Mark Grant XLR Canare L4E6S Star Quad Balanced Cable

[Marco]

I've now spoken with Mark Grant and he is making me up an XLR set from the same cable. I look forward to trying them against my expensive Kimbers.

Not *THIS* will be most interesting!

What I would say is to give them a good chance and get used to the (likely) different presentation they will offer before making a definitive judgement on them, which I know you'll do anyway

Marco.

[MartinT]

Mark Grant silver XLR 'prototypes' received and currently burning-in (in preamp to power amp position). I'm resisting the temptation to listen too closely as I know how 'clanky' new cables can sound. Still, it sounds awfully nice from the study. More tomorrow...

[DSJR]

I didn't notice a difference as the hours went on, but my ears change daily..

I'm still getting a great sound at any volume I like.....

[MartinT]

The MGs have been on burn-in for 24 hours and I've had a good listen, swapping back and forth so that I have a good grasp of what they're doing.

The 1m MG cable is (I believe) silver plated copper cores teflon coated and using good quality Neutrik XLR connectors. Price is £inexpensive (I won't reveal his price to me in case he decides to go commercial with them).

They're up against a 1m Kimber Select KS-1121 hybrid silver/copper cable (silver for the signal and copper for the return), second from top of the Select range, using Switchcraft XLR connectors. They're priced at a cool £1,299.64

I am listening to the preamp to power amp run as I can then compare both CD and LP playback.

Listening to the MGs now, the presentation and detail are fine with a good soundstage, wide frequency range and no obvious omissions. There is a very slight (and I mean barely noticeable) sheen to the sound - not exactly the typical silver brightness but something which is vaguely bothering me while I'm listening. Micro detail is present but I'm not hearing 'into' the soundstage quite as well as I'm used to. There is something going on with the deep bass, a slight lack of resolution which is affecting the definition of the note being struck. It's all very pleasant but I'm aware there's something missing.

Switching back to the Kimber I am surprised. Firstly, the sheen has gone, revealing a very deep soundstage with even finer micro-detail. Small lip sounds and other cues are everywhere in the music, natural rather than emphasised. Without listening as hard, I am hearing more. The biggest area of difference is in the bass. Deep bass now has more texture and is extended to subterranean levels. Music now sounds underpinned and more structural.

I will continue to put more hours on the MGs, although I think they've largely settled down now. They are good for the price, no doubt. What I've learned (re-learned if you like) is that I've stuck with Kimber over very many years for good reason, because they really are supreme. Outrageously, stupidly expensive - no doubt. But the best cables I know.

[Marco]

Nice one, Martin - interesting thoughts

The Kimber cable you're using is certainly very good - I could detect no issues with it when I was down, although neither could I with the G1000HD single-ended cables used in your system when the Croft and copper amp went in and performed rather admirably......

However, there were too many variables in that situation to accurately determine what effect the cables were having in the overall sonic and musical presentation.

Don't rule out a synergistic match with your Kimber speaker cables though, as that could be a significant contributory factor as to why you prefer the Select KS-1121 hybrids, overall

Marco.

[MartinT]

The G100HDs are a different matter as I already know I like them. That's why I've ordered lengths for my single-ended needs (SUT to Phono pre as we heard, and Caiman DAC to Preamp). It just goes to show how different cores and fabrication make for unpredictable results.

Oh, and I absolutely agree with your observation that my use of Kimber interconnects and speaker cables made of the same basic material is very synergistic. That's why I mess with my system at my peril: I don't like upsetting that hard earned synergy.

[Steve Toy]

The 1m MG cable is (I believe) silver plated copper cores teflon coated and using good quality Neutrik XLR connectors. Price is £inexpensive (I won't reveal his price to me in case he decides to go commercial with them).

The emboldened part probably explains the shortcomings.

[MartinT]

Steve, are you suggesting that silver plate, rather than the true silver conductors of the Kimber, are to blame?

[Marco]

Based on my experience of cables using both types of conductors, Martin, it *could* be a significant factor

Marco.