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Kimber Monocle XL or Select KS-3033

Posted by jlingo (A) on March 17, 2009 at 23:53:13

I’m currently using TC series for my speaker cable and looking for an upgrade.
Here it is a snapshot of my system:
Empirical Audio Off Ramp 3(Source) -> CablePro Reverie V.2 Digital Cable -> Cyrus DACXP -> Acrolink 7N-DA6300 Interconnect -> Parasound A21 Power -> 8TC Cable -> Dynaudio C1.
Power Cords used: Dream Stealth and Planar Omega Mikro

Could anyone please provide some advise whether to buy Monocle XL or to go straight to Kimber Select 3033? The reason I’m asking because where I’m located, the dealer do not have KS-3033 in stock.

I had a chance to listen to Monocle XL with 24 hours break in and I found the tonal balance to be amazing. It has a much bigger soundstage, RICHER sounding compared to the TC, much better detail and focus. Each sound is more refined and you could actually pin point the instrument. XL also sounds transparently rich and dynamic. It’s a fast dynamic cable, and I enjoyed very much while listening to complex orchestra passages. However there are times when you may find the midbass hump a little bit more than it should. Other than that, It’s a very substantial improvement compared to the TC IMO. The midrange is also very beautiful. TC sounds very skinny and edgy in comparison. Anyhow, I like very much how Monocle XL sounds a touch warm yet lively and dynamic. A VERY MUSICAL and EXCITING cable!

I also had a chance to borrow my friend’s fully burned in KS-3038 for overnight. The spaciousness, depth, soundstage, and airiness startled me. Everything sounds alive. Overall sound seems to be slower and more laid back than Monocle XL though. However, I find after 30minutes of listening, the midrange felt very dry and fatiguing. I couldn’t listen to it for longer than 1 hour. That’s why I was looking into KS-3033 all copper and hoping that I would get the airiness and liveliness of KS-3038 yet, still getting the sweet magic midrange of Monocle XL?

Before taking a plunge into the Monocle XL, I would like to know whether KS-3033 is really worth considering. It’s still within my budget price range. However I’m worried KS-3033 would sound darker, smoother, warmer, and less lively compared to Monocle XL. I prefer the sound to be more engaging and lively. Especially, I read some comments from this forum mentioning KS-3033 to be lean sounding especially in the bass department.

Please chime in, and feel free to comment. I would be more than happy to hear different perspectives. Hopefully your comments would help with my buying decision.

Thank you all.

Edits: 03/18/09 03/18/09 03/18/09

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