I was happy with AQ Diamond HDMI
I have had all three. I preferred the RAL over the WWPS7 over the AQ Vodka 48. All used with Matrix SPDIF 2.
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Thank you for sharing! All input is appreciated for sure! The Vodka has been great, which is the biggest reason I’m trying to proceed carefully here.
It seems that’s somewhat consistent that the RAL is preferred to the WAPS7, but it also seems consistent that the WWPS48 is a nice improvement from the 7. Such is the dilemma…
You are welcome.
I like the RAL over the AQ Vodka but it was very close.
One man’s value proposition is another man’s waste of money.
If you have the resources, by all means give the RAL a try. It is preferable in my system, but the improvement is incremental and might now be “worth it” to you.
Have fun.
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Perhps you can find a good price on an used Dragon? While a RAL sounds very good on it’s own, the Dragon makes the Ral sound a bit dull and lifeless, at least in my system it does. The WireWorld S7 is even worst. The new WWPS48 I haven’t heard, but don’t believe it can rival the Dragon.
Look for a used Thunderbird48. It is much cheaper ($350USD or so) and very close performance wise the Dragon48, IMO.
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Having heard this cable, and have owned the WWPL7, RAL, and Dragon 48, I do not share your enthusiasm for the Thunderbird
….l agree with @waymanchen11, @aangen, and a host of other Forum members that have exhaustively compared HDMI cables. At each juncture, a new one would reign, but since the AQ Dragon introduction,
It has remained on top.
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I also agree. The only consideration is the RAL is lowsy for video but great for digital audio as i2s.
The WWSS7 is pretty fried I also tried an AQ vodka. It is pretty lousy for video and sound. It is bottom rung in my opinion i have bought 12 dollar cables with better picture and sound.
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Yeah, the RAL is my “affordable” choice, but once you hear the Dragon, you can’t go back. It’s the only cable that seems to be the undisputed king in HDMI audio. I spent a lot of money to come to that realization. And speaking of saving time and money, I would be interested in your take on video HDMI cables. I swapped out a cheap AQ for a DH Labs Silver 2.1 and liked what I saw.
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For video I use an AQ Coffee HDMI, and it produces a richer and warmer picture than AQ Vodka. Vodka is used for Samsung 4k player now, and frankly I don’t remember when was the last time I turned it on. Netflix and Amazon Prime took most of my time. AQ Dragon48 for audio from PST only and it’s still the best for I2S as far as I know.
I can recommend AQ Firebird 48 that I used to own too for the price. I will not go lower than that for MK2. Man, I am not able to download the latest Massive yet since I’m in Kyoto now.
Here is a picture of Fuji mountain from the Shinkansen train.
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Firebird 48 is terrific…I also use my older WireWorld Starlight Platinum 7 on Airlens with great results…
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as great as Massive is, I would absolutely take a few weeks in Kyoto !!!
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I have had good results with AQ Thunderbird 48 between the PST and the Mk2, and AQ Vodka between Airlens and Mk2.
The best picture HDMI cables the AQ Dragon 48 and WWPS7 which is slightly cooler the WWSS7 is not far behind on picture. I also have a couple AQ coffee that were left at our Ranch property. @dchang05 is right it is better than the Vodka but is still behind either of the WW products in sound or picture. I think th WW composilex insulation is likely best blocking RF and EMI emissions. i also have a bright lime green WWP7 is copper core but less silver plate. I tried that versus the coffee and it still has better video than both AQ lower rung is slightly brighter audio. Than the coffe but still better picture. I wish I remember its name. Anyhow I use it on my work monitor these days it is only a 0.6m cable.
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rented one of these near Fuji san. locals were amused at the American paddle
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You’re lucky to have such clear weather and good view of Mt. Fuji. I was there several times and never saw it, even when staying at the Fuji View Hotel in Yokohama.
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Streaming Qobuz from AirLens to DS DAC MKII sounds fantastic, especially after the latest software update with the Massive final version. I need tips regarding the HDMI cable between AirLens and the DAC and have tested several cables: AQ Carbon has a somewhat enclosed sound. Wireworld Silver Sphere 48 has a better and more open sound. Chord Clearway is the best I have tested so far, with an open sound but a bit forward in the high frequencies. Without budget constraints, based on what I’ve read on the forum, AQ Dragon 48 seems to be the best, but I would like to test it in the system before investing so much money in a cable. Are there others who can explain the differences between AQ Dragon and more affordable cables? Recommendations are welcome 
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I have tried Dragon48 vs RAL, WWPS7 and Lower AQ cords. For Audio the RAL cord is the value cord. But Dragon is clearer in the highs, lower noise floor and sounds closer to natural live music. It shares same trait s if used for HT but WWPS7 is closer in HT to the Dragon48 in audio but blacks are Darker. Call TMR and ask for Nick. He does a good deal to forum members selling AQ Dragon cables. Usually new at the same price which they resell used ones.
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