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ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??

72.94.156.11

Posted on February 14, 2015 at 07:19:35
Yes.....and maybe not. It really depends on how much value each individual places on squeezing that last ounce of "Holy crap, I'm in the presence of actual musicians making music", out of their systems. For me, it is definitely worth it because I have searched my entire adult life for that ultimate feeling of listening in on the performance through my Hi Fi. Live music is so difficult to reproduce in the home, so anything that can get me closer to the original event is worth it! In this instance I evaluated a pair of MIT Oracle MA-X Proline IC's in my system. The positive results were immediately evident and more importantly, had a lasting effect that is addictive. Full scale sound that is an open window into the musical event with all the detail, dynamics, warmth and tonal colors so frequently lost with other cables. The MIT's are brimming with life yet sound so natural and unforced. The biggest thing I noticed is that there was a complete lack of an electronic edifice....zero glare, zero digititus, zero overemphasis. Just realistic sound that commands your attention and begs you to listen over and over again...no matter what volume level you choose.

My system is as follows:

Krell Vanguard Integrated wt an MIT Oracle AC2 PC
Krell 505 SACD Player wt a Transparent PLMM2 PC and HiFiTuning Fuses
B&W 802D speakers
Transparent Ultra Gen 5 Biwire's
MIT Oracle MA-X Proline IC's
Transparent Power Isolater Duo

On evaluation:

MIT HD38 Biwire's

I have been through a lot of equipment over the years....a scary amount, so my slice of experince is fairly substantial. This current setup is one of my favorites!

 

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RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 07:22:47
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Thank You for your thoughts/impressions -Dave. $13K is certainly steep, but if it helps others achieve audio nirvana = priceless.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 07:48:55
standingstones
Audiophile

Posts: 218
Location: Pennsylvania
Joined: February 14, 2005
If you have the money to purchase interconnects of that price range, the question is irrelevant.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 08:09:14
How so? I was prepared to send them back like many other cables I have used.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 08:21:14
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
I am glad those ICs fit another (the final?) piece of your ultimate audio nirvana puzzle.

Two things that always interest me when I hear about ultra high priced cables (certainly anything over $10K) are, what would I find if I cut one of them in half and, how many were sold last year?

I am intrigued by the whole cable thing since I have made quite a few myself, including a set of ICs that one equipment manufacturer now uses in their reference system. I have cut into a few fairly well known cables and, while the materials quality ranges widely with the different cables I have explored, I have seen nothing that would approach even $5K (for typical lengths) without resulting in at least 200 percent profit. The high priced cable industry is one in which it seems there is only a very loose, if any, correlation between manufacturing costs and retail price, even accounting for the tooling required and the need for moderate to large cable runs for economy. I find it interesting that few cable manufacturers these days provide even basic information about the geometry, number of conductors, wire gauge and dielectric used in their cables. The sales pitch seems to be all about how stunning the sound is, what electrical properties are optimized, and which pitfalls (common to their competitors) are avoided by using their cables. I can only suspect that, when you approach the pinnacle, the level of research involved to reach the next higher plateau becomes orders of magnitude greater.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 09:02:13
All legitimate questions for sure, but what matters first and foremost to me is the results. I am not biased toward gear no matter how much or how little it costs. I have had great inexpensive systems and cost no object setups. I really dig the naturalness of my current system....almost no electromechanical residue apparent. What I find most offensive is the glut of truly marginal differences between "just wire" cables. My ears have heard a decent portion of the various metals, treatments and geometries offered in the cable maelstrom and although they all sound slightly different, none of them delivered what I wanted from my system(s). I found the various brands to be more metallurgical voodoo than solutions to great sound. Inevitably I pay for what sounds best and for me that is Transparent and MIT products. A free market delivers the best array of products at prices for every level of consumer. Options are great and I do not mind paying for that privilege. So in the end, I understand your perspective completely....I just submit that I like being able to pay for what I believe to be the best!

 

You wrote "Inevitably I pay for what sounds best and for me" , posted on February 14, 2015 at 09:12:54
bouncy ball
Audiophile

Posts: 1219
Location: British Columbia
Joined: July 26, 2003
$ 13k cable may be consider as a bargain for many.

 

RE: You wrote "Inevitably I pay for what sounds best and for me" , posted on February 14, 2015 at 09:17:31
Well bouncy, I am not jaded enough to consider that kind of money "a bargain", but I am ok with having the option to buy it or not. FYI, I didn't even pay near the list price...pays to shop around as well!

 

You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:13:41
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
A 13,200 no-name interconnect makes you thrilled with your preference. I'm speechless, however you can go on and on. What if, $13,150 was pulled from the air?

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:19:07
I mentioned the name and the context within which I chose the aforementioned cable. Perhaps you should see a doctor for your cryptic and somewhat incoherent response. Unless of course the cause of your disjointed rambling is from a form of self medication:)

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:24:53
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Cables/cords fascinate me as well -Mitch2.
I would love to read more about those who cut in half well-branded cables/power cords and explore the innards.

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:27:04
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Sure, the cost is difficult to justify, however, if Dave has $100K invested in his rig then $13K is not too far off.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:38:59
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
How so? I don't understand your response. I understood HIS just fine and it makes complete sense to me. I don't understand why you don't understand his. No need to reply or feel free to reply. I was just saying..........


E
T

ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 10:45:17
Care to decipher?

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 11:49:32
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
What is it you would like to know?
Maybe I can answer one or two questions by saying I never cut up a cable just to see what was inside but I have purchased a few used, and then reterminated them in the lengths I needed or, in some cases, reterminated them with better connectors. I have also purchased longer than needed single wire speaker cables, cut them in half, and reterminated them to make a bi-wire pair with common connectors at the amp end. Some manufacturers use outstanding materials, like the OCC solid core copper wire and foamed PE dielectric used by Harmonic Technology, others not so good.

I have made quite a few IC, PC and speaker cables, both from basic hook-up wire in a variety of geometries, and using other materials for spacing, shielding, and covering, and I have also made quite a few cables by purchasing high quality bulk cable (usually OCC copper wire) and terminating it with top quality connectors. I have dabbled with networks but have never tried an active dbs.

Over the years, I have improved my ability and methods of terminating cables, and I have been occasionally amazed at the poor quality solder joints or crimps in some manufactured cables. Just because it comes from a manufacturer, doesn't mean it is well put together.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 12:25:14
Still waiting oh wise one...please enlighten me as to what in hell Soulfoud was attempting to communicate to me?

 

RE: You wrote "Inevitably I pay for what sounds best and for me" , posted on February 14, 2015 at 12:27:48
bouncy ball
Audiophile

Posts: 1219
Location: British Columbia
Joined: July 26, 2003
same here, I choose to DIY.
cheers

 

RE: You wrote "Inevitably I pay for what sounds best and for me" , posted on February 14, 2015 at 12:36:59
I understand that;))

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 13:56:39
standingstones
Audiophile

Posts: 218
Location: Pennsylvania
Joined: February 14, 2005
You state you are going to send them back like so many other cables you have tried. It would seem you are a tire kicker. A $100 pair of interconnects might not make any more difference to you than a $13,200 pair would. Buy and use what makes you happy. That is the ultimate goal.

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 14:25:39
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
It's fact vs conjecture.

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 14:37:15
You guys are not reading my post closely enough and as a result, you and soul food are not making sense😁. Try reading more carefully next time!

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 14:40:15
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
The only cable you mentioned was, "MIT Oracle MA-X Proline IC". A quick search indicated that the cable didn't cost that much. As such, I discounted the MIT as merely a plug, not realizing you were leading into it.

I'll take your word for the price. My bad, I apologize.

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 15:05:56
Ok, $13,199 is msrp for my 1.5M MA-X Prolines! FYI, I paid $5200 for a demo pair😄

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 16:48:16
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
A nice score indeed!

 

RE: ARE $13,200 INTERCONNECTS WORTH THE PRICE??, posted on February 14, 2015 at 16:49:24
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Right On! Mitch2-
many manufacturers are in cahoots w/ china as well. Somehow this is never disclosed?

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 17:00:37
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
You should ease up off the Caps.

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 17:08:44
As long as you ease into intelligibility 😜

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 18:08:10
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
"As long as you ease into intelligibility"

You used all capital letters/caps (shouting) in a subject line that now seems more sensational than credible. This has the percept of being prone to hyperbole. Not good. I hope I'm clear even if you disagree.

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 18:34:41
Are you on drugs or something? I am not using all caps...check your end out, maybe something is screwy with your equipment😳

 

So let me get this straight..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 18:37:32
Mark Man
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: MN
Joined: January 31, 2010
$12000 CD player...

Hooked up to $3500 integrated...(This must be one hell of an integrated)

With a $5200 interconnect...Really??!!??

Its your money dude...

Thanks for sharing...
Mark

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 18:41:42
You are referring to the post subject line? Wow, you are the master of misdirection. I think I left the caps lock on...didn't know it would be upsetting or considered hyperbole. You need to relax😣

 

RE: So let me get this straight..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 19:00:00
Actually the Vanguard retails for $4500 sans digital board. I had a $10k amp with a $5k solid state preamp and a $7k tube preamp before I demo'd the Vanguard at home. The Vanguard is exceptional and uniquely musical. In truth, I owned a $50k amp/preamp combo that didn't sound as musical as the Vanguard. I was smitten by the sound...not the price. As for the power cords, I have been through the mill and have heard how transformative they can be for a component. I also have wonderful dealers who allow me to retain the value of my purchases when upgrading. I never pay list and frequently pay a lot less than msrp. Need I school you on the importance of your source and concomitant IC? I choose carefully for sound, not for snob value or sticker price. Just so happens that sometimes the best solution does cost more...other times you find a value😚

 

Great...I am glad your happy that is all that matters..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 19:38:53
Mark Man
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: MN
Joined: January 31, 2010
"The Vanguard will be shipping in July with a MSRP of $3,500 U.S. the price for the optional digital module has not yet been announced. For more information, please visit"

FYI this what I found on the web...without the digital upgrade...

Thank you for schooling me Yoda..."learn I will"...

FYI...my Maggie 3.7i's with Mye Audio stands were less than your cable...speakers used, stands new...

Enjoy...

Thanks
Mark

Ps. You do not create a post like this, if you are not on a soap box...so I get it...preach brother...































 

RE: Great...I am glad your happy that is all that matters..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 19:47:16
Yes, released the wrong price initially and wound up at &$4500 + $1500 more for the digital board. I had Maggie's and demo'd the 20.7's before listening to the 802D's. I guess you know which ones I chose😉

 

RE: Great...I am glad your happy that is all that matters..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 19:55:08
Mark Man
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: MN
Joined: January 31, 2010

As my ol'man would say...

"That's why they make Fords' and Chevy's"

I do remember your posts prior to the Vanguard coming out...you were sold before you heard it...

Thanks again for sharing...
Mark

 

RE: You're not alone., posted on February 14, 2015 at 19:59:43
soulfood
Audiophile

Posts: 3725
Joined: August 9, 2001
You claim, your cables are worth to you (non-comparative sound quality), more than $7000 over what you paid. Enjoy your new cables.

 

RE: Great...I am glad your happy that is all that matters..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 20:09:17
You and soulfood would make really annoying babies together😉. Instead of playing audio police try joining the conversation!

 

What is exactly is the conversation..., posted on February 14, 2015 at 20:31:54
Mark Man
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: MN
Joined: January 31, 2010
It is YOUR post...YOU put screaming CAPS, trying to stir things up...saying you are happy with your purchase...trying to push the EXPENSIVE CABLE BUTTON...knowing how that in infuriates some members...

I personally have no problem with expensive cables...I think it is funny how you "schooled" me, that you are not impressed with what things cost just how they sound...so stated in a reply to me...

BUT yet your post has the MSRP of the cable you just bought??!!?? IN THE TITLE...

It is not until later you state you paid $5200 for them...

Your passive aggressive BS is just that...BS...I have not said one negative thing...until just now...

So, just stay on your soap box, because obviously, you enjoy the sound of your own voice...

I am not a guy that says "this sucks or that sucks", if have not heard that particular piece...I have NO comment other than how YOU have presented this subject...you went looking for confrontation...

So...there it hangs bordASS...
Thanks
Mark

 

No, posted on February 14, 2015 at 20:45:27
madisonears
Audiophile

Posts: 1586
Location: midwest
Joined: September 6, 2006
Not to me, not ever, in any system playing any music under any circumstances.

Glad you're enjoying them. The companies, retailer and manufacturer, that sold them are probably enjoying their split of the $12,000 margin, too.

Or are they a mile long?

Peace,
Tom E
berate is 8 and benign is 9

 

but you did not pay anywhere near that, posted on February 14, 2015 at 21:07:20
Metralla
Audiophile

Posts: 7801
Location: San Jose, California
Joined: January 30, 2001
Did you?


Regards,
Geoff

 

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