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Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Van den Hul First Ultimate Cable by vandyman

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REVIEW: Van den Hul First Ultimate Cable Review by vandyman at Audio Asylum

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I have used cables in the past from Kimber, Kimber Select, Straightwire, XLO, Monster Cable, Fine Line, Music Link and many others. I'm curently evaluating two pairs of VHD The First Ultimate. So far they are not yet fully broken-in, although the mfg suggests it's not necessary, and the sound has changed slightly for the better. First of all, what I notice most is an extremely neutral character in its sound that does not emphasize any aspect of the audio spectrum. Gone is the tizzy highs I experienced with the Kimber Silver Streak, and many other unrefined cables. Also the soundstage is huge and tonally they are very tight and not flabby.
This IC has an abundance of unforced detail, and lots of it. However, you'll hear more detail and at the same time not experience any ear bleed as is so common with low to mid priced silver I/C's.
This natural and balanced sound at first may lead some to think these cables are dull. The truth is, you'll hear not only more low level information, but music presented in its natural live sound. In other words, these cables excel at doing nothing other than passing as much low-level information as possible without drawing any attention to itself. Another area it excels at is in projecting a huge stable 3D soundstage. Each instrument is clearly defined and positioned. These cables actually created a larger, better defined soundstage than my Kimber Select KS 1020's. The 1020's sounded smaller and slightly brighter and beamier, but without presenting as much detail.

Again, my system is built around neutrality and when done right, cables are easily identifiable in character. The Straightwire Maestro II's sounded the closest to The First Ultimate in terms of detail and tightness of sound. The Maestro II's are a very good cable as well for the price and the people who suggest it sounds bright have, well a bright system, and these cables are excellent at letting you know that.

I'm currently evaluating VDH Magnum Hybrid and CS-122 in a bi-wire set up on my Vandersteen 3A Sigs, review to follow soon.


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Topic - REVIEW: Van den Hul First Ultimate Cable Review by vandyman at Audio Asylum - vandyman 14:01:47 01/19/01 ( 0)