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Request for speaker cable recs, where to go from Kimber 4TC

A round of system component upgrades last year has spawned a series of cabling changes this year. I'm currently looking at speaker cables and could use some recommendations.

I've used Kimber 4TC in various configs for years. It is my main point of reference. I'm looking for something that is more natural sounding in the mids and has better dynamics. But I don't want to give up anything in the soundstaging/imaging department, and I don't want to loose speed, or soften attack. And I don't have the free time to DIY.

At the suggestion of my dealer, I tried the Tellurium Q range. The TQ Black was well balanced and had no glaring faults, but was more of a lateral move, not really an improvement overall. The TQ Silver sounded thin and bleached. On the other hand, the TQ Ultra Black was very good. It was a noticeable albeit modest step up from the 4TC in several important areas. Unfortunately, its construction is stiff and awkward, so I would need a longer length than usual (4m vs 3m), and that would probably be a ~$3000 special order. I would have to be seriously impressed to spend that much on speaker cables for my system, and the Ultra Blacks were not *that* much better than what I have.

The same dealer is fond of Cardas Clear. Years ago, I tried Cardas GR and Cross and liked the warm tone but they sounded slow and rolled off, and had a constricted soundstage. He assures me that Clear is neutral and faster and more open than older Cardas cables, but thinks it is too expensive for my system and I agree. Even at used prices, it would be a stretch for me. He also said I should not bother trying Clear Light, that it isn't in the same league.

I am a little bit familiar with Nordost from equipment auditions. I heard Valhalla speaker cables with my previous speakers & amp and thought they were very detailed but lean and lacked drive. I read that the Norse 2 series cables are better balanced than the originals, but I'm not sure they would have the improved dynamics I'm hoping for.

Naturally, I've considered moving up the Kimber line. Some years ago, I tried 8TC but liked 4TC better (albeit this was with my previous speakers). Based on that, I do not think 12TC is worth trying. The Kimber Select series is out of my price range unless I can find a killer deal used. That leaves Monocle, which seems like the ugly stepchild of the Kimber range in that it never seems to be enthusiastically recommended.

So I'm open for recommendations. I know there's a ton of different cable choices out there and I could get all kinds of answers, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from inmates who have experience with some of the same cable lines I've heard.


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Topic - Request for speaker cable recs, where to go from Kimber 4TC - Dave_K 15:32:06 03/23/15 (45)

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