Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Crystal Clear Audio Studio Reference Speaker Cable Cable by denf

Model:	Studio Reference Speaker Cable
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$785. 1m
Description:	Pure silver, solid core conductors. Banana, pins, or Cardas spades,
Manufacturer URL:	Crystal Clear Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by denf on May 13, 2006 at 19:37:27
IP Address: 69.221.167.101

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for the Studio Reference Speaker Cable

I'm honestly a little surprised that I am the first person to pen (or one finger peck in my case) a review of these incredible cables. I'm not really a cable junky, and have not heard even a small percentage of the plethora of cables that now floods the high-end market, but I think it's safe to say that these are some of the best cables in their respective price points, and probably can compete with designs costing MANY times more.
I have tried five or six different brands of speaker cables, with as many configurations and conductor materials over the years. Overall, I seem to prefer the sound of silver cable -- if it is done right. I also like the sound of "single crystal" copper designs, which offer a nice coherence, but still seem to lack the speed of a great silver design like the CCA cables.
Other cables I have owned include various Analysis Plus (Solo Crystal, & Oval 9, Silver Oval), Aural Thrills, Synergistic Research, Soundstring, WireWorld, AudioQuest, etc.
First, the bass - I didn't expect much of a difference in this area as my Summit's have their own dedicated amps built in to the bass modules of each, but yet with the Studio Ref.'s, the bass is tighter, faster, and I am able to follow intricate bass lines much easier.
The midrange - this is of course where "it all happens" (especially with the Summits, as this is their area of particular strength). The mids (ESPECIALLY after 100 hrs. break-in) have incredible "there-ness". I immediately noticed subtle instrument timbres that had previously been glossed over. MUCH more detail, but without any attendent harshness of any kind, and with a nice effortless "liquid" quality that I've always loved with good silver designs. Imaging placement along with width & depth all improved.
The highs - crystaline, clear, pure (I guess they could have also been branded "Crystaline Clear Cable!) Again, all the purity without any etching or excessive sibilence of any kind. This is one area where the Summits will really let you know if things aren't right cable-wise. The Studio Ref.'s allow all the subtle spatial cues to be reproduced and resolved faithfully.
So all in all a very impressive cable that continues to impress and amaze me. Before plunking down any higher amount on some of the more esoteric and perhaps better known cables, I would seriously recommend giving these a listen. They will probably meet or beat your expectations (and the competition) while saving you valuable green for other software & hardware.
BYW -- while not yet fully broken-in, I just purchased a set of the Signature interconnects as well -- all of the above adjectives and descriptions seem to apply to these as well.

Product Weakness: None that I can hear or think of.
Product Strengths: Complete coherence from top to bottom. A overall "rightness" to their presentation.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	NuForce 9.02 monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Opera Audio
Speakers:	Martin-Logan Summits
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen AC cords
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Prog Rock, modern rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	19 x 15 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None that I can hear or think of.
Product Strengths:	Complete coherence from top to bottom. A overall "rightness" to their presentation.