I2S cable recommendation?
- Thread starter jfx
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I think this is the direction I'd consider going...Neutral organic price is on point with everything else. It is however a copper cable and for data I am told pure silver is the best.
Hi Forte,
Any photos and/or info on the Conceptus?
There is no mention of it on their website yet.
Thanks!
Hey CK,
Here's a copy & paste from an email I got from the folks at Tubulus:
I have been quite satisfied with the Argentus i2s as it has outperformed other digital rca/xlr (Stealth, Acrolink) in my setup. Looking for a "better" cable with more silver, I was going to ask them if they could make a double-run version of Argentus and by chance stumbled upon Concentus while viewing their website.
Here's a copy & paste from an email I got from the folks at Tubulus:
I have been quite satisfied with the Argentus i2s as it has outperformed other digital rca/xlr (Stealth, Acrolink) in my setup. Looking for a "better" cable with more silver, I was going to ask them if they could make a double-run version of Argentus and by chance stumbled upon Concentus while viewing their website.
Just got my Concentus from DHL. Only visual difference is color of cable jacket. Comparison between the Concentus/Argentus is that they have the same sonic traits.
However, Concentus seem to provide more depth and separation of instruments/singers.
To me, it is worth the price difference to go from Argentus to Concentus.
Sorry I have not tried other i2S so can’t comment on the competition.
However, Concentus seem to provide more depth and separation of instruments/singers.
To me, it is worth the price difference to go from Argentus to Concentus.
Sorry I have not tried other i2S so can’t comment on the competition.
@Forte - I guess there’s been a bit of a gap in time on this thread, but I’m also really interested in how the Concentus compares to the Argentus.
Did you give the above sonic impressions quite soon after the cable arrived, and if so, habe you noticed any further differences in the sound as more time has passed / any potential ‘burn in’ progressed?
Thank you in advance for any response on your thoughts...
Hi Todcakes,
Yes those were my impressions after 7 days burning in 24/7. Only had both for about 2 days to a/b and then the Argentus went on to a new home.
I'll admit that l'm a digital cable sceptic - but l do read with interest the comments and impressions here.
The Tubulus cables have next to zero technical information passed. I can't even determine what gauge wire they are using.
Apart from different coloured sheaving, what is the difference between the Tubulus cable models?
Has anyone taken measurements or done real A/B comparisons?
The Tubulus cables have next to zero technical information passed. I can't even determine what gauge wire they are using.
Apart from different coloured sheaving, what is the difference between the Tubulus cable models?
Has anyone taken measurements or done real A/B comparisons?
I admit this is NOT in the budget from the OP...but I am sharing since there are few I2S threads and sometimes people searching for information will simply come here in search of ANY related information.
Here is my write up of the Z:Axis Audio Reference I2S cable which beat the hometown favorite for 10 years which is the Zanden I2S cable which was designed for our Zanden 4-box digital system.
whatsbestforum.com
Here is my write up of the Z:Axis Audio Reference I2S cable which beat the hometown favorite for 10 years which is the Zanden I2S cable which was designed for our Zanden 4-box digital system.
Z:Axis Audio Reference I2S Cable
Hi Everyone, Just a interesting update on my long-standing Zanden 4-box digital front-end...a change to my I2S cable which was designed by Zanden expressly for this 4-box digital system to connect the Transport to the DAC. After over 10 years (and trying 2 other I2S cables during that time and...
whatsbestforum.com
I will say, if I score the Z:Axis as 'the standard' at 100...the Zanden surprisingly scores only a 70. It was that much of a disappointment to put it back in...and from one of the most stalwart Zanden digital fans for 13 years and running...I consider that a huge statement. I really cannot say enough good things about what I am hearing.
Trust me...I was very surprised. After 10 years, I had listened to 2 I2S cables, and I returned them without thinking twice. And I thought it was never going to get better. And then along comes Paul with his humble but clearly obsessive approach to electronics and design...and he leaves a custom box for a no-pressure trial.
I stuck it in and let it run...and it was clearly better...but as usual, RETURNING to the original was the real test. Wow...I experienced a comparable uplift in performance to when I moved from CJ GAT 1 to CJ GAT 2...possibly more. A comparable uplift in going from Gryphon Colosseum to Mephisto.
Just coming back in here after 2 weeks...something positive happened (again) on the I2S this evening. With this latest improvement as it [apparently] continues to break in...I can now say that it is my firm view that the I2S cable of the Zanden 4-box digital actually holds back the digital that one gets from the main circuitry that Yamada San has so brilliantly designed. I am aware that Zanden itself has redone its I2S cable a few years ago...so perhaps Z:Axis Audio's emphasis on quality digital cables is not only its own proof by virtue of its qualities...but it is clear that legendary designers of digital are themselves aware that digital cables make a difference and are improving their own designs as well.
So what happened?
Listening this evening while working...I put on Dark Knight Rises (soundtrack by Hans Zimmer)...and lo and behold, if little ticking clocks started appearing far off in the distance I had not heard before...and certain way-in-the-background string tones actually had very very clear 'electronically controlled warble' to them when these background tones had before always sounded like 'straight notes' for the last several years of owning this soundtrack. Deep bass notes which were thunderous with growl...now the growl is so distinct, you could almost count the warbles in the growl. Generic soft tones during one opening track now actually is like the sound of air swirling in a distinct circle (left to right in a circle).
The music has a much more deft hand in the soft details that play alongside the big crescendos than I had appreciated before. And being able to hear tiny deft nuances and details WHILE you are also hearing crashing crescendos at the same time is supremely impressive.
Well done, Z:Axis Audio.
So what happened?
Listening this evening while working...I put on Dark Knight Rises (soundtrack by Hans Zimmer)...and lo and behold, if little ticking clocks started appearing far off in the distance I had not heard before...and certain way-in-the-background string tones actually had very very clear 'electronically controlled warble' to them when these background tones had before always sounded like 'straight notes' for the last several years of owning this soundtrack. Deep bass notes which were thunderous with growl...now the growl is so distinct, you could almost count the warbles in the growl. Generic soft tones during one opening track now actually is like the sound of air swirling in a distinct circle (left to right in a circle).
The music has a much more deft hand in the soft details that play alongside the big crescendos than I had appreciated before. And being able to hear tiny deft nuances and details WHILE you are also hearing crashing crescendos at the same time is supremely impressive.
Well done, Z:Axis Audio.
Well, based on your feedback I've a 1m Concentus coming. I never did like the Argentus in my system though I recognize the weaknesses were exaggerated by my choice of power amp at the time so I preferred the Audiolund XTreme I2S cable..... An insanely thick and inflexible cable using Duelund tinned copper. It just gave more natural voices between my Soundaware D300REF and Accurate Audio Ultimate D1000 DAC. I've an inkling that the Concentus will prove the better choice now I've the Absolute Audio SIT-A15 power amp in my sound chain (as opposed to my previous Pass Mini Aleph).
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