Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Homegrown Audio Super Silver II Cable by sgb

Model:	Super Silver II
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$50 and up.
Description:	Silver Conductor Tri-Braid (1 Signal, 2 Return)
Manufacturer URL:	Homegrown Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Homegrown Audio

Review by sgb ( A ) on June 28, 2002 at 10:17:09
IP Address: 68.11.221.43

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for the Super Silver II

One of the things I hate most about expensive audio cables (speaker or interconnect) â€” especially if they're made with silver wire â€” is that they seem to over-accentuate the high frequencies. Over the past 20 years or so, this had been demonstrated to me time and again by audiophile friends who had done more dabbling than I had in the subtle sonic differences of audio cables.
While I must admit that the cost of some interconnects and speaker cables verges on lunacy (I have a friend who owns a pair of $30,000 speaker cables), I'll also concede that these cables can and do make differences in the sound emanating from one's speakers. I have come to the conclusion, though, that these differences are smaller than many relate to their fellow audiophiles (somewhat akin to the fisherman's tale about the 5 ft. long trout that got away), and that these differences are just that, differences, not really improvements.
With the acquisition of some new audio equipment, I was compelled to think about new interconnects, and decided upon the Super Silver IIs based upon comments posted here at the asylum. Now that they have been in constant use for more than three months, I can say that I was pleased enough with the first pair I bought (that coupled my SACD player to my preamp) to spring for a second pair (between amp & preamp). These interconnects are extremely well made with, perhaps, the connectors on each end being the most serviceable I've ever seen. The sound is rich and lush, especially in direct comparison with a number of far more expensive cables from Nordost and Harmonic Technology. The sound is always clear, smooth and liquid, far beyond my original expectations.
I would recommend the Super Silver II interconnects to any audiophile who's not plagued by the more-it-costs-the-better-it-sounds illusion.

Product Weakness: The cable is a bit stiff, but makes up for that by being small in diameter.
Product Strengths: Very clear, linear sound with excellent sound stage and smooth treble.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Quicksilver MS-190 90WPC (tube)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rogue Audio 66 Magnum
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz SA-14/SOTA Star Sapphire
Speakers:	Rosinante' Evolution Signature
Cables/Interconnects:	Homegrown I/C, AQ Type 8 Speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, some pop/rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	27.5 x 19.75 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	very natural, W-2-W carpeting
Time Period/Length of Audition:	> 3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none (more baloney)
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	The cable is a bit stiff, but makes up for that by being small in diameter.
Product Strengths:	Very clear, linear sound with excellent sound stage and smooth treble.