|
Cables Galore Speaker cables, Interconnects & Power cords |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#51
|
|||
|
|||
Got in the Thunderbird Zeros yesterday, initial reaction is that these have amazing clarity and crispness for copper cables compared to the Oaks. The resolution is a night and day difference. These are brand new out of the box, without breaking them in. Bass is less than Oaks, but I felt the Oaks were a bit bass heavy. Will see how this improves over time. Also, I do need to rerun the ML ARC calibration since I moved the speakers closer together and tad further from the wall.
|
#52
|
||||
|
||||
I had Thunderbird Zeros over the weekend. They were demoes that had over 100 hours on them. I'll just say cables are system dependent and I returned them. Anyone considering the Thunderbirds should listen to Wireworld Silver Eclipse series 8, Audience Au24, Shunyata Alpha, Shunyata Sigma, or Clarus Crimson speakers cables.
__________________
Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp, Corus preamp, Chord Dave DAC, Antipodes DS GT music server, Monitor Audio PL500 II, dual REL G1 MKII subwoofers and more |
#53
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#54
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Compared to the Oak, the Thunderbrds are clearer and feels like the music is seamlessly delivered (if that makes sense). Instruments and vocals are crisper and bass is more defined. That being said, the sound is closer to silver than copper in the sense of neutrality and transparency. They are more unforgiving, very true to source with much less wiggle room. Then again, I am running these with the ML 11As, with other speakers that may be different. In terms of soundstage and depth will wait for some more hours on the cables beforing making that assessment. The Oaks had some great depth. Quote:
|
#55
|
||||
|
||||
"You also heard the Firebirds which is hard to unhear, I imagine that would be another level compared to the Thunderbirds." My conclusions have absolutely nothing to do with hearing the Firebirds. My conclusion is based on actually listening to the Thunderbirds in my system compared to other speaker cables that I've heard in my system. The dealer said, that the Thunderbirds sound better with the bass cable. Imagine that, I need to spend another $4K just to get the Thunderbirds to sound good. In my opinion that's laughable.
__________________
Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp, Corus preamp, Chord Dave DAC, Antipodes DS GT music server, Monitor Audio PL500 II, dual REL G1 MKII subwoofers and more |
#56
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I do agree that their price hike is hard to justify especially if you are happy with what you have. However, I don't call it laughable since this is a synergy and preference thing. In my system the Thunderbirds Zeros perform well (so far) without the bass cable. The dealer recommended Zero + Bass which comes at a certain price point. It similar to a someone recommending the Wild cables and you try the Oaks. Pretty awesome that the Clarus Crimsons can best the Thunderbirds though. If you need spend more than double to come close in you system, then really why bother. I spoke to the AQ guys a few times about these cables. They were comparing the Thunderbirds (zero + bass) to the Wilds and WELs. IF that's true, then the Thunderbird combo comes at a lower price point. I haven't heard the comparison so can't comment on it. This is all in the AQ world that is, not comparing to other brands which may have bigger bang for the buck. With their new pricing strategy it's hard to believe there aren't other brands of cables which can come close to, if not beat, at way lower price points. |
#57
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Last edited by Charles; 03-31-2019 at 04:55 AM. |
#58
|
||||
|
||||
Charles,
I agree with so much of what you say. I think your comments of "endless expense" really hits the head on the nail. I've spent a fair amount of money on this hobby, but I do have limits on what I'm willing to spend on a component. The every escalating cost really makes me ask the question, do I really need to upgrade anymore?
__________________
Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp, Corus preamp, Chord Dave DAC, Antipodes DS GT music server, Monitor Audio PL500 II, dual REL G1 MKII subwoofers and more |
#59
|
|||
|
|||
The current capacity of a cable will depend on both the gauge and the material. I believe a smaller silver cable will be equivalent to larger copper wire.
|
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |