(England)solid cord.

The equipments:Audiolab 8000A integrated amp
Marantz CD63MKII KI-Signature cdp
Tannoy Mercury M2 speakers
Atacama 24SE stands
Harman/Kardon TU-930 tuner
Nordost BlackKnight & AudioQuest Quartz x3 (new)interconnect
QED Qudos Silver & Cable Talk 4.1 speaker cables

I bought this cable two weeks ago, second-hand. Even the BlackKnight is good enough for my current system with it openess, details and dynamics, I try to remove harshness and brightness produduced by CD63KI-S cdp and 8000A amp.
It's works! It's more musical and have extra airyness compared to BlackKnight Even its not as fast as BlackKnight, it does maintain the clarity and details.

I've no problem with Qudos Silver - its good in producing controled bass and details sound.

Overall, I'm very happy with this cable. The only setback is, the cable is not come with screwed-down tightening RCA plug as I expected. But still, its worth buying and trying.

Enough for the cables. My next upgrade is my speakers - Tannoy Mercury M2. I want to try Monitor Audio PMC 702 or AE109.

I have been using the Audioquest Quartz X3 together with other cables (US$100-$600)for the past 3 years in-between 6 amplifiers (from mid priced to expensive tubes and solid states) and 2 cd players (Maranrz CD63 & Sony XA7ES). I find that the Quartz are value for money and far superior in sonic qualities compared to more expensive brand cables in the league. The perfomance is on par with the AQ Emerald or betters them in some areas. especially when details are called for. The Quartz are destined to stay with for sometime as I will be using them as a measurement gauge for all incoming interconnects.

I have been using Audioquest Quartz interconnects with Sony ES equipment for several years now and have found them to add excellent dimension to the sound.

The technical support at AudioQuest recommended the Quartz X3 to compliment myIndigo+ speaker cable. The sound is clear, wide with smooth and razor upper end called upon.

Image and upper midrange

Sluggish on midbass

I found the cables to sound pretty good when used with Rotel Front end, on Parasound and Rotel Amplification. My original rig consisted of a Rotel mid grade cd player, with a rotel THX Preamp, and power by Parasound. Using all quartz was a great enhancement over Ruby, but once I changed my front end to Proceed and amplification by Bryston, it was obvious the Quartz affected the signal. The speakers during both of these stages where B&W Matrix series.
I believe the Quartz to be an excellent value, but when you step into higher end source gear, or an amp with a brighter side of life than the Parasound (probably a product of the cables to be honest), you will wnat to upgrade. I must say since changing to Nordost Blue Angels, I have heard no other cable as neutral. I will admit, if you are listeningg to rather harsh speakers, or high end heavy music, their tonal qualities do lend to less ear fatigue.

Similar Products Used:

Ruby, Nordost Blue Angels, XLO Twinax