Audioquest - Type 2 Speaker Cables Spade Termination 8ft

[nbourbaki]

If you haven't checked out the Audiokarma demo cable program in the Thinking Out Loud forum do you self a favor and check it out. I've just finished demoing a pair of Audioquest - Type 2 Speaker cables in my main system. These cables replaced some Monster XPHP cables that I've been using since putting the system together. The Monster cable is un-terminated. The Audioquest have large spade termination on both ends. The equipment used with the cables included a Denon AVR-4802, Yamaha YP-D6 w/ Grado Gold Cartridge, Sony SCD-CE775 and a pair of Paradigm Studio 60v2. I used SACD, vinyl and redbook CDs that I was most familiar with. What I found was a harder edge to everything that I played with the Audioquest cables. When I first heard this change I switched back to the Monster cable to see if it was all in my head. While not a double blind test, each time I hooked up the Audioquest cables in the system it sounded harder or brighter. Same bass and mid-range, but a harder top end. The Monster cable gave me all of the resolution of the Audioquest, but the top end wasn't in your face. One other difference between the two setups. The Monster cable wasn't terminated and the Denon and Paradigm accomodates bare wire termination. To use the large spades with my Denon I had to use a spade to banana (Dayton) adapter. Long story short, I got to try some very nice looking cables and while it didn't improve my system, it was interesting to see how it changed the character of my setup.

 

[john_w]

Thanks for the review!

Personally, I'd rather use unterminated, 14 gauge braided copper "no-name" cable than anything made by Monster.

Speaking of which, I have some no-name braided copper to replace with a roll of AudioQuest CV4 in my HT surround speakers. Maybe I should add a review for the CV4 because the thick, cheap copper stuff seems to keep up pretty well with my seemingly overpriced Synergistic Research cables in the front.

- jw

 

[nbourbaki]

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of Monster products. I bought my Paradigm Studio 60s from a local hifi shop and this is the best bulk cable they sold. I've been looking for a good replacement and the audiokarma cable swap program gave me the opportunity to try before I buy. I'd like to read a review of the CV4.

 

[Tedrick]

I've no experience with the AQ Type 2, but I've been using a pair of Type 6+ cables to feed my Infinity RS-IIIB's for the last several years. I have found the Type 6+ to be very well balanced, with good bass extension, and a clean top end that I would never qualify as hard or bright. I also tried them for a short while in my SET tube set-up, and they held their own against some newer (and more $$$) AQ wires.

I also recall that Type 4 cable was very well reviewed some years ago in Stereophile.