Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference IC Cable by witchdoctor1

Model:	Silver Reference IC
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$898/m
Description:	silver conductor reference interconnect
Manufacturer URL:	Acoustic Zen
Manufacturer URL:	Acoustic Zen

Review by witchdoctor1 ( A ) on March 09, 2003 at 14:33:48
IP Address: 66.108.121.119

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for the Silver Reference IC

System -
HTPC > GW Labs DSP Upsampler > ART Di/O DAC modded by Bolder Cable>
Sunfire TG 3 > Paradigm Active 40 speakers
PC- various Virtual Dynamics Cables
PLC- Monster HTPS 7000 , cryoed wall receptacle
( interconnects in test were broken in for 100 hrs + with pink noise)
The first comparison was the Better Cables Silver Serpent cable with XLR terminations vs. Bogdan Audio Silver Cables with bullet terminations. These comparisons are easy with my active speakers because all I have to do is plug the interconnects in simultaneously and a toggle switch in te back lets me flip from the XLR connection to the other. I still need to match levels after switching as the XLR is about 6 db louder. I chose to compare these two first because they are in the same price range of around $90 a pair.The Silver Serpents sound good. Very tight bass, neutral, but a little compressed.The Bogdan cables had much more separation between instruments , maintained the tight bass but actually did a better job separating bass guitar from drums and info in the lower registers. Vocals were much more articulate through the Bogdan Cables.
Winner - Bogdan.
Bogdan vs. Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II with XLR terminations
I first want to say that the AZ cables are stunningly clear. If a singer smacks their lips at the end of a note , you hear it. Cymbals, bells , wood blocks and percussion sound incredibly articulate. These cables do not color the music , they are very revealing.
I did not realize any information was missing until I compared them with the Bogdan cables. The Bogdan cables presented vocals in a way that sounded just as musical but I could not hear that last hair of detail as the lips smacking after the notes.
However where the Bogdan cables stood out was how much more information they revealed than the AZ. Bass through these cables on my speakers sounded as though I had added a sub ( I have extension to only around 32 hz). I could cleary hear more of what was on the track.
In " Change the World" by Eric Clapton you could hear clearly the full rounded whomp as his hand slapped the wood on his acoustic guitar each time before he plucked the strings.
Vogue by Madonna had bass that hit you right in the gut in those first opening bars before she begins singing.
Both Nat and Natalie Cole had a little more fullness in their voices that the AZ didn't quite pick up during their duet on Unforgettable.
Bottom Line - The AZ are the winners in giving a little more crispness in the information that they present.As I said they are extremely neutral and sound great.
The Bogdan cable has much , much more information that the AZ left out. Much more bass extension, much more detail in the lower registers, smoother midrange , airy highs , and excellent separation between notes and instruments. The AZ were a little more like looking through a microscope in comparison.
My preference on my system is the Bogdan cables. Believe me, price is NOT an issue with me , although I know the AZ cables cost ten times more.
I will have a friend over tomorrow for a blind test comparison and post his comments in a follow up.
If this sounds like cheerleading to you do yourself a favor. Spend $90 , do your own comparison, and then flame away if your results differ.
If you have not heard these three cables and compared , please respect my post as I have no vested interst in any of these companies. Thanks

Product Weakness: cuts off extreme frequency ranges of both highs and lows
Product Strengths: clarity and crispness

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	active speakers
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Sunfire TG3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	HTPC with M- audiophile soundcard
Speakers:	Paradigm Active 40
Cables/Interconnects:	various Virtual Dynamics PC
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz/pop
Room Size (LxWxH):	11 x 12 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition:	30 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster HTPS 7000
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	cuts off extreme frequency ranges of both highs and lows
Product Strengths:	clarity and crispness