MIT Shotgun S3.3 Cable Demo/Review Round 4

[Jhayman]

I did read you FINAL review..before posting my comment..
Don't be so quick to judge next time..
I was mearly commenting on that post about THAT movie, because according to Bluefox if you did not hear that then you must have one of those $599 systems.
so I joined only a month ago..Does that make it any less relevent?
So i'm guessing you spent the $3000 on cables to hear the ring jostle around..

Seriously? Thats what you have to say? And just about 9 months later to boot.... since ya know I posted that in May of last friggin year....

I quantified a sound I heard I didnt hear previously, isnt that the point, I noticed something different?

P.S. I wrote a bunch more stuff you probably missed in my review where I had a friend over and we listening to a blu-ray concert and FLAC files.

Maybe next time dont skim so much....

[Jhayman]

I have to ask something what does the Network box do exactly to the cable?
I've seen pics on the net of them ripping one open on a $9800 cable and half the box was empty and the other half had a resistor in it, a High quality one, but one resistor, and that is changing the dynamics of the cable, kind of like adding a DSP flavor of sorts..
Oh and I read eveything so as long as it makes sense and not Hog Wash..

We have already determined that The Hyman doesn't need to actually read anything since he already knows it all. (That is if all equalled absolutely nothing).

Jesse, PM incoming regarding this...no not our typical private bashing of The Hyman's latest guffaw...about the cable demo.

[Erik Tracy]

I have to ask something what does the Network box do exactly to the cable?
I've seen pics on the net of them ripping one open on a $9800 cable and half the box was empty and the other half had a resistor in it, a High quality one, but one resistor, and that is changing the dynamics of the cable, kind of like adding a DSP flavor of sorts..
Oh and I read eveything so as long as it makes sense and not Hog Wash..

I've never seen the inside of one of the network boxes....do you have a link?

[Jhayman]

http://web.archive.org/web/200412040...com/whymit.asp

Transparent Audio used to make the cables for MIT.
Apparently they TA and MIT were together and Bruce Brisson went his own way..
According to Audiogon

[EndersShadow]

so I joined only a month ago..Does that make it any less relevent?

Well given that if you read the thread you know each person has the cables for 2 weeks and your suggestiong 9 months later that I use something else for the demo, I would say it does, since I havent had these cables in my system for over 8 1/2 months

So i'm guessing you spent the $3000 on cables to hear the ring jostle around..

No but I did purchase some used Kimber Kable Hero interconnects and Kimber Kable 8VS speaker wires for very good prices and am more than happy with the results.


BTW I find your post below quite ironic since this is ya know a demo thread where you can try out these cables for a low cost. You just have to put up the shipping/insurance costs and write a review.

I also would like to try out some very expensive cables but sadly I'm sure that will never happen..

[Jhayman]

Do you really think F1nut would allow me to demo the cables..
I'm not very well liked here by some for having a I guess overzealous opinion..
BUT i would be more than Happy to demo those cables and give an HONEST review and I would apologize eat crow if needed..

[Erik Tracy]

Do you really think F1nut would allow me to demo the cables..
I'm not very well liked here by some for having a I guess overzealous opinion..
BUT i would be more than Happy to demo those cables and give an HONEST review and I would apologize eat crow if needed..

So, the capitalized comment is meant to imply that all previous reviews have been dis-honest or mis-leading?

[Jhayman]

Nope just letting others know that I will not lie..Because I AM A NAYSAYER..
Sorry for the Capitals..

[SDA1C]

It sucks

























Having to give them back that is :)

Honestly. They will convert you.

[ZLTFUL]

I really wish he would demo them. Then we can put this whole "cables don't matter" bollocks to rest.

[Jhayman]

sign me up..
For the record never said speakers cables don't make a difference only PC's..
But prove me wrong and I will Bow Down Gracefully..
I'm afraid even if you agreed to let me demo them the crossborder shipping would be cost prohibitive because of taxes and duties here, I would have to pay the T's and D's on there retail cost..
Unless there is a way I don't know about..
Like you don't have to pay because it's going to be returned in two weeks, lol

[treitz3]

Unfortunately, the demo is only for the continental US.

Tom

[EndersShadow]

sign me up..
For the record never said speakers cables don't make a difference only PC's..
But prove me wrong and I will Bow Down Gracefully..
I'm afraid even if you agreed to let me demo them the crossborder shipping would be cost prohibitive because of taxes and duties here, I would have to pay the T's and D's on there retail cost..
Unless there is a way I don't know about..
Like you don't have to pay because it's going to be returned in two weeks, lol

Unfortunately, the demo is only for the continental US.

Tom

Yeah, I didnt realize you were in Canada. .

[F1nut]

Allow me to address some of the comments posted today.

I also would like to try out some very expensive cables but sadly I'm sure that will never happen.

MIT has a lending program, details are available on their site. They also are running a give away right now, you might want to give that a try.

I have to ask something what does the Network box do exactly to the cable?

You can find that info by visiting MIT's site, www.mitcables.com

I've seen pics on the net of them ripping one open on a $9800 cable and half the box was empty and the other half had a resistor in it, a High quality one, but one resistor, and that is changing the dynamics of the cable, kind of like adding a DSP flavor of sorts..
Oh and I read eveything so as long as it makes sense and not Hog Wash..

http://web.archive.org/web/200412040...com/whymit.asp

Transparent Audio used to make the cables for MIT.
Apparently they TA and MIT were together and Bruce Brisson went his own way..
According to Audiogon

The link you provided shows a Transparent cable, the one you refer to. Had you read down further you would see the MIT cable network box and the obvious differences. Let me add that the network boxes are not the only thing that makes MIT cables what they are. MIT uses very unique wiring configurations and a host of other advanced technologies.

Here's the actual history of MIT Cables, http://www.mitcables.com/history-of-mit-cables.html

Since you like to read everything and obviously haven't read this yet, http://www.mitcables.com/reference-l.../articles.html

Do you really think F1nut would allow me to demo the cables..
I'm not very well liked here by some for having a I guess overzealous opinion..
BUT i would be more than Happy to demo those cables and give an HONEST review and I would apologize eat crow if needed..

I take it you did not read the requirements posted on the first page. Had you done so you would have seen that due to shipping issues across our borders this demo program is not available in Canada. It has nothing to do with whether I like someone or not. However, I do think you should apologize for purposely mucking up this thread.

sign me up..
For the record never said speakers cables don't make a difference only PC's..
But prove me wrong and I will Bow Down Gracefully..
I'm afraid even if you agreed to let me demo them the crossborder shipping would be cost prohibitive because of taxes and duties here, I would have to pay the T's and D's on there retail cost..
Unless there is a way I don't know about..
Like you don't have to pay because it's going to be returned in two weeks, lol

Please see my first and previous response.

[EndersShadow]

They also are running a give away right now, you might want to give that a try.

Link? Looked on their main page and didnt see anything...

[F1nut]

There is no direct link, but it is on the home page. Look for "Positive Feedback Online Giveaway"

[EndersShadow]

There is no direct link, but it is on the home page. Look for "Positive Feedback Online Giveaway"

Think its over:

Enter Positive Feedback's "I Love PFO!" contest with the chance to win
CONGRATULATIONS to Warren Kice!
1 pair of the Matrix 18 Speaker Interfaces and 2 pairs of the Matrix 6i Interconnects from MIT™ for a total of $1597!
We will cover the shipping via either UPS, FedEx, or US Postal Service (at our discretion).
MIT™ Matrix Series - Affordable technology for every audiophile

[Jhayman]

I apologize to eveyone in this thread..

[F1nut]

WTF, Photobucket has done it again. I did not move or delete the list. Since it came back on its own before, maybe it will so again.

The cables will be leaving Clipdat and going to Dabutcher in a day or so.

Amherst has not posted his review despite repeated requests from me and repeated promises to do so from him. He did mention having some health issues, so I'm cutting him some slack for now.

[Clipdat]

Cables have been shipped to Dabutcher! Prepare for imminent bladder release!

[Clipdat]

First, I'd like to thank Jesse/F1nut and Polk for the opportunity to demo these products. What a great opportunity to evaluate some high end cables in order to hear their synergy in your personal system with your favorite music!

I was commenting earlier in this thread that this might be the most modest equipment these cables would be hooked up to, and that I wasn't sure if it was worth it given the bargain basement price of my Polk TSi100 speakers (about $200/pair). That being said, I actually quite like these speakers for two channel listening, and they seem to work well in my smaller listening room. I think they're a great value, with some slight cons being stereo imaging could be better, and that they may benefit from upgraded crossovers. My Marantz CDP now has enough hours on it (about 75) that I feel it's past it's initial break-in period. I like how detailed yet neutral it is, and it seems well suited to many genres. A con might be that it doesn't sound as lively or natural as some other players with tube output stages. As a side note, I am using all stock power cables with my gear, as I haven't been able to convince myself to give upgraded power cords a try yet. (Possibly an MIT power cable demo in the future?!)

During my two weeks with the cables, I managed to log 13 hours on them with a variety of different music. One of the very first things I noticed is the bigger more three dimensional stereo image. The "sweet spot" seemed to expand and widen, so that I didn't have to be in such an exact spot to get a full well rounded sound. The second thing I noticed was the increased realism to the sound. Everything sounded cohesive and natural, especially well recorded vocals. The increase in discernible texture to strings, voices, and percussion were very evident.

Going back to the overall stereo image for a moment, I noticed more separation of instruments and improved perception of instrument placement. Everything seemed to "fall into place", for lack of a better description. Even my wife who normally rolls her eyes when I gush about high end cables or speakers got in on the fun with a few of her favorite Steely Dan tracks. I think the single most impressive comment was that it sounded like she was "hearing the song for the first time". This is huge praise coming from her considering she is all about the music and generally isn't too concerned if it's coming from an iPod dock or a car stereo.

Toward the end of my time with the cables, I quickly realized that they were becoming transparent. I had forgotten they were in my system because they were simply doing exactly what they should - nothing more and nothing less. Obviously these would be a great choice when planning out a listening room, albeit with a somewhat high initial investment. However, an investment that is definitely worth it in my opinion. Of course it just depends on how much relaxation and joy you achieve from unadulterated musical enjoyment.

I have some other observations and questions I will touch on now in regards to the cables and their performance. I noticed they have less bass than my Audioquest cables. Why is this? Are the Audioquest cables adding bass or are the MITs taking bass away? I should note at this time that I always utilize the "tone defeat" button on my NAD which makes the signal completely bypass the front panel bass and treble knobs.

The MIT cables seemed to perform better at higher volumes. I generally listen to things at what I'm sure some would consider a bit on the quiet side (anywhere from 65-75db), but I noticed that as I turned the volume up the MITs really shined. Is there a technical reason for why they would sound better with more current passing through them?

I noticed some harshness on cymbals in certain recordings. Is this because the cables are more revealing and showing the limitations of the Redbook format? Lastly, I found the high end to be very non-fatiguing, so I feel they would be well suited for speakers that are a bit "bright".

Which brings me back to what I first said regarding synergy with other equipment in your setup. This demo program is essential to see if these will work well with your particular taste in equipment. Thanks again for this opportunity and I encourage anyone who is on the fence about whether or not cables make a difference to sign up for this demo!

[engtaz]

Very nice review.
Thanks

[Drenis]

Did you adjust the impedance switch on the cables?

[Clipdat]

I had them set at Low (5-50) to match the input impedance rating of my NAD.

[Mike Reeter]

Hey Drew, Good review. The S3.3's can be a game changer, thanks for your input!

[Clipdat]

Thanks Mike!

[F1nut]

Since the list hasn't come back in the first post......

[brgman]

So how many on the list above invested in the MIT cables after they had a test run?

[agfrost]

I have not. Would like to someday!

Needing 12 or 15 foot speaker cables isn't helpful to the financial pinch so I'll probably focus on my mortgage and 2 boys' college funds for the next several years. It's doubtful I'll have too much time for critical listening until I get those rascals off to school anyway!

[brgman]

I have not. Would like to someday!

Needing 12 or 15 foot speaker cables isn't helpful to the financial pinch so I'll probably focus on my mortgage and 2 boys' college funds for the next several years. It's doubtful I'll have too much time for critical listening until I get those rascals off to school anyway!

I feel your pain.We are in the college picking mode right now ourselves.shocking what it costs.I think we should put him down as an American Indian since he's got a shred in him,lol.Hell it worked for that DB in Massachusetts.
Luckily i got my cables before this all started.