Shoot out: Kimber 8TC, DH Labs Q-10, MAC CuQ & PNF Symphony

[Ern Dog]

First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.

I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.

The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.

The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.

I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying :D

Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.

After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.

[hearingimpared]

Nice write up.

[danz1906]

Great Shootout!

[marvda1]

ern dog, let me know what you think of their interconnects when you get them.

[Erik Tracy]

Lets do away with tags...please....cowards and children seem to be the only ilk using them these days.

[Ern Dog]

ern dog, let me know what you think of their interconnects when you get them.

Ok, I'll do that. Are you thinking about trying them too?

[marvda1]

ern dog , any word on the pnf interconnects? i might try them if i can catch a good used price.

[Ern Dog]

Seller shipped them from NJ 8 days ago, so they are running late.

[TouchOfEvil]

nice review.

[mizthuphee]

[QUOTE]ern dog , any word on the pnf interconnects? i might try them if i can catch a good used price./QUOTE]

hi, PNF is selling demo symphony & ic's in Audiogon at 35% off (no affiliation) http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddcablspkr&1248145258&demo&3&4&

[marvda1]

ern dog, how about a review on the pnf interconnects. i should have a pair in next week.

[Ern Dog]

ern dog, how about a review on the pnf interconnects. i should have a pair in next week.

Ok, I'll post it tomorrow on a new thread.

[nooshinjohn]

when you started this, I do remember calling dibs before anyone else....

[W WALDECKER]

First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.

I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.

The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.

The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.

I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying :D

Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.

After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on order :) thanks....WCW III

[Ern Dog]

I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on order :) thanks....WCW III


I'd be interested in hearing your impression of them.

[olilugo]

Ern Dog, can I ask you why you didn't include the signal cable ultra instead of the signal cable classic in your comparison?

I am also in a lookout for some new speaker cables for my new speakers, I started by just wanting biwire configuration because the new speakers the manual actually say they recomende having biwiring them.

[Ern Dog]

Ern Dog, can I ask you why you didn't include the signal cable ultra instead of the signal cable classic in your comparison?

I am also in a lookout for some new speaker cables for my new speakers, I started by just wanting biwire configuration because the new speakers the manual actually say they recomende having biwiring them.


The SC Classics was my first speaker cables I tried beyond the Radio shack speaker wire, then I replaced it with Kimber 8TC's, then did this shoot out and ended up with the PNF's. I skipped over the SC Ultras because I heard so many positive things about the 8TC's, plus they won Editors choice in TAS.

[olilugo]

Thanks Ern Dog.

[redsunlee]

I'm very interested! I would love to find out more inforamtion related to this topic. Thanks in advance.
me too, I need more detailed info

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[wutadumsn23]

I'm very interested! I would love to find out more inforamtion related to this topic. Thanks in advance.
me too, I need more detailed info

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LOL, liar!! Reported, hidden link.

-Jeff

[bapatterson]

I have to admit that I've never been able to hear any difference between any decent cables.

Maybe it's just me.

[SolidSqual]

I have to admit that I've never been able to hear any difference between any decent cables.

Maybe it's just me.

Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set.

[LessisNevermore]

LOL, liar!! Reported, hidden link.

-Jeff

Good eye!

[BlueFox]

Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set.

That's the truth. I was able to hear an improvement in my HT when I went from spliced together 14/16 gauge wire to 12 gauge hardware store stranded copper. Just doing that resulted in a clearer, more open aound.

[Gaara]

Maybe your system just isn't that revealing, and setup improperly. Crummy speakers like those from Best Buy will usually see less results than a nicer set.

I will never understand that mentality, why when someone can't hear the difference between interconnects/speaker wire they must have a crappy/non revealing system? And since when where SDAs crummy Best Buy speakers?

I don't want to start a debate, I just don't get these types of comments. For the record my opinion is that speaker wire / interconnects will make a small difference, and that difference is measurable. I would consider my system revealing, and can't hear differences between interconnects, power cords, and only slight differences on speaker wire, but there is a good chance its placebo.


First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective....


Ern Dog, just curious, how did you do your comparison? I find it easy to compare interconnects, but more difficult to compare speaker wire. Did you just listen to a few tracks then make the switch, or have a component to switch on the fly?

[Ern Dog]

Ern Dog, just curious, how did you do your comparison? I find it easy to compare interconnects, but more difficult to compare speaker wire. Did you just listen to a few tracks then make the switch, or have a component to switch on the fly?


I listened to each speaker cables for a few day at a time and got an initial impression. During this time I also pre-selected 4 tracks that I knew really well and were excellent recordings and took notes on how each of the cables performed with each song. Then I listened to each cable again to be sure of my findings.

[Gaara]

I listened to each speaker cables for a few day at a time and got an initial impression. During this time I also pre-selected 4 tracks that I knew really well and were excellent recordings and took notes on how each of the cables performed with each song. Then I listened to each cable again to be sure of my findings.

Thanks for the insight. I have a variety of speaker wire and will try a test like this sometime in the near future.

[vmaxer]

I own the MAC CUQ's and they are very good cables.based on your review i have a pair of PNF Symphony loudspeaker cables on order :) thanks....WCW III


Did you receive them yet?? What do you think if you did??

[marvda1]

i have a review soon to be published of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables in which i compare them to the pnf symphony and straley reality speaker cables. will let you know when it appears at stereo mojo.
marvin

[vmaxer]

First off I want to say that the purpose of this shoot out was to find the best synergistic speaker cable match for my rig, with my room acoustics and what my ears prefer. It's totally subjective.

I've been using the Kimbers for about 6 months and love'em. But after doing this shoot out I found out that there is a better synergistic match for me.

The DH Labs Q-10's I liked the least in my rig. They sounded a tad bright for me. I would say that in a rig that sounds dark or warm- this cable would add some nice sparkle and make the system come alive.

The MAC CuQ's were AWESOME! They did everything very well. Totally nuetral and well balanced from the highs to the lows. I heard high and low extension that was beyond what my Kimber 8TC's could deliver. IMO they also had the best build quality out all of them. Very solid looking cable. I would have chosen these if it wasn't for a polkie recommending one more cable to throw into the mix.

I had never even heard of PNF Symphony's until 2 weeks ago! They were roughly the same price as the others so what the hell. Research indicated they won TAS Editors choice Award for 2007 and 2008. When I popped them in, it was immediately a no brainer. First off the volume on my rig increased. My rig sounded very full bodied, lush and way more dynamic. Lots of detail, extension on both ends. It was like I was hearing my rig at its potential for the first time. Everything came alive. It was the kinda deal where I wanted to listen to all my favorite cd- they were that good! They are staying :D

Today I ordered up some of their Icon IC's and I'm doing an IC shoot out between my Kimber Hero's, DH Labs Air Matrix and PNF Icons.

After all this is said an done, I'm gonna have a massive sale in the FM soon. No "dibs" please.


Okay, you seem to have sold me...I ordered 2 pair as I am running my fronts bi-amped... I hope they work as well for me as they have for you!!

[W WALDECKER]

I recieved a pair of PNF Symphony speaker cables on monday and i am very impressed.these cables are very extended from top to bottom with gobs of detail and what really impresses me the most with the high frequency extension is that the sound is very smooth and effortless without a tinge of brightness.The PNF Symphonys are really great cables.thanks....WCW III :)

[Ern Dog]

That's my experience as well. You can't beat it for the price. You'll find more of the same with their Icon interconnects.

[tonyb]

[QUOTE=marvda1;1142773]i have a review soon to be published of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables in which i compare them to the pnf symphony and straley reality speaker cables. will let you know when it appears at stereo mojo.


Post a link here,I'd be interested in reading that since I think the reality cables offer an extreme bang for your buck.

[marvda1]

it's finished, i just have to add some manufacturer's comments and pics and it's off to stereo mojo.
marvin

[xrock]

How many different type of IC Does one have. Too many to count and not enuff money to experiment. Stick to one brand that work and save money, unless that one brand/model is ultra expensiive. If you could afford the ultra expensive stuff, then it must be cheap to you. A good recommend would be some where in between. Like the Audio Quest copper head. It is 100.00 pair, but go around $30-60 used. Don't buy into the AQ sky, which retail for 2,500.00 pair. Despite the copy cat from China, they do make good affordable cable too. Hi end copy cat. Just like louis vuitton hand purse. There is level of quality too in copy cate. I read an article where the Hi end copy cat from China wanted to be official part of the real thing (louis vuitton), but the head of the real thing do not go through with it.

[marvda1]

here's my review of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm

[sucks2beme]

How many different type of IC Does one have. Too many to count and not enuff money to experiment. Stick to one brand that work and save money, unless that one brand/model is ultra expensiive. If you could afford the ultra expensive stuff, then it must be cheap to you. A good recommend would be some where in between. Like the Audio Quest copper head. It is 100.00 pair, but go around $30-60 used. Don't buy into the AQ sky, which retail for 2,500.00 pair. Despite the copy cat from China, they do make good affordable cable too. Hi end copy cat. Just like louis vuitton hand purse. There is level of quality too in copy cate. I read an article where the Hi end copy cat from China wanted to be official part of the real thing (louis vuitton), but the head of the real thing do not go through with it.

The Copperheads were in the house just long enough for me to put them back in the box and return them. The Diamondbacks or King Cobras are far better. The Copperheads were way too bright and harsh.

[phipiper10]

The Copperheads were in the house just long enough for me to put them back in the box and return them. The Diamondbacks or King Cobras are far better. The Copperheads were way too bright and harsh.

What he said.

[olilugo]

here's my review of the new audio art sc-5se speaker cables.
http://www.stereomojo.com/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm/AudioArtSC5SECABLES.htm

Marvin, I read your write up on audiomojo. I am not clear so I wanted to ask you is your conclusion that for the money and cable vs. cable the PNF Symphony Bi-wire turn out to be a better overall cable?

I am asking on account of this statement:
"PNF's have a harmonically richer sound which adds some more layers to the midrange. The highs are more extended with the Audio Arts but the PNF's are a little smoother sounding"


Thanks

[marvda1]

in my system i prefer the pnf's.

[olilugo]

Thanks Marvin.

[steveinaz]

Cable reviews are darn near useless, unless the reviewer is running the same equipment you are; and it's still a stretch as everyone has their individual expectations/preferences. Dodge or Chevy? It's all about synergy.

Example; I found exactly the opposite as "sucks2beme" in regards to Copperhead vs Diamondback. I found Diamondback to be 2-dimensional and very dry sounding, where I found Copperhead far better. And FWIW, I heard no differences between Copperhead and the less expensive Sidewinder.

After trying numerous brands; AQ, Straight Wire, Analysis Plus, Kimber PBJ, etc., I eventually settled on Kimber Hero IC's and 8TC v.2 speaker cables. I like the fuller bodied upper bass/lower midrange, clean treble that is not overdone, and the over all tonal neutrality in my rig.

[Ern Dog]

Cable reviews are darn near useless, unless the reviewer is running the same equipment you are; and it's still a stretch as everyone has their individual expectations/preferences. Dodge or Chevy? It's all about synergy.

Example; I found exactly the opposite as "sucks2beme" in regards to Copperhead vs Diamondback. I found Diamondback to be 2-dimensional and very dry sounding, where I found Copperhead far better. And FWIW, I heard no differences between Copperhead and the less expensive Sidewinder.

After trying numerous brands; AQ, Straight Wire, Analysis Plus, Kimber PBJ, etc., I eventually settled on Kimber Hero IC's and 8TC v.2 speaker cables. I like the fuller bodied upper bass/lower midrange, clean treble that is not overdone, and the over all tonal neutrality in my rig.


I agree. I've had similar experiences with cables..... Synergy is a huge factor in this hobby.

[tonyb]

I can also agree with Steve here,about the whole synergy thing. For me the G.S. Reality cables give me the synergy I like at a price that won't blow the nest egg. This hobby of ours is all about trial and error. You have to kiss a few frogs before your prince shows up.

[fbm211]

I just got a pair of diamondback ICs for my turntable and find them sterile and just too warm sounding.I plan to replace them with air matrix which has very good synergy in my system.

[PNF Audio]

Hello Polk Audio,

We just wanted to write in and say THANKS for this great review and continued support.

Not sure if this is allowed, but if it is, we are willing to offer a POLK Audio Forum discount. If interested just email me steve@pnfaudio.com

All the Best,

Steve

[Ern Dog]

Cool beans! Thanks Steve

[fbm211]

Those Icon ICs look tempting.I just may try those out. The build is a-lot like the air matrix I like so much..

[TouchOfEvil]

I just ordered a 6 foot set of the Spymphony cables from Steve. Great guy to deal with and willing to make some very good good deals on his cables. Once i get some more free coin i will be giving the Icons a try as well.
Once i get the cables i will be posting my results for sure.

[marvda1]

i also got his digital coaxial cable at $40 sounds great.

[dreyfusfabrini]

Do you know how this PNF Symphony compares to the MAC Shotgun? :confused:

[Ern Dog]

Do you know how this PNF Symphony compares to the MAC Shotgun? :confused:

I've never heard the shotguns, so can't comment on that.

[tonyb]

Seems like you concluded a push in comparison with the audioart's. I just want to point out that the Gregg Straley Reality cables are a great value. The audioarts 6 ft pair listed at 395. The Straleys I had Gregg make me was a 10 ft bi-wire set for 360. Now, that was a couple moons ago and his prices may have gone up, but still a great value.