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AQ Bedrock vs. Zu Julian

97.120.162.242

Normally I don't ask questions like this, let my own ears decide. However, it's a hard comparison to make as of yet.

My buddy gave ma a pair of Bedrock's to try. They are bi-wire versions. They have also been subjected to an act of DOG. The speaker ends have been ferociously chewed at about the the last foot or so. But, they are still conducting and no danger of bridging.

My speakers are vintage and only have 1 set of binding posts. My Kludge to try them out is wedge screw terminal-to-banana adapters into the wire hole of the binding posts so I could hook up both sets of bananas on the bi-wire ends.

I can't re-terminate until I agree to buy. I like what I hear, but can't help but think that hinky hook up is detrimental.

The Bedrock seem more laid back than the Zu with a narrower soundstage. On the other hand I've been feeling like the Zu have a glare that wears on me. In fact, I've been running some DIY Anti-cable knock offs I made from unwound crossover inductors and cheap RS spades and they sound very close to the Bedrocks, if a little more artificial.

Soooo..... thoughts?

Follow Ups:

I use the Audioquest Granite... - SF tech 10:02:27 04/18/17 (0)
Which are nearly identical to the bedrock, except they use "perfect surface copper" for all conductors. They may use slightly larger gauge as well.
Mine are a shotgun pair with silver-clad, solid copper spade lugs, and they are indeed on the laid-back side of neutral... At least to my ears, having used them with several different combinations of amps, loudspeakers, and sources.
I like them well enough that I haven't felt compelled to try something else over many years of use.
The other analog cables in my system utilize solid core conductors as well (AQ and WireWorld)
Good luck.
Addendum: I should also mention that I have used the Granite cables with AQ spade to banana adapters in the past, and prefer the sound of spades connected directly to binding posts when possible. I think it's likely the Bedrocks will sound their best when properly terminated for your system.
Regards,
SF

Edits: 04/18/17
RE: AQ Bedrock vs. Zu Julian - lancelot 08:10:54 04/18/17 (0)
I have the Audioquest Bedrock biwires in my system. Have used them with everything from an all Bryston system to NAD integrated. Speakers are PSB Stratus Silver i's ( Aprox. $2000 when new. )

The Bedrocks replaced a double run ( shotgun ) set of Kimber 4TC's.

The Bedrocks do seem a little laid back ( compared to the Kimbers) but I experienced no loss of depth or width compared to the Kimbers.

They are god enough that I don't see them as a limiting factor unless you prefer a more immediate upfront sound-which I don't.

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