Happy almost-New Year. I've spent some more time with the Furutech Clear Line and find it is consistent in allowing the clarity of music insights I mentioned above (in my system). Regarding tonal balance, I’ve listened closely to area radio announcers I know well - three of whom I’ve had face-to-faces with at various music functions over the years - and there isn’t any detriment to the female voices, and while the deeper male voices seem at first blush to have slightly less chest resonance, closer listening reveals there to be better differentiation of the men's individual instruments. This was consistent when listening to males singing; with Wunderlich, Fischer-Dieskau, Ghiarov, and Warren used for this comparison.
Overall, I'd say there is subjectively a lighter balance that shows itself with large-scale music, but for me, the greater insight into musicianship is worth the trade. I’m hoping to have benefit of an audio friend's perspective next month and will pass on his views should they be
different from mine in any way. He's also a better resource for thoughts on aspects like soundstage and imaging.
