Purist Audio vs Cardas vs Transparent vs Audioquest

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Check out wireworld cables with Ivan

Good to see the "skeptic" speak out with an opinion!

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Yes, I had a custom tuned set of Reference XLs to plumb the whole system. They do integrate into the system better when custom tuned. The "entry level" Transparent can sound a little on the "meatier" side but many would actually like that.

I was auditioning the Reference and Opus MM2. I agree the Opus MM2 is less meatier than the Reference. Opus sounded spectacular with classical music. All the details were there. Sound stage was deep. Bass was organic and just the right amount. With vocal, I think there's too much mid range with an all McIntosh system. too much of a good thing perhaps?

By the way, the network box on the Opus speaker cable looks huge. It looks like a carbon fiber vacuum cleaner.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by TommyC

I was auditioning the Reference and Opus MM2. I agree the Opus MM2 is less meatier than the Reference. Opus sounded spectacular with classical music. All the details were there. Sound stage was deep. Bass was organic and just the right amount. With vocal, I think there's too much mid range with an all McIntosh system. too much of a good thing perhaps?

By the way, the network box on the Opus speaker cable looks huge. It looks like a carbon fiber vacuum cleaner.

Bass is rather incredible with most of Transparent cables. Very organic, analog sounding and a rare combination of articulation, speed and fullness without sounding dry or artificial. Interesting how the cables can make the speakers and amps sound quite a bit more potent and capable in the bass.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Good to see the "skeptic" speak out with an opinion!

I deserve it... but I am not the "skeptic" anymore

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I deserve it... but I am not the "skeptic" anymore

Yes, I should have said "ex-skeptic".

[jdandy]

David.......You have made a miraculous recovery. You are now "sketicured".

[markc2]

So have you picked your final cables from your testing?

[Gordon]

Serge, I can't believe I posted a new thread on PAD and you already started one! Must have missed it somehow.

So you used PAD IC's with Transparent speaker? Or another combination? The Venusta speaker has my interest for a couple reasons. The main one is they have a very low PF/ft rating which is almost a requirement for an ESL.

Any insight on the Venusta speaker would be appreciated if you tried them.

Thanks, Gordon

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Gordon

Serge, I can't believe I posted a new thread on PAD and you already started one! Must have missed it somehow.

So you used PAD IC's with Transparent speaker? Or another combination? The Venusta speaker has my interest for a couple reasons. The main one is they have a very low PF/ft rating which is almost a requirement for an ESL.

Any insight on the Venusta speaker would be appreciated if you tried them.

Thanks, Gordon

Gordon, I used the Transparent Ref XL speaker to do the shootout. The Venusta's are great ICs like I mentioned before. I have not tried the Venusta speaker cables yet.

[Gordon]

Thanks Serge. I read through this a couple times and wasn't quite sure.

Gordon