My second pair of XLR Gen 2 UPOCC interconnect should arrive later today. Just so happen my order of bunch Shm-CDs from Japan will be here later today too. This weekend I will be busy!
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Hernia avoided… Delivery delayed. Supposedly weather related.
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The binding posts on my Pass amps are “keyed,” meaning that spade lugs have to be oriented in a specific direction (annoying). This feature combined with the diameter of the post itself rendered both the large and small Cardas spades used by BJC problematic, which is why I opted for banana terminations for the amp end. Speaker end is terminated with the small spades.
The “spread” on the banana halves is adjusted by turning the knurled collar on the plug. Simply plug the connector in and tighten the collar to get a secure, wiggle-free fit.
Not tightened:
Tightened:
For @RonP 
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Priceless! What a fun group of people!
Thanks @hthaller for the great pics.
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I know, the Chiquita will slide nicely into Mr Pass’ heat sinks but don’t do it. “Don’t store your bananas in Mr Pass’ heat sinks.”
I feel the muse upon me—a blues song!
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So, having read a LOT of the posts in this thread, and having a box with a couple different Iconoclast speaker cables delivered today for audition, can anyone confirm for me that I understand the following correctly?
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Series 2 speaker cables are ideal for bi-wire or bi-amp speakers, but it appears there’s a version that will work with speakers that only have a single pair of binding posts, which should still provide improvements over Series 1 cable. (Hopefully I’m not merely imagining this…)
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Assuming the Series 2 speaker cables are available within a year after I decide which version of the Series 1 speaker cables to buy, I can upgrade to Series 2 and receive credit for the Series 1 price paid.
If I’m confused about item 1, item 2 is largely irrelevant. Hopefully someone can clarify for me.
Mike
fried bananas are wonderful but they do make a carmelized
tasty mess…wouldn’t be so good on the heat sinks though 
Best wishes
Just be sure to have some help Miss P20 arrives…
You see Miss P20 can sing but is very heavy clumsy
2 left footed dancer…don’t let her charm persuade
you otherwise
Yep!!
Best wishes
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Here we go…
The series I are fully optimized towards the lower frequency end.
The series II are optimized towards the upper frequency end.
Bob Howard can comment on the upgrade path.
The BULK DCR and Vp changes are what differentiate the designs. If you bi-wire (remove the jumper on your speaker terminals) the series I is for the lowest end, and the series II is for the treble end.
Notice in the graph that the series I and II look bear the same, and they are, but the series I has a lower DCR for higher current we will see in the bass region and it uses a more economical design (fewer wires) that are actually superior for the needs lower in frequency.
The series II is clearly changed in the treble region, and needs a different L and C value. BOTH cables share the same 0.08 uH/foot nominal Inductance. This makes either cable suitable full range and single post speaker and it really depends on what you want to hear more than anything.
There is no way to make ONE cable do BOTH optimally as the analog frequency range is not linear so we need to adjust the curve to either end of the frequency range. The graph below shows the full curve from DC to RF with analog stuck in there. People wanted a “superior” full speed ahead “system” and this is what needs to be done to optimize BOTH ends concurrently with bi-wire systems. Without this technology you aren’t really making a total system, much the same as speaker has a tweeter and a woofer system.
We have two very different ICONOCLAST patented weave designs. The patented weave allows me to ADJUST the polarity to be more fully optimized based on frequency.
The most common bi-wire would be as seen below. This is the most cost effective and frequency optimized set-up, both. The speaker cable is parallel at the amp ends and the separated speaker cross-over divides the frequencies between the two cables based on the cross-over impedance across the bass and mid/treble region.
The picture below is an example. The amplifier used has TWO sets of posts, but they are connected parallel inside the amplifier. The speaker has two sets of posts and with the jumper REMOVED. One set goes to each terminal based on frequency. The upper is series II and the lower is series I.
To use the series II full range is OK on speakers with ONE set of posts. The advantages of bi-wire are a benefit for lower IM distortion when the frequencies are split plus the optimization the series I also provides in very, very low DCR and inductance, both.
The advantage of the series I and II as single cable system will be small, especially on shorter runs. But for bi-wire the cost takes a big jump to get all the advantages and a filly optimized, and better / cheaper system is now provided for even more of an advantage. Everyone benefits and we have more choices.
Best,
Galen Gareis
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That’s the ones. Ultrasonically welded, 3-part “spreading prongs,” from nothing to tight in the port. Loosen the rear collet, insert the tip and once again tighten. Straight forward and very easy to install. Nothing but accolades from our customers.
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They look great, nice to see the upgrade from the previous version. Good chance I’ll be at Axpona, and will check in with Galen. The TPC speaker cables could be a good match for my Pure Audio Project speakers if I can figure a scheme to accommodate the cable stiffness. The PAP Trio 15 Classic speaker termination is somewhat unique and may not be able to work with a stiff cable.
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Two pairs of Iconoclast XLR Gen. 2 UPOCC in the system created a great synergy together. I remember how great the sound was when I got my first pair and adding the second pair gave me goose bumps. The noise floor is so low that I can hear so much more details than before, and I only had less than 10 hours of playing.
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Beautiful speakers. Zeév does a great job!! I suppose you saw Douglas Schroeder’s review of the Quintet 15’s? PureAudioProject Trio15 Coax10 open-baffle speakers Review - Dagogo
All Iconoclast cable assemblies were used in his review.
PM me a shot of the binding posts. I can’t imagine why anything would be difficult with the speakers pulled out as you have them. They must sound great!
Please stop by our booth in the main hall at Axpona and say hello.
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Ze’ev’s PAP Trio 15 Classics
I saw the review, which got me thinking. I wouldn’t custom assemble the wire harnesses my self. I do think it is a great idea. The Trio 15 Classic has interference fit covers front and back. The speaker cable must be threaded thorough the cover and then attached to the binding posts. I am currently using Discovery Essentials which are pretty flexible. Routing them to a bit of work as well as creating a cable stand-off to hold things in place with the rear covers reinstalled. When I get back to where the speakers are I’ll take a few photos so you can see what I am dealing with.
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Mike, many Iconoclast customers have taken advantage of our trade in/up policy. You have a full year to trade “up” in copper variant, within “series” and “genre.” The cable assembly must be the same length or greater.
Your Series I, TPC and SPTPC speaker cables arrived and you will soon know the differences. If you were to choose the TPC, you would have a full year to trade back for “full value” that pair for a pair of either OFE or SPTPC cables of the same length or longer. Other options “might” also be considered within genre but “full value” might not be offered. I have had customers want to trade a 16’ cable back for a 6’ cable and then expected a refund in the exchange. The exchange “has to” make sense for “both” parties.
Series II speaker cables “are currently available.” We have not yet placed them on the website since we have limited availability of TPC copper with uncertain replenishment dates from Belden. SPTPC is currently not available and also has a yet to be determined delivery date. Orders are in for both.
Which Series is best is the question?? Galen has provided the data and there are a good number of Iconoclast customers who have either purchased one over the other or who have both in their systems. Lots of comments on this forum. I’m happy to discuss at your convenience.
Enjoy the audition cables and the process. You have what many consider to be the very best speaker cables on the planet. I have to agree.
I wish everyone a “special” and Happy Easter Weekend!
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I was not aware of the covers for the back panel that hid the binding posts. Looks nice I bet but makes it a challenge terminate.
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Exactly. I’ll talk to your team at Axpona and we can go from there. The Classic version was a condition to be satisfied for aesthetic reasons from my better half.
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Thank you Bob and Galen, for your responses and for the way you run your business.
So far, I’m utterly floored by the effect of the SPTPC speaker cables in my system. I will swap in the TPC one night this week and spend some time listening for the differences before I decide which to order.
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My goose bumps never went away over the weekend. The two pairs of XLR Gen 2 UPOCC in the system are just incredible! I now know what I have been missing. Thanks for the splendid work from Bob and Galen!
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See you at AXPONA that are going. It will be nice to see all your faces. You only get to see mine, I get to see all of yours.
Best,
Galen
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