Cable Question?

[Chicomoralessxm]

I'm looking into these three brands which are available to me and within my budget. Ixos(british firm) Audioquest and Vampire Wire any thoughts on these choices? Are they ok?

i'm looking at interconnects
AQ Copperhead or Diamond back
VampireWire ccc II SC II
ixos XHA516 OFC

SpeakerCable
AQ X2
VampireWire ofhc 12gauge
Ixos XHS 253

http://www.vampirewire.com
http://www.ixos.co.uk/us/index.asp

[treitz3]

I can speak for Audioquest speaker cable X2. Don't waste your money. I was running this before I heard what real a SC can do. As for the others, I cannot comment.

Seriously, lamp cord will do fine compared to this wire. Seriously.

[Chicomoralessxm]

Ouch ok i'll take you advise. What speakers and amp were you using?

[treitz3]

Polk RTI-10's and a Carver M1.5t, M-500t, M1.0t, M4.0t, TFM-55 [and some of these amps were mono-blocked] couple of Yamaha and Denon amps [and separates combo'd], Nikko Alpha3 and more I can't remember off the top of my head.

I had it silver soldered with Fluke nanners on brand new wire.

[phuz]

I haven't had a bad experience with the Audioquest cables I've used. Currently have Type 8 speaker cables and their "black mamba" AA special in one of my rigs and I wouldn't compare it to lamp chord at all. A few folks around here use AQ and like it.

I would suggest checking out Kimber though.

Have heard good things about Ixos, and what little experience I've had with them was good. A few people here have used them in the past. Do a search and you should get some good info on all of the cables you mentioned. Best thing to do is try some and go with what sounds better to you....

[treitz3]

I haven't had a bad experience with the Audioquest cables I've used. Currently have Type 8 speaker cables and their "black mamba" AA special in one of my rigs and I wouldn't compare it to lamp chord at all. A few folks around here use AQ and like it.

I've got the CV-8. The X2 is what I was referring to.

[danger boy]

i've been using IXOS IC"s for many years now in my home theater. they are well made and I have never had any problems with them. I think they are a good bang for your buck.

[phipiper10]

I'll go on the premise that those you listed are in your price range and most of us have financial limitations. I'd say if you can afford more get more by buying used but depending on the rest of your system money might be better spent elsewhere as lots of wire can get pricey quickly.

I personally have x2 running long distances for my surround speakers(20'/30') and previously had it for my mains. The x2 was a significant upgrade over some older monster stuff I had been using for years.

There is better than x2 of course. I moved up to some Audioquest CV-6 for my fronts and they are great. It's actually on sale right now at audioadvisor.com I believe. How long do you need for the speakers?

For the ICs I found the biggest difference I think between Diamondback/King Cobra in the AQ line. I started at the Copperhead like you though.

I can't speak to the other brands you've listed though. I've tried Nordost Blue Heaven IC and Signal Ultra Bi-wire speaker cable. I thought the AQ CV-6 beat the signal and AQ King Cobra's beat out the Nordost.

Depending on the speaker cable run you might look into signal cable too. Everyone hear seems to like them. The ultra biwires are doing nicely in the front right now but think I'll keep the AQ. (couple more days of listening)

What are the rest of the compenents in your system?
Good Luck!

[vonnie123]

Thie below link store has fair prices on IXOS and some other audio cables. I bought a SACD player a while back from them and got good service.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-...ry/AudioCables

[I-SIG]

The Vampire CCC IC's seem to my ears to be the equal of the AQ Diamondbacks for about $25 less.

Wes

[Chicomoralessxm]

Well i bought the some of the XHS706 from A4LS for my new mains. Some ixos453 for a slighterly longer run for my second pair of bookshelves for 2 channel listening. Now on to the interconnects...........:) thanks for the suggustions guys. Can't wait to hear my new speakers when i they arrive hopefully next week. After i hear them i'll be able to pull the trigger on an amp for sure.