Iconoclast SPTPC between BHK 300 monos and DIY open back speakers- couldn’t ask for more from a cable- thx Galen/Bob!
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If you have any doubts that your new cables you upgraded to are not much better than the ones you replaced wait 2-3 weeks and plug the old ones back in! Yikes.
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That’s good to hear your AQ ThunderBird experience. I’ll be connecting my ThunderBird Bi-Wire Combo to my PAP Quintet 15 Horn 1 open baffle speaker in a couple of weeks. I bought two sets of SVS 14 AWG speaker cables for initial connection and speaker break-in, then direct comparison to the ThunderBirds.
I’m using Audioquest CV-8 on my Martin Logan CLX speakers I switched to a pair of Thunderbird Zero 4’ single connected (my speakers don’t allow bi-wire) for 2-3 weeks they are loaners. As soon as I switched back to the CV-8 it was instantly noticeable that the super detailed mid’s were flat and non musical, the detail in the vocals to a point were you could once hear the singers inhale and exhale between lyrics is gone. All the subtle details that most don’t pay attention to jumpEd off the speakers with the Thunderbirds. The CV-8 sound flat in comparison. CV-8 is a good entry level cable but it is like Mazda Miata drag racing a Bugatti Veyron Compared to the Thunderbird. If the Thunderbird sounds this good how much better can the Firebird and Dragon cables be? My Thunderbirds have been ordered and I’m waiting for delivery because CV-8’s are no longer satisfying with the CLX speakers.
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Zu Audio Mission Mk I cables purchased direct from Zu off eBay. They sound just fine to me.
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Zu make great speakers and cables.
And their eBay store is a great way to pick up some cheaply.
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Synergistic Research Foundation speaker cable, great value.
The FireBird is what I was initially going for, but in the end I just couldn’t swing for them.
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Would of been an extra $3k for me to upgrade to Firebird on top of the Thunderbird price. For the cost of a 4’ pair of Dragons I could buy a pair of Thunderbirds and a pair of used BHK 300’s! That’s crazy!
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I was downright depressed when I disconnected the thunderbirds and connected the AQ CV-8’s back up but the new addition of a JL Audio CR1 crossover has the CV-8’s sounding almost as good as the Thunderbirds without the CR1! I’d say about 80% of the thunderbirds performance with CR1 set up. I can’t wait the thunderbirds can’t get here soon enough!
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This was interesting.
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My Thunderbirds are hooked up with the CR1! They are breaking in nicely. I put the Out of Thin Air SACD on and it is a completely different experience with the Thunderbirds! The “you are there experience” has dramatically improved! It does sound like the piano is in the room! Not so much with the lesser speaker cables.
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Congratulations!
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Grover Huffman Empress - they are outstanding,
I’m auditioning well used Cardas Clear speaker cables at the moment. I’ve made so many changes to my system lately that I’m not sure if I’m hearing the cable or something else breaking in. Might try the cans in a bit. I’m hearing a very controlled sound. Almost muddy, if I’m not mistaken. It might be in my head because of the size and weight of the build.
With BHK Pre and M1200s, what are other users suggesting?
What’s your price limit and cable length?
I’m still using Audioquest Thunderbirds 4’ length connected to my M1200’s. They are expensive but very revealing cables.
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No precise decisions on budget, since I surprised myself with this audition after visiting an area shop for the first time.
For better or worse I decided to move my RCA and XLR to Cardas Clear, which lead me to trying the speaker cable.