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Opinions sought: WireWorld Oasis vs. DH Labs BL-1

Posted by dogwan (A) on July 6, 2014 at 09:09:14

Got a little coin in my pocket for graduation and want to invest in some adult IC's. Within my budget (≈$200) I'm looking at WW Oasis 7's and DH Labs BL-1's. However, I am still open to suggestions and have been scanning the used market. They need to be 2 meters with RCA terminations and would run between my Pre and amps.

System:
-full-range electrostats powered by dedicated (and upgraded) servo-drive tube amps.
-tubed preamp (12AX7 based, sonic signature is very dynamic and not too "tubey")
-listen to mostly vinyl (have multiple TT's and switch them out between MM and MC occasionally)

Currently using a DIY IC from pre to amps made from 24ga. magnet wire in teflon tubing, 3 strands braided (1 hot, 2 neg.) with Vampire RCA's. It's good, but I think I can do better. Oddly enough, this unshielded configuration is the quietest I've tried.

System is very revealing. Anything too bright or etched will show through in spades. That being said, I feel like my cables are limiting how realistic highs like cymbals can sound. Also, these panel speakers are capable of incredibly deep tight bass if the information can get through.

These two cables seem to take different approaches to noise suppression. My gut instinct and limited experience is that shielded cables sound closed in on my system. But, the DH labs have not been criticized for that. The WW geometry instead of traditional shielding is intriguing.

Also, have a bias towards un-plated wires since I prefer the sound of solid core un-plated copper for internal hook-up wire in every project I've done. However, I don't think I've heard it done right in IC's before. From the reviews I've read the DH labs have a silky smooth top end, but some think it's too bright (mixed messages?).

Due to the nature of full-range electrostats I am looking for a well rounded presentation with detail at both ends. Both options seem like they will be a step up from where I am now. I wish I could afford to climb the food chain here, but I gotta eat too.

Edits: 07/06/14

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