Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Modern Audio Design Focus Silver Interconnects Cable by lockman

Model:	Focus Silver Interconnects
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	Appx. $150.00+
Description:	Shielded silver interconnect
Manufacturer URL:	Modern Audio Design
Manufacturer URL:	Modern Audio Design

Review by lockman ( A ) on December 19, 2002 at 10:13:43
IP Address: 12.89.134.203

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for the Focus Silver Interconnects

This review is long overdue. Since I purchased these direct from MAD after seeing the auction on E-Bay, I could not post feedback for Modern Audio Design, hence this review. I initally wanted to replace a

2 meter run of Zu-Cable Oxyfuel that I had good success with. The new I/C was to be used on my upgraded p/s to my Lehmann Blackcube. I inquired about the Pearl I/C and was told it would be susceptible to noise in this length. The MAD Focus was recommended. I ordered a 2 meter pair for $175.00 plus shipping.

When I received it I decided to use it on my EFC (Electronic foundation control) on my Bright Star Audio Altair signature speakers from EFC to Quicksilver V4 amps and a 2 meter Omega Mikro A/V from my Kora pre/amp to the EFC. Right out of the box the sound was smooth and detailed with little or no edge. After 100-125hrs, this cable really shined.

It is smooth, detailed, dynamic with a large soundstage and excellent imaging. In my system, it has none of the brightness or hardness associated with other silver or silver plated cables. This has to be one of the best bargains in hi-end audio. I liked it enough to purchase 2 other 3 ft pair to use on my CD player and elsewhere.

I have replaced the 2 meter with a one meter on my EFC and placed the 2 meter pair on the Blackcube as I originally intended. No matter where it is used, I get the same excellent results. I liked these enough to sell my Elco SR-22 silver I/C's and even the Elco GI-999R gold wire I/C. Both cost significantly more the the MAD Focus.

I understand that different results may be obtained in different systems, but to me this is a no-brainer purchase for $95.00 3ft pair with 30 day money back guarantee including return shipping. I highly recommended

this cable for anyone shopping in the $100-450 price range. Here is a list of my current equipment that these

were used with:

Amplifier: Mastersound Due Venti 220SE integrated

Speakers: Bright Star audio Altair Signatures with EFC

CD: Cary CD 303/100

Speaker Cable: Elco Audio STI-22 siver ribbon in true biwire configuration

Interconnects: MAD Focus from EFC to amp, MAD Focus from CD to amp, MAD Focus from phono pre/amp to amp, Home-

grown Audio Silverlace I/C from amp to EFC (another excellent I/C) Fanks' cable (Signal Cable) I/C from tuner to

amp (will probably be replaced by another MAD Focus)

Powercords: Custom Audio LLC Gold Reference with upgraded Furutech connectors on amp. Omega Mikro Red passive p/c

on Cary 303/100. Virtual Dynamics Audition p/c on Lehmann Black Cube.

Turntable/Cartridge: Systemdek IIX with Profile arm and Dynavector DV 20XH

Listening preferences: pop, rock, jazz r&b on both CD and vinyl

Product Weakness: Not well known, low price may not attract serious audiophiles
Product Strengths: Imaging, soundstaging dynamics, price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mastersound 220SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CD/TT
Speakers:	Bright Star Audio Altair Signature w/EFC
Cables/Interconnects:	Focus, Homegrown Audio
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	rock, pop, jazz, r&b
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2-3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Maplehade double helix powerstrip
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not well known, low price may not attract serious audiophiles
Product Strengths:	Imaging, soundstaging dynamics, price.