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Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Interconnect Cable Reviews

Audio Cables Reviews - Doug Daniels - Doug read the Chimera Labs Audio Cables Customer Reviews on the website and he ordered a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

These Chimera Labs audio cables are working very well in my system. They're very natural and yet plenty of detail and air. I like them very much and am considering a second pair between a Magnum Dynalab Etude tuner and a Moon I-5LE integrated. Thank you very much.

Audio Cable Reviews - Jeff McClellend - Jeff was one of the very early Chimera Labs Audio Cable Customers. He purchased Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. Jeff ordered a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. Jeff uses Chimera Labs Audio Cables everywhere In his audio system.    

I have not forgotten to get back to you. I just wanted to do a thorough evaluation of the of the advantage speaker cables before I wrote you. Well they are really good audio cables. I mean that too! I can rant and rave but I take the Zen approach.

Audio Cables Reviews - Bryan Petersen Initially Bryan purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnects. Then he purchased a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. He is using Chimera Labs Audio Cables throughout his system.

I just wanted to write you and thank you for the Chimera Labs speaker audio cables. I am a very happy customer. The Advantage LS 9-9 Single Run Speaker Audio Cable has made a big difference in my enjoyment of music.

First they are made very well and look fantastic. The wood dampers are well constructed and spades are heavy duty. The outer jacket also has a bit of a shimmer to it when in the light. They are easy to work with and install. My Berning ZH270 has power connections, speaker audio cable connections and interconnect audio cable terminations very close to each other but I had no problem installing your Chimera Labs audio cable.

Clarity and detail are amazing! I have heard more detail and layering in the music without smearing or the edginess sometimes previously heard in the highs. I am hearing more room ambiance and inner detail now. It's easier to pick out backup singers vocals, breath of the musicians, background noises, decay of plucked strings, etc. If it's on the recording I hear it. It makes it far easier to become emotionally connected to the music. I am also using your Chimera Labs Advantage interconnect audio cable and I didn't really know how good they were until I added your speaker audio cables. There is great synergy with both and for the money it's an outstanding value. OK more on the sound. The Chimera Labs audio cables are neutral and don't add coloration in any way. They just seem to get out of the way and let the music flow.

I also noticed a definite increase in dynamics. This was a bit of a surprise to me. I didn't know it would change the sound in that way. The sound stage is wide and deep and with my Coincident Total Eclipse speakers about even with them, not too forward but with excellent depth. Imaging is also very good. It's easy to pick out the instruments and vocalists in a 3D space ... Again with outstanding detail and ease. I am finding myself listening to tracks that I used to pass over. Everything sounds so much better.

The Chimera Labs audio cables are very well balanced. Bass is excellent but not bloated; midrange is sweet and highs also excellent. Nothing overshadowing another part of the music and all parts pulled together into one cohesive presentation. I agree with others who have said the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables have a very natural sound. Isn't that what we are all looking for? Thanks for an excellent product Dennis!

Audio Cables Reviews - Richard Charlton Richard purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Audio Cables, one pair of Advantage XLR Analog Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables and one pair of Advantage XLR Digital Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables that might be used in his Home Theatre System. Richard placed another order for a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cable.

As you know, I took some convincing to make my first purchase, but I am very happy to endorse what I consider to be both the best performing and the best value audio cables I have auditioned. (Update) Chimera Labs produce the finest audio cables that I have had the privilege to hear. Chimera Labs XLR balanced audio cables now run between my Theta transport, Chord DAC, and Macintosh amp. Chimera Labs audio cables were selected purely on performance against Townsend Isolda DCT300, Cawsey SSI and a range of Nordost audio cables up to and including Nordost s Tyre audio interconnects. I was fortunate to be lent a set of balanced and unbalanced Townsend audio cables which demonstrated a 10-15% performance gain of balanced connections over unbalanced.

In my experience Chimera Labs Audio Cable combine four important properties, namely, extended band-width providing exceptional detail in the low and high frequencies; lightening speed of response to reproduce realistic transients, development of harmonics and natural decay; a lack of distortion avoiding smear, sibilance and fatigue; and most importantly to me, reproducing the natural tonal balance of acoustic instruments. Musicians and vocalists now have real presence on a compelling soundstage.

Thoroughly recommended, This all adds up to a superb musical performance at a much lower price than many competing audio cables. I invested the savings in power cables and isolation products.

Audio Cables Reviews - Dr. Edwin Y. Falconi The Chimera Labs audio cables Dr. Falconi purchased were a pair of the Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

Just took delivery of your Chimera Labs audio cables this afternoon. They are lovely indeed! Put them in between my preamp and amp and let it burn for about 5 hours using my FM tuner. I then changed to vinyl and gave it a listen.

The Verdict: The Chimera Labs audio cables will stay! It's hard to describe everything but it's the sensation of hearing the "rightness" of music. You will know it when you hear it. I will order another pair of Chimera Labs audio interconnects early next year and put it between my phono preamp and active line stage. Thank you for a wonderful product.

Audio Cables Reviews - Peter Curzons Peter ordered three pairs of Chimera Labs Audio Cables, two pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables and one pair of the Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables.

I finally pried the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables from French customs. They've been opened but not disturbed. I have to say they were very well packed.

I spent a lot of time and money and listened long and hard to all the best audio cables before choosing the audio cables that are being replaced with your Chimera Labs audio cable. I fitted your Advantage interconnects and speaker audio cables (they fitted perfectly by the way), and though I read the bit that says "don't even listen to the first few hours" I was captivated. These Chimera Labs audio cables are so much more musical it's difficult to believe, and straight out of the box too. I can't wait to put some more time on them. You're welcome to use my feedback on your website.

The Advantage audio cables are breaking in exactly as described, but definitely on the quicker end of the time scale. I think we're on third stage now after 40-50 hours. Thank you (Update) I'm still captivated by the way your audio cables sound. Recorded music has never sounded so good. Thanks again.

Audio Cables Reviews - Ryan Clarin - Ryan managed to purchase a used pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables on the web. He was kind enough to contact me to let me know how much he liked them. Since then He has purchased another pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

I also appreciate the fast turnaround on shipping my Chimera Labs audio cables, these silver BPT's I was using that I am forced to use right now are utterly fatiguing and glaring compared to yours, amazing how your audio world can be turned upside down with mere wire and audio cable.. It's funny, I used to be such an audio cable roller, and I have never even thought about selling or replacing the Chimera Labs Audio Cables in my rig since I got them. (Update)

Please feel free to use my past comments I sent you for your website. You can also add that your service and thoughtfulness of replies, information, and packaging is remarkable. You represent what customer service is about and you present the "whole package". (Update)

I am a reviewer for 6moons. I recently acquired a used set of your Advantage RCA audio cables from Audiogon and I am loving what it is doing to my audio system. Compared to my past reference, your audio cable has a blacker background, way less noise, is more lifelike and dynamic especially with the highs, has a tauter bass, way more depth and openness in the soundstage, the midrange is so much more present and rich, and is simply a huge step closer to what live music is all about.

I am also an Associate choral director, and am classically trained in violin and voice (baritone) so I have a very good idea of what music should sound like, and your Chimera Labs audio cables do a magnificent job at capturing the emotion and essence of what music really is. Kudos!

I did receive all the original packaging and information materials with the used pair of Chimera Labs audio cables. The packaging is ingenious and your instructions are so detailed and clear it is evident how much you care about your product, audio and the music.

Audio Cables Reviews - Jeffrey Catalano (High Water Sound) - Jeffrey is the USA Distributor for Horning Hybrid Loudspeakers. Gary Alpern, a good customer, told him about the Chimera Labs Audio Cables and Jeffrey contacted me. He ordered two pairs of Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables and one pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. He also had me braid a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Bi-Wire Speaker Audio Cables and two sets of special Litz braided Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables to replace the internal wiring in the Horning cabinets. Jeffrey now recommends and sells my cables to his customers.

I just finished a listening session using the Chimera Labs audio cables with Nordost Valhalla users. They couldn't believe what they heard here. OK, I love the Chimera Labs audio cables. I still think they have some ways to go (break-in) but, at this moment, they sure let the music play. I am going to rebuild a smaller Horning speaker as soon as I get the new drivers from Tommy.

I will find out the either from him or by my pulling the speakers apart what lengths of Chimera Labs audio cables I would need. We then should figure out an arrangement for OEM and if I can offer your Chimera Labs Audio cables to my customers and promote them.

Audio Cables Reviews - Koby Koranteng (Hi-Fi Logic) Jeffrey at High Water Sound told Koby about the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Koby contacted me and ordered a pair of Advantage XLR Analog Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables and a pair of Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. He now offers Chimera Labs audio cables to his customers.

It has been about 2 months since I received your Chimera Labs audio cables. I am referring to the Advantage LS 9-9 Speaker Audio Cable & amp; the Advantage XLR Interconnect Audio Cable. Well, In a nutshell - Hands Down the Chimera Labs audio cable basically had outperformed or on par with all the mega $$ audio cables I have compared your audio cables with, since I am in the high-end audio industry. It would not be fair to reveal any of these audio cables.

a. Well, right out of the box, I have to turn down the volume.(Gain) b. A big increase in soundstage.

b. After 100 plus hours, my eyes popped plus my Jaw Dropped - Talk about a doubling effect. This is what happened.

c. Pace and Dynamics was as good as it gets.

d. Attack, Presence is just phenomenal.

e. Coherence, Air, Tonal Balance is just too good, all instruments sounds the way they should, well the description goes on and on but I will like to let you know that you have an amazing audio cable which is hugely unknown to the audiophile world. They should all listen more to the truth in proper audio cable reproduction than listening to "Audio Magazines". Their "EARs" should be performing their own audio cable reviews in their individual Audio Setups, instead of relying on reviewers with a totally different Setup and environment.

Chimera Labs Audio Cables are not the so-called "Snakes, Hoses, Fatboys" etc. These are really nice and neatly made audio cables, Peaks the WAF Scale. Almost stealth in nature until you get close to them and do not let the size Fool You, because they sure do put a huge SLAM in your FACE. Get one of your audio cables to an honest reviewer and he will tell the truth and the competition will blow their selves away...

The Chimera Labs Audio cables and Audio Speaker Cables have allowed me to stop evaluating other audio cables, sit back and allow the flow of music through my veins. Welcome to the Chimera Labs audio cables with true natural abilities in music reproduction.Sorry for the long Silence, but I was just making sure of these fabulous unknown Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables. I am currently promoting your audio cables. I audition all my equipment with Chimera Labs audio cables. They are Just Fantastic but, again at the end, it still depends on the individual trying to figure out what audio cable is good for him or her. Thank you, Koby

PS: FOCUS & SOUNDSTAGE PAST 100 HOURS PLUS IS - DEAD ON AND WIDE

Audio Cables Reviews - Richard Palermo Richard is using my Chimera Labs Audio Cables in his Home Theatre system. Initially he purchased 5 pairs of Advantage RCA Interconnect Audio Cables. Later he ordered a 3.0 Meter pair of the Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

I just wanted to let you know that the Chimera Labs Audio Cables sound great. Extremely clean and articulate and definitely added bass that was previously not there. Subtle changes I would say but noticeable and appreciated. Lack of artifacts is a good thing. Good audio cable design and beautiful build job!

Audio Cables Reviews - Scott The first Chimera Audio Cable purchase for Scott was a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio cables. After breaking in and evaluating the Chimera Labs Audio Cables, Scott purchased two more pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnect Audio Cables. With his third purchase of another pair of Chimera Labs RCA cables, Scott is now using Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables everywhere in his system.

I also found a different phono stage about a year ago. Main components, all settled in with all Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables, are as follows:

Creek Destiny Integrated Amplifier (always in passive preamp mode)
Simaudio Nova LE CD Player
Graham Slee Projects Reflex MM Phono Stage
STD 305 turntable, Fidelity Research FR-14 arm, Grado Signature 8 cartridge
Running Springs Audio Haley Power Conditioner (truly, no coloration/editing of the sound)
25' Harmonic Tech Melody 12 ga. CCC speaker cables to Sequerra Met 7.7 Mk IV monitors (only length possible in my room) (Update )

It was a long road but I have finally have a balanced audio system in place and I truly believe the core quality emanating from the system is the result of your Chimera Labs Audio Cables. They truly just get out of the way of the music, it is truly jaw dropping. (Update) I hope all is well. My entire system, reconfigured using Simaudio Limited Edition I-5 integrated and Nova CD player, is 100% connected using Advantage Audio Interconnects (four pairs) with simply stunning results. I continue to recommend your Chimera Labs audio cables to all with whom I communicate on audio equipment. ( Update)

Latest pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables received and, after carefully cleaning my tuner/integrated jacks and carefully applying some DeoxIT Shield to the pair...got them on the tuner (KUSF, 90.3) just in time to be introduced to a series of tunes off the just released Medeski Martin & Wood "Best of the Blue Note Years", followed up by some classic Stevie Wonder. Wow....with only your 24 hours of break in: Just outstanding performance....nothing more to be said. My tuner will just keep feeding signal into these 24 hours a day (none of my equipment gets turned off). (Update)

A comment on my CD to Integrated Amp pair: My experience with the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables in my system indicates that after the flattening out of the range in the 150 to 200 hour period: To my ears the sound continues to gain more naturalness....for lack of a better word...but instruments just continue to gain a more natural timbre...maybe....a more natural "richness"....not artificial at all. I am at about 300 total hours now on this pair. Thanks for the awesome Chimera Labs audio cables, Dennis! (Update)

Well...I am breaking in the Chimera Labs audio cables while NOT on vacation now. I have about 30 hours mostly on Yello "The Eye" and just listened to Dave Grusin's Duke Ellington tribute disk. I am floored at the awesome sound of the Chimera Labs audio cable! The Yello disk is recorded at a very high level and the Naim unit does put out a high level signal...which I am sure helps. But I have a question: Any chance my pair of Advantage audio cables had more than your standard 24 hours of break in? Wow.I have now tried the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables I have on the tuner...with one of my favorite afternoon programs on my local college station (KUSF) and...Wow...awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Audio Cables Reviews - Christopher Korody Christopher discovered my Chimera Labs Audio Cables when he contacted me about vintage tubes. He purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage XLR Analog Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables. He got lucky and found a pair of my Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables on Audiogon. He discovered them a few minutes after they were posted and snapped them up. To my knowledge, out of the hundreds of pair sold, only 5 pairs of Chimera Labs Audio Cables have ever hit the used market". None of the Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker Audio Cables have ever been sold by the original owner. . .

As for your Chimera Labs Audio Cables - they are definitely broken in. I cannot believe I would hear all that I am hearing without your Advantage Audio Cables in the mix. The overall change in the performance of the system is profound. BTW I realize that this is probably not the quote you were looking for. I think its real simple and it s what you say - The Chimera XLR Balanced Audio Cables get out of the way and let the music through. The audio cables are beautifully built, easy to handle and thoughtfully packaged. The music appears out of a deep inky blackness. Every detail is revealed as part of a musical whole. Now that I they are broken in, I cannot imagine ever wanting anything less."

Audio Cables Reviews - Charlie Azzolina at Azzolina Audio C harlie heard about the Chimera Labs Audio Cables from members of the Dallas Audio Club. He purchased a pair of the Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables for evaluation. Charlie contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in developing high performance Chimera Labs Audio Cables for his Azzolina Horn Speaker System. Charlie offered us the use of his reference system for the Chimera Labs Axiom Amplifier Listening Sessions. We used that opportunity to determine to optimum audio cables for his Horn speakers. Charlie now uses and recommends Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables, Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables and Chimera Labs Advantage Bi-Wire Speaker Audio Cables for the Azzolina Horns. I established an OEM account for Charlie and he provides the Chimera Labs Audio Cables to his customers.

I put in the Advantage RCA audio cables between the DAC and Line Stage. I guess I can comment now that I have come to know the Chimera Labs audio cables. They replaced a magnet wire twisted pair which I have used for several years after a long search for a high performance audio cable. I liked your audio interconnects better by a small margin right off the bat. They did what mine did but a little better being both good copper and varnish dielectric.

As you mentioned your Chimera Labs Audio Cables change dramatically during break in and this was my experience. After a week of 8 hours play a day your audio cables had transformed into something else entirely, becoming more and more articulate. Sometimes they seemed a little lean but then I noticed I was hearing harmonics in bass passages with better low end extension and knew that this was more an artifact of the previous audio cables being fat and not as open. The midrange blossomed into the full, warm and articulate expressions reserved for the best of copper conductors without any of the mild claustrophobia I experience when Teflon and most other dielectric. Treble extension increased all the while remaining warm and open, never harsh as most silver tends to be to these ears. Noise floor had really dropped I realized as almost an afterthought.

I live in an RF intensive environment amount the heavy motors of an industrial area so this is often a problem for me. At the end of the week I was convinced to replace all my audio interconnects with your audio cable and start using your CCC Wire as hook up to build my amplifiers with. If there was any downside to your audio cables it would be simply that I don't think the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables will hide the ills of poor equipment. These are the most honest and forthright audio cables I have been able to find and I look forward to seeing what pleasures your Advantage Speaker Audio Cables will bring.

Further impressions:

I have taken some time to change different interconnect audio cables in and out of the DAC to line stage position to better understand what effect implementing your Advantage audio cables has brought about. I was really surprised when I put my previous audio cables back in after more than a month of using your Chimera Labs Audio Cables. The gradual changes over the break in period prevented me from being able to more readily understand the eventual difference.

The first thing that strikes me is the change in noise floor and congestion, the quiet ease with which music flows. This is not to say mellow! Dynamics come out with a lack of inhibition but still I relax more into the tone and timbre of the music. Low level detail reveals hall space and decay with clarity and stability even while forefront activity is busy. There is no doubt that your Chimera Labs audio cables have increased the resolution of my system and at the same time making it more musical. But that is all audio speak. To sum up the character in real language I would just use one word: natural. Your Chimera Labs Audio Cables are natural. This is a word I reserve only for the best. It means, for me, more than all the other accolades combined. They are elegant, simple in handsome execution being more like a Haiku than an epic. These audio cables tell the whole story with less.

I am playing with your Advantage Speaker Audio Cables now that I have had a chance to break in the Advantage RCA audio cables. The improvement in sound performance is even more noticeable than your Chimera Labs Audio Interconnects as soon as I put them in. (Update)

My experience with your Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker audio cables was interesting, similar in most aspects to my experience with Chimera Labs audio cable with a few differences. The first difference was that the midrange picked up more body and presence as well as greater dynamic impact. I watched for a loss of air which I suspected would occur but was pleasantly surprised that it remained while cymbals took on a more natural character (I used to be a drummer and can easily tell a Zildjian from a Paiste) and their ring down was full of more harmonic information. (Update)

One of the greatest differences in audio cable listening reviews I have experienced was the installation of the Advantage internal speaker audio cable for the Basso. I had a friend over at the time and he helped me with the difficult task of moving the large bass cabinet around and opening it up for the swap. The audio cable that came out was a Litz braided CCC six nines copper looking very similar to what you had made. The braiding on yours looked a lot better but the nature of the audio cable looked very much the same. My helper even asked me why we were bothering going through all this for an aesthetic difference that would never be seen and even it there were a sonic difference how could it really be heard below 125hz? We left the other audio cable in one speaker for comparison and listened to mono program material. (Update )

We began with Copland, Fanfare for the Common Man. We started with the audio cable in the unchanged channel to get a base line and then went over to the new Chimera Labs Audio Cable speaker side. The horns with Chimera Labs audio cable clearly had more body with more warmth while the harmonic information became easier to detect. My buddy and I looked at each other and he gave me a questioning look. I nodded knowingly, not because I knew the difference the Advantage audio speaker cable would make, but because I knew how much difference information of 125Hz and below could make. When the timpani drum was struck for the first time it was revelatory. The mallet strike and the quavering of the drum head were startling.

The hall space was immediately illuminated and easily discernible by the impact and decay. The harmonics were washing over each other like in a concert hall and I could savor them as they receded. We looked at each other again and this time I was just as surprised as he. The difference fifteen inches of Advantage internal speaker audio cable made was difficult to understand. We even checked the other speaker to make sure it was connected correctly. More program material readily confirmed the initial impressions. The impulse response and overhead were greatly improved and more information was brought toward us past the threshold of perception.

The summary is that there is much more to audio cable design than meets the eye or the understanding of most of us that are not audio cable experts. The proof is in the listening and I can't tell you why that fifteen inches of Chimera Labs audio cable made so much difference only that it did. I also know the sound performance improvements that it and the rest of Chimera Labs Audio Cables brought the Gran Sfera project were more than I had hoped. I believe I have been fortunate in finding audio cables with the quality and nature of Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables.

Audio Cables Reviews - Keith Harris Keith contacted me to audition a pair of Chimera Labs Audio Cables. He ordered a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. After listening to their sound performance he ordered three more pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog RCA Interconnect Audio Cable. Then he ordered a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Bi-Wire Speaker Audio Cables. Finally he ordered one more pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. He is using the Chimera Labs Audio Cables in both his Stereo and Headphone Audio systems.

Thanks for the email. Can't wait to receive the Chimera Labs audio cables. How do your Advantage Interconnect audio cables sound with more break in...BAD ASS. I actually stopped the full on break in process to wait for the new Chimera Labs audio cables to arrive. I also ordered the XLO Break In CD from Amazon and the Caigs Deoxit. Going to hook up the whole thing and run it all at once to break it all in together.

I'm also going to try and give my speakers some actual play time as well to get them in the groove. You make an amazing audio cable, can't wait to hear the rest of my system (and headphone system as well) wired up with it. I'll let you know more impressions after the break in of the new Chimera Labs Audio Cables. (Update) I received my Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect audio cables yesterday. Thank you. All I can say is WOW. Just WOW. I am REALLY impressed with the sound, even straight out of the box.

Audio Cables Reviews - Jose A. Cano Jose heard about my Chimera Labs Audio Cables from another customer. He contacted me and purchased one pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnects and one pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. After listening to the Chimera Labs Audio Cables he purchased four more pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. Jose is using Chimera Labs Audio Cables everywhere in his audio system.

I have been 'cooking' the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect Audio Cables since they arrived, and I want to give you some feedback. I was using Kimber Select and Monocle XL audio cables before, and the difference is day and night. The first thing I noticed was the silent background, even the first day. At the beginning I thought it could be the Sylvania's, but when I went back to the Sovtek's to check, the background was still the same. I put again the Sylvania's, and by them the music was coming from an absolute silent background, and then I knew it was the Chimera Labs Audio Cables.

As the audio cable burning process was going on, everything has been improving dramatically. In some point I had to reposition the speakers because everything had changed. I am not going to tell you what you already know, but the process since I started breaking in the Chimera Labs Audio Cables has been amazing: by the first day, the midrange; actually I thought it was too much, that the audio interconnects were veiling the highs and affecting the detail; this morning, when the highs started to show, I realized how much detail I have been missing before. Then it was the bass; by yesterday it was tight and deep, and this morning sounds...well…accurate, just like the real thing, not like a movie theater. And then the soundstage, I am playing right now the Scriabin's Prometheus, with Ashkenazy at the piano and Lorin Maazel conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a demanding piece of music that I happen to know very well.

They are playing just in front of me; it makes me move my head from right to left to follow the musicians... I have been listening all day without any sign of fatigue, and, most important, I have been enjoying the music so much that I have forgotten to take notes about how good your Chimera Labs Audio Cables are. Actually, everything is good now, even the CD player I didn't like before. If these Advantage Audio Cables are supposed to keep improving during the next days, this is going to be by far the best investment I ever made in an audio component in all my life. I will let you know what happens when the burning process is completed. I also will be ordering more Chimera Labs Audio Cables as soon as I decide the configuration I need, so I will get back in touch. Thank you very much, and congratulations for such an amazing audio cable.

Audio Cables Reviews - Charles Beaman Chuck contacted me about the Chimera Labs Audio Cables and purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables...

The Chimera Labs RCA interconnect audio cables are in place for: CD out, and preamp out to CD burner. They took quite awhile to come around, but that's typical here for audio cables; it's probably more "me" than anything else. Neutral and musical, plus they are just beautiful to look at.

Audio Cables Reviews - Stephen Gardner Over a two year period Stephen has purchased Chimera Labs Audio Cables for both his Stereo Audio System and his Home Theatre System. He purchased pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, Chimera Labs Advantage Digital Interconnect Audio Cables and Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. In total his Chimera Labs Audio Cables orders consisted of five pairs of Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables and two pairs of Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables and three pairs of Advantage RCA Digital Interconnect Video and Audio Cables for his Home Theater System.. .

I can't tell you how much I have been enjoying the addition of more of your Chimera Labs Audio Cables into my audio system! The audio cables are working better than I imagined... The highs are nice and detailed, while they still manage to be smooth as silk. The bottom end is also full bodied with plenty of low-frequency extension. Most importantly; the mid range is very involving and is capable of providing me with the emotional connection to the music that I have been longing for. Thanks for continuing to offer such great audio cables at reasonable prices. I seriously can't thank you enough!

Audio Cable Review - Jonathan Horner Jonathon purchased a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

I once owned a little Datsun truck with a small in line four cylinder motor and manual transmission. At highway speeds, because the truck was so underpowered, even in those years when the fifty five mile an hour limit was in force, the accelerator pedal was literally pressed to the floor and I found myself trying to shift into a non existent fifth gear.Some time this evening, my audio system seems to have found a new gear. Since the major variable in the system has been the addition, a month ago, of Chimera Labs RCA Interconnect audio cables between my SACD player and integrated amplifier, I know exactly where to put the credit.

I won't say that I ve been a total skeptic about audio cables, since it makes sense that any system s strength is dictated by its weakest link, and there are all kinds of potential electrical and mechanical issues in an interface between active electronic components, but I ve never experienced anything like what happened tonight. It thoroughly vindicated the four stages of breaking in” the Chimera Labs Audio Cable that you predicted would occur. I had to turn down the volume because more energy seemed to be flowing into the speakers. I always strive to get as far past the electro-mechanical aspects of reproduced sound as is humanly (and financially) possible.

My audio system has never sounded more natural and that is the highest compliment that I can pay. Congratulations on your Chimera Labs Audio Cables, a most impressive audio achievement!

Audio Cables Reviews- John McAloon John purchased one pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnect Audio Cables. After evaluating the Chimera Labs RCA Audio Interconnect audio cables sound performance, he ordered another pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables for his Audio System.

I received the Chimera Labs RCA Interconnect audio cables yesterday. I'm very impressed with the sound right out of the box...I really don't know how much better they can get right now , but from what I gather the best is yet to come.

You've got another loyal audio cable customer. It looks like I'll eventually replace all my audio cables with your Chimera Labs Audio Cables Dennis, very impressive….Worth every penny.

Thanks again Dennis for a superior audio cable product. By the way I'm running '78 K-horns with a tubed CD player/McIntosh C-2200 tubed Pre/MC-2102 tubes amp.

Audio Cables Reviews - Marco Folli Marco lives in Italy and he read some of the Chimera Labs Audio Cable Reviews on the web. He ordered a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

I am glad to tell you that the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnects are here. Excellent packaging, excellent info, handsome look and SUPERLATIVE sound, even straight from the box! A clear and spacious stage, luscious highs and tight basses were apparent right from the first CD.

Now the Advantage Audio Cables are cooking and I m really curious to see (to hear) where they will go. I ll keep you informed, of course.Thank you very much, Dennis.

Audio Cables Reviews - Greg Melvin Greg ordered a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

R'cvd the Chimera Labs RCA audio cables and am very pleased. I know you're not surprised to hear that, but I am very happy to be able to report it. Just as you advise, it wasn't until 50 hours of playing time until the audio cables really came into their own, or rather, disappeared and left the music.

They've now replaced my $1000 'Reference II' interconnect audio cable in the system. Thanks!Doing business with you for over a decade now and I consider both your ear and your character to be among the absolute elite of the business.

Audio Cables Reviews - Dan Baschkopf Dan purchased two pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. He was kind enough to let me know how pleased he was with the audio cables sound performance. He then purchased a Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Digital Audio Cable.

My system is a Rega P9 table w/Expressimo mods and heavy weight Shelter 501 cartridge, Audiomat Arpege amp and Phono One head amp, Vecteur L-4 cd player, Audio Note one 1.x signature dac, Angstrom Pochetto speakers and sub & amp; Stage III concepts "Duke" bi-wire speaker cables.

I'm just a person trying to build a system that sounds as close to real music as I can get (on a reasonable budget). I m a public school teacher who used to be a jazz/rock musician. I listen to classical, jazz, Latin, Brazilian, and rock music. Your Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables are the ones that make each of these sound more like being there….By far the best audio cables I had ever heard (Tom Evans, van den Hul, …).

I probably have a little over 70 hours on the Advantage RCA Digital Audio Cable now. It sounds wonderful. I was a little nervous when the cable went through a very forward” stage, but that became much more relaxed and musical without loss of charity. This included extended highs, very realistic mid-range and deep, tight bass with a realistic soundstage relative to the size of the ensemble. Your audio cable is an incredible improvement over my previous audio cable.

It gets better each day those additional ambient queues make it seem more real.

Audio Cables Reviews - Robert Spence I met Bob at a Dallas Audio Club meeting. I had given a friend in the Club a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables to pass around to review. The pair stopped when Bob put the Chimera Lab Audio Cables in his system. Bob contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in providing high performance Chimera Labs high performance audio cables for his MaxxHorn Speaker Systems. Bob was kind enough to offer us the use of his reference system for the latest Chimera Labs Axiom Amplifier Listening Sessions. Bob uses Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables and Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables to demo the Maxxhorns at Audio Shows and in his reference audio system. I established an OEM account for Bob and he recommends and provides the Chimera Labs Audio Cables to the customers of his MaxxHorn Immersion Audio Horn Speakers.

Now that the Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker Audio Cables have been in my system for several months, I want to express to you my very positive impression of them. My listening experience with many audio cable products over the years has cemented my decision not to be too hasty with praise. In the past, many times my initial superlatives have waned in the weeks subsequent to living with an audio product on a daily basis. I know you appreciate my caution.

However, I continue to be more enamored with your Chimera Labs speaker audio cables with each passing week. The superlatives continue to flow from my mouth to all who will listen.The Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker Audio Cables "wowed me" right out of the box. They presented very well balanced top to bottom - rich in character but not colored or tubey. You are aware that I have listened to numerous speaker audio cables over the last 20 years both before and since purchasing and breaking in your Advantage Speaker Cables.

Some of the speaker audio cables auditioned include products that retail up to $2500. Many reputable speaker audio cables fall in this price range. The very best complement I can offer to you is to say that we have chosen your Advantage Internal Audio Speaker Cables for our internal speaker wiring in the production of our MaxxHorn Immersion Horn loudspeakers. In addition to the MaxxHorn Immersion Horns, my current home system includes: The Sony DVP- 9000ESD, modified by Vacuum State Electronics (Allen Wright) to "Level 5" performance. I have David Berning's Micro ZOTL amplifier, modified by him to be a preamp (either an amp or preamp), which is what I use it for, currently. Jim River's custom built 300B amplifiers ( a modified JE Labs 300B design) using ElectraPrint output transformers, and finally Bruce Rozenblit's 1.5 Watt per channel Transcendent SE OTL, which mates very well with the 16 ohm Immersion Horns.

In this application, the Rozenblit SE OTL outputs a mighty 3 watts per channel with good bass authority; and of course the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Please let me continue with my evaluation. In addition to the excellent balance noted, the Advantage Speaker Cables presented deeper, tighter, and more articulate bass than I had to date.

They offered immediate and noticeable improvements in textures and harmonic layering with a more dynamic presentation both macro and micro dynamics. Information present on the recording media that was not previously fully presented was now portrayed with better room ambience and with a more natural decay, reminiscent of a live venue. Over the last six months, I continue to fall in love with the beauty of their presentation and character. Historically, I have been eager to experiment with other audio cables.

Today just the opposite is true. Friends find a subtle resistance when they offer to bring over their "latest and greatest" audio cable discoveries. I am very pleased with the reproduction of music in my home. My passionate lifetime pursuit is realized now more than ever before. Will I continue to feel the way I do? I do not know for sure.

My home audio system has never been this satisfying to listen to. I had begun to believe that certain of my goals in home music reproduction were unobtainable. I am very pleased to report that both your Chimera Labs speaker audio cables and your Chimera Labs interconnect audio cables have allowed me to achieve some of these elusive goals. It has been a while since we first talked about my writing down my personal experiences with your Chimera Labs Advantage interconnect audio cables.

I have been through the break-in process twice now! I have one pair currently between my DAC and preamp and a second pair between my preamp and amplifier. (Update)

My system goals are to have a very resolving/revealing musical presentation. I have tweaked the system to closely reveal source material without adding coloration. I first inserted a pair of your Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables between my tube DAC and integrated amplifier. Initially, without any break-in, I was struck by the midrange tonality improvements revealed by the Chimera Labs audio cables, that had not been revealed by previous interconnect audio cables - rich in character but not colored or tubey. There was more micro-detail and layering presented. Highs and lows were very nicely balanced.

With no break-in, I did feel the Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect Audio Cables initially played a bit congested and tight with the soundstage not particularly open and/or airy. This character was revealed in a fairly large room. Within the first 1-6 hours of play, the soundstage began to open up considerably with an initial loss of focus. The bass while initially tight, became slightly boomy and somewhat predominate. The audible result was that the highs became, or presented slightly recessed, or perhaps were somewhat over powered by the bass.

I continued the break-in process and was intrigued by the way the Chimera Labs Audio Cables seem to change many times during the first 12 - 200 hours - sometimes changing from the beginning of a particular selection to the end. This situation was probably exacerbated by the revealing nature of my system and the larger room. Due to this situation, I suggest that any of your customers should be made aware of the potential for major changes in these Advantage Audio Cables during early break-in and continuing the first month of normal listening. An impatient customer will never know how glorious the Chimera Labs audio cables can portray the music, unless they patiently wait for complete break-in. In time, the Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect audio cables will reveal nuances and details from the music source in a very emotionally beautiful, and balanced manner, like no other audio cable I have experienced.

Audio Cables Reviews - Babis Kokkinakos Babis and his audio friends live in Greece. The first type of Chimera Labs Audio Cables Babis purchased was a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. That got the ball rolling and started the intensive audio cable reviews detailed below. The next purchase was a Babis & amp; Friends Chimera Labs Cable Order...a good way to save shipping costs. In fact I do offer a discount on combined orders to Audio Groups and Audio Clubs. Babis purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Digital Interconnect Audio Cables and a pair Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. His friends purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cable. The third Babis & amp; Friends order included two pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables and a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio interconnects for Babis and three pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage Analog RCA Interconnect Audio Cables for his Friends. The fourth Babis & Friends order were for four more pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

As for the sound performance of the Chimera Labs Audio Cables, let me say this; the initial surprise became enthusiasm. I could write pages. This audio cable design is not only extremely right from every sonic aspect but also has excellent musicality.

It proved, through various comparisons, that it can compete easily with other far more expensive and widely known audio cables and audio speaker cables. These conclusions are not only mine. A friend, fanatical with silver, started to change his views. Now I know how all your satisfied customers feel. I am one of them. This reply is an effort to describe reviews, reactions and opinions concerning your excellent Advantage Audio cables.

First month - I kept notes (the secret eye” ( the Bullseye Chart Chimera Labs uses to evaluate my designs ) is useful; every 10 hours of break-in. Each time I listened to only 3 musical tracks familiar to me, in order to recognize the changes. I must say here once again how critical your suggestion for a long break-in period for Chimera Labs Audio Cables is.

Otherwise, conclusions wouldn t be right. However, my favorite and very expensive -a Symphonic Line Reference interconnect audio cable, very similar in character to Kimber KCAG interconnect audio cable- from the beginning couldn t stand the comparison!!After the seventh audition (70 hours) I noticed constant characteristics of the Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables. From that moment on I listened to the tracks three times: 5 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours after switching on my system, so that I could control the role of the source and amplifying. When this procedure was completed, I reviewed other audio interconnect audio cables constructed in various ways: solid core, multi-strands, isolated (shielded), not isolated etc- for comparison. These interconnect audio cables were DNM Reson MK II with Eichmann plugs, Analysis Plus Copper Oval In, QED 350, Kimber KCAG, Nordost Blue Heaven and DIY silver audio cables in various diameters and terminations.I followed the break-in period once again.

The conclusions were as expected: the superiority of the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables was profound. Amazingly, in most cases the differences were easy to recognize. DNM: not so quiet, upper mids in front of other frequencies. Analysis: dry mids, edginess beyond normal and impressive rather than natural. QED: strident and often too fast. Fatiguing after a while.-Kimber: quite good on average, but just average. Nordost: better than the others with good balance, but it sounded not so full-bodied and it had not extension at low frequencies.-Silver audio cables: charming but only for a while.After these comparisons (the reference was the Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables, some views were clear to me: The Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cable was much better than all the previous ones.-Most very good audio cables are flawed in some way that we overlook because of their other strong points.

This didn t happen with the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cable.-The Chimera Labs audio cable superiority was not only from this or that sonic aspect (It was fine everywhere). For the first time I experienced natural nuances as a whole.Next months - Auditions with friends.Main persons: Dimitris , silver maniac (and tube also and horn speaker as well). Petros , the spirit of disagreement. Apostolos , he trusts the official” magazines and reviewers more than his ears. Several times the victim of this custom. I called them each one separately and then all together. They couldn t see which or what kind of audio cable I was switching on. These meetings were a lot of fun. Dimitris : He took the cable as an excellent hybrid as it delivered only the virtues of the silver and the good points of copper. Apostolos : I tried successfully to set him up.

In a blind test he recognized the Advantage Audio Interconnect very easily among three audio cables (Nordost, Kimber and Harmonic) and he said that it clearly outperformed them. Then, he believed it was the new reference of his beloved reviewer. Petros : He was amazed but he didn t want to admit it. Yes, it s more vivid, neutral, natural, full-bodied, quiet, transparent, etc than my reference audio cable [Harmonic], but what with it?”! (Dimitris told me that our friend Petros is almost ready to place a quote for one pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Cables…)

Recent auditions - We ve decided to keep the Advantage Audio Cables permanently and change the other components (amplifiers and speakers). These tests finally proved to be unanimously beyond any doubt the quality of the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cable design. . Little amps came to life and sounded more convincing while others seemed to be more powerful.Speakers with poor bass (Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Redheko 115 horn speaker) delivering more extension at low frequencies. For speakers with big bass the Advantage Audio Cable was revealing.

As it liberates many details, these speakers would show how well they could retain that section of the range. An expensive KEF didn t do so well. The Audio Vector M3 Signature from Denmark and the old Technics SB-E100 (with woofer and 2 adjustable horns, 1 for mids, 1 for highs) gave best results.Of course during the sessions we discussed about many issues: Do the audio speaker cables make a bigger difference than the audio interconnects, are there good and bad tubes (especially output ones) or good and bad circuits, crossovers or not, wine or whisky, etc.

I m afraid I m getting tired, so I think it s time to sum up. Initially, each one of my friends supported his own equipment. In the end they defended their views about what the perfect sound should be. However, after a while all of them truly admitted that the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cable is an extraordinary audio cable and honors the music exceptionally.

Audio Cables Reviews - Andrew Cox Andrew bought some vintage tubes from me. He was very pleased with the tubes I recommended. He spent some time reading the reviews and technical information on the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables and the parts; CCC Wire, CC Solder OFC Plugs & Jacks used in the construction of all the Chimera Labs Audio Products. Andrew ordered a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, a pair of special Chimera Labs Advantage XLR to RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, a Chimera Labs Advantage XLR to BNC Advantage Digital Interconnect Audio Cable, a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables and two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables. He also purchased CCC wire, OFC Copper Chassis Jacks and CC solder so his Tech could upgrade the sound performance of his Audio Equipment. Peter is using Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables everywhere in his audio system.

I haven't yet reported to you regarding the Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker audio cables, Advantage Interconnects audio cables and Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables. Mostly that s because I've been listening to music. I think that is probably the simplest thing to be said about the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables. They have encouraged me to listen to Music again.

I'll describe my system first and then report on my experience with the Chimera Labs audio cables. I would not describe myself as an audiophile in that my experience of equipment is very limited. I have some gear that I enjoy listening too and my object is to improve the system I have so that it sounds its best.

Source - Redbook CD, CEC TL5100 Transport (Audios Super clock II & PS), Cambridge Audio Dalmatic 2 (LC Audio Zap filter Mk2 Analog stage & PS and Audios Voltage Regulators).
Pre-amp - VTL Maximal (BHC caps in PS) Telefunken ECC81 tubes
Power amps - 2 x VTL Triode '25' Amplifiers (red ends), (Black Art Power transformers), Mullard CV4024 line stage, Sylvania 5965 gold pin phase splitter, 4 x JJ EL84 power tubes (push/pull, class AB1)
Speakers - 2 x DCM QED 1A ("hybrid transmission line"), (Scan speak D2008 tweeters, silver mica caps in crossover, neoprene surrounds for 8" driver,
Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Audio Speaker Cables for crossovers and /drivers)Interconnects - Chimera Labs Advantage Digital Interconnect audio cables (Transport to DAC),
Chimera Labs Advantage Analog Interconnect audio cables (DAC to Pre, Pre to Power), Speaker Cable - Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cable Isolation - Transport/DAC/Preamp on half inflated inner tubes, Power amps on mdf, neoprene feet and bubble wrap
Power Supply - Nothing - Unfiltered and manufacturer supplied cables.

Most of the modifications to the audio equipment required break in and the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables and Chimer Labs CCC wires were no exception. I tried to speed the process by lowering the volume on the preamp and playing overnight but break-in seems to require program material at ordinary listening volume.

The initial sound of the Chimera Labs Audio Cables before break in is "clattery". Increased detail is apparent but fatiguing. Bass extension is lacking. I would advise against listening analytically to the cables at least for the first five hours or so. After about 30 hours everything had mostly settled down but I felt that the sound was still subtly changing up to about 50 hours.As compared to my previous interconnect audio cables and speaker audio cables (Van den Hul), the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables increased bass extension and speed, increased high end detail (each cymbal has its own distinctive sound), decreased sibilance and improved transient response. There is more air and presence in the Audio System.

The soundstage may be more focused but I can't say that for sure. Speed and transparency are the two words that spring to mind.Probably the best way to describe the effect of the Chimera Labs Audio Cables is how it has changed my listening habits and intentions for further improvement to the system.Firstly I now listen to music most nights for an hour or so. I have no fatigue and enjoy the sound. I have also noticed that I enjoy listening to the audio system at a low volume setting much more than I used to.

Previously if someone turned the system down from my usual listening level I would generally turn it off rather than experience the compression and loss of detail associated with a lower volume. Now I can continue listening at a lower volume and still enjoy the sound.Secondly I have abandoned any thoughts of buying a sub-woofer.

The bass is faster and deeper than it used to be. This may not be entirely due to the Chimera Labs Speaker Audio Cables because the speaker renovations occurred at the same time and the new surrounds may have a lot to do with it.

Still I think the "cleaning up" of the audio signal path by the Chimera Labs audio cables generally has improved the efficiency of the speakers.

I have yet to install the chassis plugs and internal hook up wire but find it difficult to stop listening long enough to send the system off to the technicians. Maybe during the next holidays.I also intend to get a power filter (there is a well regarded local brand called Ear Science) and perhaps fit better power cords to the power amps. For the moment, however, and after many years of tweaking - I'm content.

Audio Cables Reviews - Emerson Foster Emerson purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. After an extensive review of the Chimera Labs Audio Cable, he purchased a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage XLR Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables.

I've lost track of how many hours the Chimera Labs audio cables have on them. It's probably around 160. They've been in my audio system with the new Marsh preamp for 5 days. I played the system constantly for the first 4 days. At first they sounded less open in my main system than the second system I burned them in on (I do not recommend breaking Chimera Labs Audio cables in on a second system) .

I also added in a Shunyata diamondback power cord to the preamp on day 2 which played a big factor in the improved Sonics. The Advantage Interconnect audio cable seemed to open up and smooth out after about 24-48 hours of play in my main system. Of course the preamp had to get about 60 hours of play on it before it started to break in.

The sound of my audio system turned the corner when I used Caig DeoxIT and Caig Pro Gold on all the audio cable, ac plugs and audio speaker cable terminations (day 3). The sound improved immediately after that, but by the next day the sound really transformed. With various pieces in my system breaking in it was hard to tell the full impact of the Chimera Labs Audio cables, but I added the new preamp first with the Advantage Interconnect audio cables, waited a day and added a power cord, and then waited a day and cleaned all my connections.

Though there was improvement with each step, it's clear to me that the Chimera audio cables are the best I've had for revealing the full bandwidth and every detail of sound. Soundstage, imaging, separation, and clarity were all improved. Micro dynamics were noticeably improved and low volume listening became really enjoyable for the first time since I've been listening to stereo.I won't be returning the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables.

I added new speaker cable and added some new RCA audio interconnects for the CDP in the last 2-3 weeks. It became clear that the new interconnects were a disappointment so I put the Chimera Labs interconnect audio cables back on the CDP with the new speaker cable. They had to burn in all over. After 4 days with better speaker cable in my system the sound is gaining clarity and dynamics. I must be like others who tried different audio cables to replace the Advantage audio cables and then went back to the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables.

The bass issue I have is not so much your audio cables as it is elsewhere in my system. I hate to deal with the thought but maybe it's my speakers. The Chimera Labs audio cables are still the best I have. Your Advantage XLR Balanced Audio Interconnects still remain between the pre and power amp. So even if I go with new equipment I plan to keep the Chimera Labs Audio Cables, They are too good to return.

Audio Cables Reviews - Mark Savoy Marks initial Chimera Labs Audio Cables order was a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. After an extensive audio interconnect review, Mark purchased an additional pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect Audio Cables and three pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables to upgrade the sound performance of his audio speakers.

Well, you've probably figured out by now that I changed my mind about returning the Advantage Interconnect audio cables I bought a few months ago. You were correct that the Chimera Labs audio cables needed more burn-in time before serious auditioning. As you requested here are highlights of the audio interconnect break-in process.Very clear and coherent; lack of phase smear evident compared to other audio cables I used; lower treble and upper midrange have elevated levels resulting in fatiguing and harsh sound with my titanium speaker tweeters.Elevated lower treble and upper midrange subsiding, bass coming back; coherence has muddied a bit, but no worse than the other audio interconnect audio cables I have.

To my amazement the frequency response has completely flattened out; harshness has disappeared; I hate to sound like a cliché but the best way to describe the sound is to say they seem to be disappearing; my 2-way speakers have somewhat restricted low frequency response but my impression was that the bass wasn't quite as "big" but I think it's due to it being tighter and faster because I can now hear lower notes through the speakers; I actually prefer the low frequency response this way; coherence is getting better; at this point, your Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables easily beats all the other (five) audio interconnects I own.

Coherence has continued to improve; ambience and metallic sounds like cymbals are the most lifelike that I've heard in my system; I have used terms like golden or tubey to describe the sound of other copper audio interconnects or fast and ultra detailed to describe silver audio interconnects, but these Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect Audio Cables defy description; they sound as close to nothing in the signal path that I've found. Kudos, to you, Dennis on these great Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Thank you for your service, products and information.

PS I will be lending out the Advantage Audio Cables to a few of my audiophile friends, you'll obviously find out if they like them.

Audio Cables Reviews - Ron Davis Ron contacted me about purchasing some Chimera Labs Audio Cables. He decided to buy two pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

Well, where do I begin? I could start with a smile wide enough to stick a banana in sideways, that s a good start! The Chimera Labs audio cables have been in for about 50 hours or so but the astonishment was at the outset. Imagine me with a big silly grin once I sat down after inserting both sets of Chimera Labs Advantage interconnect audio cables into my system.

I actually was caught up in the excitement to the point that I kept saying "wow" out loud. There is just so much more information coming through now. Previous audio cables offered presentations that I felt were true to the music.

Instruments sounded like they should and therefore I was content or so I thought. What the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Interconnects do is provide that same validity to the music but they transmit everything and I am aghast at how much I was missing!I am one to have some of those "audiophile" recordings, those that people use to evaluate gear or changes to one s system, etc. and while I did run the gamut of those I have discovered just how many layers in "rock music" are in fact there that weren t there previously.

As an example it s so much easier to pick out different guitars when before two or more produced a somewhat homogenized sound. No time for hackneyed expressions like removing veils, wiping the window clean, etc. All I can say is thanks so much for audio cables that turn on the tap and let the music flow, well maybe that one has been done a few times too many as well

.Audio Cables Reviews - Al Bellg Al read a review of the Chimera Labs Audio Cables on the web. After some correspondence, Al purchased two pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

As you know, I'm new at "high end" (relatively speaking) audio. In the last few months, I got bit by the bug pretty badly and pulled together about $5000 to buy an audio system. After a lot of reading, I decided on a Creek 5350SE integrated amp, Music Hall MMF-CD25 (heavily modified by Sound Odyssey), some NHT ST4 speakers, and after trying some different options, a Shunyata Hydra-4 power conditioner with Shunyata and Audience power cords. Not a bad start, I was thinking.

Then I got stuck. After trying a couple of interconnect audio cables, I realized to my amazement that they could profoundly change the way an audio system sounded. So I started looking for audio interconnects to create a sound performance I liked, at a price proportionate to my budget. But after borrowing or buying (and returning or reselling) more than half a dozen highly rated pairs of audio interconnects costing as much as $600, I wasn't very close.

Somewhere, I read a review of your Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect audio cables. Reassured by the Chimera Labs money-back guarantee and the, can-you-really-believe-this, statement than no one had ever actually returned any Chimera Labs Audio Cables. I gave a pair of the Chimera Labs Interconnect audio cables a try.

(Note: Al wrote this in audio review in 2004. As of 07/2007 five pairs of Chimera Labs Audio Cables have been returned for a refund, all Advantage Audio Interconnects. In four cases, the buyers told me they were too accurate, in effect, the audio cables transparency and bandwidth revealed deficiencies in other components in their audio systems. In the other case the buyer told me he preferred the brighter sound of his silver audio cables. Considering the Chimera Labs Audio Cables have been reviewed against highly regarded audio cables costing a whole lot more, I am a bit surprised there are so few returns.)

Woof! Search over. The entire audio system was in a different gear. After a few days of burn-in, I heard smooth, extended sound, with more detail than ever before. And it wasn't a close call, either. The "tish" of cymbals sounded totally convincing, dying smoothly away into silence. Bass was rippin' and alive. Best of all, the timbre of instruments was the closest to real I've heard in my audio system (and in several other audio rigs costing considerably more!).

But the biggest difference was in me. After several days of enjoying the Chimera Labs audio cables, I realized I was no longer comparing the sound to whatever the audio system had sounded like before. I was comparing it to my memory of live music, and figuring out how to upgrade the rest of the audio system to get it even closer to the real thing. I don't think the budget is going to hold much longer... the Chimera Labs Advantage Speaker Audio Cables are under serious consideration.
Warmly (although perhaps "neutrally" is a better audiophile compliment),

Audio Cables Reviews - Stephen Brooks Stephen read the technical information and reviews on the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Stephen purchased two pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables and one pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables. He posted a review of the audio cables on Audio Asylum and was kind enough to send it to me.

Equipment: Amplifier, Final Labs Music-6 Preamplifier, Aprilsound custom TVC Sources, Sony SCD777es/Teres, Speakers - Oris 200 (AER BD1)/Onken, Power Conditioner, Risch balanced AC on SACD player.

First, let met me tell you up front that I am not an audio cable jockey. Audio cable shoot outs with my buds are not my idea of fun. A rereading of an old Listener article on cables led to a Google search of continuous cast wire which led me to Chimera Labs and Dennis Boyle.

If you take a look at his website, you'll see that he lays everything out on the table. You want to know what's in the Chimera Labs audio cables, he tells you. You want to build your own; he'll sell you the pieces…You want your money back if you don't like any of his products, you got it. How many audio companies will do that?

( Note Due to time constraints, the need to complete the Axiom Amplifiers and raising parts prices, I have put the sales of the pieces” on hold.)

So what do the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables sound like? Out went all the silver foil, and in went 2 pairs of Chimera Labs interconnect audio cables and to be honest, I was shocked. How could two pairs of audio cable make that much difference? More resolution? Yes there was, but it was more than that...for the first time in ages, music flowed out of my system, players sounded like they were feeding off of each other. I felt like I understood why they were doing what they were doing. Why? I have no idea. I stopped caring about the audio cables or equipment and started listening to music. Here's what I do know.

After break-in (maybe 60-70 hours) on the Chimera Labs audio cables the soundstage grew to include the 3 feet outside each speaker and probably another 3 feet to the back as well. Cymbals, which always sounded grainy and nasty, now sound natural. Details like microphone placement and recording venue now sound obvious to me. You want echoes bouncing off of walls? This Chimera Labs audio cable does it for me. I then added Chimera Labs speaker audio cable from my Music-6 to the Oris horns and it's more of the same. Everything just sounds so right.

roduct Weakness:No audiophile approved looks (no fire hoses) , custom made (can be a wait) Product Strengths: Sound quality, bargain price, unique packaging, and money back guaranteeI'm sorry if I didn't go into enough detail about audiophile stuff or comparing the audio cables to the latest and greatest, but at the end of the day, you either like them better than what you had or you don't. I do...by a large margin!

Audio Cables Reviews - Cedric Meza Cedric lives in Austin. He has purchased tubes, speakers and placed a deposit on a pair of Axiom Amplifiers. He participated in the Axiom amplifier Dallas Listening Sessions. He has purchased Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

After purchasing an amplifier and tubes from Chimera Labs, I was informed that they manufacture very high quality interconnect audio cables. Apparently Chimera Labs has refined their audio cable design over many years. They use a long crystal CCC wire with very high quality direct-gold over copper connectors.

The price for the audio cables was very reasonable and with a money-back guarantee, there seemed to be little risk.After letting the Advantage Interconnects audio cables break in, I listened carefully. These audio cables are clearly better than every other audio cable I have tried and owned!!! (Monster, Kimber, Harmonic Technologies, Tara Labs, Audioquest, Discovery).

The Chimera Labs audio cables have excellent resolution and detail without being harsh. The bass is tight and the midrange/treble detail is outstanding. I can hear more musical information being passed through these cables than any other. After installing the Advantage audio cables I find my system much more relaxing and enjoyable to listen to.

These Chimera Labs audio cables are reference level and one of the few true audio cable bargains out there.

Audio Cables Reviews - Bert Wong Bert heard about the Chimera Audio Cables from a friend who used our audio cables in his system. Bert purchased Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

I estimate that I have about 40+ hours of actual running time on the Advantage RCA interconnect audio cables with every equipment (CD>Dac>Preamp>Amp>Speakers) on. I am happy to report that I am very pleased with the Chimera labs audio cables. A very interesting listening experience occurred while playing the Dire Straits Brothers in Arms CD.

The soundstage actually came around me and I heard voices coming off the side as if I had side surround speakers. I then reinstalled my original interconnects and the voices were gone. I then place your Advantage audio cable back in, the voices were also gone but the big soundstage was back. Not sure if this was due to having them disconnected and now requiring them to "break-in" again but this was also very early on with probably only 10 hours of actual playing time on the Chimera Labs audio cables.

One of my goals has been to increase the depth and height of the soundstage of my audio system. The CD, Cantate Domino, has been a favorite because it has a very wide soundstage and good depth. I have read that on properly set-up system, you should be able to hear the soloist move her head from left to right, up and down as she sings (track 9). I have never experienced this with my system or while listening to friend's system. Well, I now have experienced this sensation with your Chimera Labs Audio cables in my system...it is very subtle and you have to pay attention but it's there! I am very happy about this.

Audio Cables Reviews - Adrian Lucy Adrian read some Chimera Labs Audio Cable reviews on the web. He initially purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect Audio Cables, a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables and a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage XLR Analog Balanced Interconnect Audio Cables. Adrian s father reviewed the Chimera Labs Audio Cables in his audio system and had Adrian include his audio cable requirements in the following audio cable orders. Adrian ordered Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnects, Advantage RCA Digital Audio Interconnects for his Home Theater System, Advantage XLR Analog Audio Interconnects, Advantage XLR Digital Audio Interconnects, Modified OFC Copper Connectors, Modified OFC Binding Posts, CCC Wire and CC solder. Adrian Litz braided his own internal audio speaker cables and external audio speaker cables.

Audio Equipment in my system - Transport: theta data2, DAC: Theta pro basic 3a, (I also use a Theta TLC with the upgraded power supply between transport and DAC) Amp: Krell kav300i, Speakers: Definitive technology BP2002. HiFi Cables consist of Nordost/Townsend, Kimber on the mains with a dedicated spur. I use Townsend seismic sinks to support both equipment and speakers, with Nordost titanium pulsar points under everything.

I ll start by saying I began my experience with the Chimera Labs Advantage XLR HiFi Interconnects by being highly skeptical indeed. Could the Advantage HiFi cables really be as good as claimed on the web site? Were they really equal to audio cables of ten to twenty times the price? The money back guarantee convinced me to take a chance... On the audio cables arrival in the U.K. I was hit with the charges for import and taxes so the cost went up some, but I said to myself that if what Dennis says is even half true it ll be worth it. Now I ve spent some years going to the shows and borrowing hifi audio cables at my favorite hifi shop from the likes of Transparent, Nordost, Audioquest etc. So I d like to think I know what you can generally get for your money.

So down I sit in front of my system, I ve got my skeptic s hat firmly on and off I go...Without even being burnt in it is instantly apparent that I m dealing with a hifi cable quite exceptional for my money s worth. Granted I was doing a side by side comparison with the single ended Townsend hifi cable I had previously been using so it wasn t quite a level playing field. I would have expected even a moderately decent XLR hifi interconnect to be an improvement. However I did check out other cables in my price range, the best of which was probably Transparent's new balanced super hifi cable at just under 1000 (sorry, don t know what that is in dollars).

To be blunt, the Advantage XLR hifi interconnects blew the transparent right out of the water.The strengths: The music became more forward and open whilst at the same time silky smooth. Resolution was clearly substantially improved. Timing and separation were miles better; in fact to be honest I can t think of any area where it wasn t a big improvement.

The weaknesses: Despite being skeptical before my audition I m forced to agree with everyone else. There simply aren t any.Is it as good as other hifi cables on the market for 10 times the price you ask? Well it cost me a little extra on the import duty as I said but yes, I think it quite possibly is. If anyone s in the market for a sub $3000 hifi interconnects the Chimera Labs Advantage is definitely the bench mark by which to judge and that s praise indeed for a hifi cable in the $300 area.

But there s more to this story... I wanted to know how the Chimera Labs XLR interconnects would fare as a digital connection so I borrowed an Audiolab 8000cd with an XLR digital output (my Theta only has single end out). To my utter amazement, as a direct connection between transport and DAC it made my TLC hooked up with Transparent PDL hifi cables sound like garbage, and that s about $1500 of high level kit!! Needless to say I now have an order pending for more Chimera Labs cables to use in the digital domain. These get my unreserved recommendation, they really are superb.

Audio Cables Reviews - Ron Unsworth Ron contacted me and purchased two pairs of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Audio Interconnects. He mentioned he was also buying some silver audio interconnects and panned to review the audio cables and would keep me informed as to the sound performance of the Chimera Labs Audio Interconnects. After the audio cable review, he ordered another pair of Advantage RCA Audio Interconnects and later on he took advantage of the Chimera Labs Audio Cable Trade-In Program and purchased a longer pair of Chimera Labs RCA Audio Interconnects.

I am sending back my $600 Pure Note Silver audio interconnects. I will need a pair of ADVANTAGE RCA audio interconnects, 1 meter for between my CD player and Preamp. The first two pairs of audio interconnects are still burning-in and are stellar. They have reduced the brightness some and hopefully the new pair, no silver ones left, will further reduce it. Astronomical decay and PERFECT attack on strings. I will send you another check. Just let me know how much and for 2 day delivery as before.

Audio Cables Reviews - John Knox John had purchased some vintage tubes form me and during our correspondence became interested in the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. He purchased three pairs o the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables for his audio system. John was nice enough to post his audio cable review on audioreview.com and sent me a copy so I could include in my Customer Reviews.

Current system consists of the following: Krell CD-DSP CD player, Blue Circle BC 23 phono preamp, VTL 5.5 preamp, Krell KST100 amp, Audioreflex turntable, Stanton 666e cartridge, Talon Peregrin X speakers, and Cardas Crosslink speaker cables.

I call myself an audiophile because I've been an avid listener from my college days until I could afford the best equipment to reproduce music as realistically as possible. I have placed the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA interconnect audio cables between the CD player and preamp, phono preamp and the Preamp, and the preamp and the amp.

The types of music I listen to are Blues, Jazz, Rock and some sound tracks. Some of the test records and cd's were Pink Floyd Darkside of the Moon, Miles Davis Kind of Blue and the Gladiator sound track.

The first thing you notice when you open the box is the Chimera Labs audio cables are very skinny and appear undersized when compared to their contemporaries. The Siltech's audio interconnects are thick and heavy but were to dark and laid back for my taste; nor are they neutral i.e. just conveying the signal. The Kimber audio interconnects were not as dark and laid back but not as natural as I would have liked. The Audioquest interconnects were just flat. The Homemade silver audio cables were a little bright and thin. The Krell XLR interconnect was hooked up between the pre amp and amp. Supposedly, you should have an approximate 6db gain when using fully differentiated equipment but when replacing the XLR audio cable with the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables there was a noticeable improvement in my system overall.

When listening to the opening of Darkside of the Moon (original album) the bass is deep and articulate. You can hear the drums being struck. This isn't something that is distracting but adds to the reality of the recording. Later at the beginning of Money with the triangles and metal strips (?) that are being played. You can hear them being struck and suspended in the air.

Miles Davis Kind of Blue reissue CD the sax solos by Cannonball Adderly and John Coltrane were great; you can really appreciate the qualities of the different instruments.

The Gladiator sound track according to experts is a challenge for our equipment because of the complexity and range of the music. The music was more engaging and realistic.

The Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables are just the ticket for audiophiles looking for audio cables that reproduce the music the way it was recorded. They are very neutral and natural. If you are looking to tune your system using cables because some parts are more forward or laid back and you want to add something to the mix. These audio cables aren't for you.

If you are looking for natural and neutral cables without fatigue that will bring you closer to the music then buy these audio cables!Strengths: Very neutral, add no coloration to the music, the background is black when there is no music. Instruments are easily differentiated and hang in the soundstage. Voices have no sibilance.

Engaging bringing you closer to the performance.Weaknesses: No weaknesses.Similar audio cable Products Used:Siltech MXT New York, Kimber Hero, Audioquest Quartz, Krell XLR, Homemade Silver (Not Handmade) and XLO. Auditioned Transparent Ultra's (they're not transparent)

Audio Cables Reviews - Wayne Chang Wayne Chang is an avid DIY audio enthusiast. He purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. He also purchased CCC wire, Copper Content Solder, OFC Copper connectors and other Chimera Labs parts for his audio projects. These audio cables are constructed from litz-braided CCC (Continuous Cast Copper, or OCC/Ohno Continuous Cast) small gauge solid wires and modified Vampire OFC RCA connectors.

At first encounter they don't stir emotion as the physical sizes are smaller and thinner than most high-end cables. (The dreaded fire hose syndrome) However, the materials are all top grades and sizes can be deceiving.

After tens of hours of break in, I started to hear the Chimera Labs Audio Cables merits of better clarity, treble extension, and resolution. But at first I thought the bass was lacking. After more listening and back-and-forth comparisons I started to realize that the bass with previous more expensive cables was a bit boomy while the one with Advantage II was tight and linear.

Compare to other more expensive audio cables I have, these are relative bargains as they are cheaper, sound better, and are easier to use (much more flexible than the stiff JPS). Give them a try.Strengths: resolution, treble extension, transient speed, smoothness, bass tightnessWeaknesses: None that I am able to detect so far.Similar Products Used:JPS Superconductor, Audioquest Opal x3, Audioquest Quartz x3

Audio Cables Reviews - Michael Walsdorf Michael was kind enough to send me a review of the sound performance of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables.

My System: Silverline Audio Sonatina speakers w/granite platforms. VAC pa 35/35 triode amp, AA DDS.PRO transport / AA DDEv3.0 DAC / AA DTIPRO.32 jitter filter, F.T. Audio lw-1 passive line attenuator, Shunyata Hydra PLC, Shunyata Sidewinder (amp/PLC) / BMI Whale Elite power cords (transport/M.P.S.), Audio Magic Mystic Reference i2s digital links, Silverline Audio Bi-wire Speaker Cables, M.P.S. power supply feeds DAC/jitter filterIn the last two months I've listened to 12 different audio cables versus my reference XLO Signature type 1.1 (passive>amp) and Magnan type vi (DAC>passive): Cardas Cross, Bear Labs, Harmonic Tech Pro-Silway MK II, NBS Monitor iv / Audiopath, HGA SuperSilver, Warmouth, TG Audio, Acoustic Zen Matrix reference, Silver Audio Hyacinth and JPS Superconductor. Substituting the HomeGrown Audio SuperSilver meter cable I ve used the last 7 weeks, your Chimera Labs audio cable was used between my VAC triode amp and my F.T. Audio passive line attenuator. Immediately I noted a shift/change in timbre, detail, openness and poise. The later 3 qualities were easy to confirm.

As far as the timbrel richness, depth, color being more accurate, that was not established during my brief listen. So my comments are more fragmented or soft than concrete due to the short audition and break-in period, please digest my comments accordingly. I would assume the Chimera Labs Audio Cable will improve/stabilize with further break-in.On the second observation, this was in direct comparison to my system with the Shunyata Hydra (PLC) daisy-chained to the PS Audio multi-wave p300 (PLC). The bass with these two devices together was the best I ve witnessed IMS.

The cable audition was WITHOUT the p300. Due to an unrelated/unavoidable digital cable change we both felt that with the HGA cable, my system sounded a bit bland, harmonically anemic and bass-shy.Dropping your Chimera Labs audio cables into the mix changed all that! And the more I listened, the less, I noted or was concerned with the questions I had previously mentioned, as the positive characteristics dominated.

This is a strange one: The Chimers Labs audio cable is both polite and very smooth yet due to the individual images being so much larger and much more freed from the enclosures I sensed a more forward * but not aggressive * presentation. Combined with the reserved/smooth signature this makes my system so EZ to listen to. Voices had this natural (but unusual for replay devices) quality of projecting themselves into the room (that forward sensation) that was simply captivating.

The greatest compliment I can give any component is that it allows me to focus my attention not on the technology * the black boxes * but the music itself. Your Chimera Labs Audio Cable did just that * special *indeed!

Audio Cable Review - David Thatcher David is an Audio DIYer and a fellow member of the Dallas Audio Club.

I had auditioned the first edition of Dennis Boyle's advantage OFC audio interconnects and though it took a while to get my own I did. These audio cables are basically the same with a few differences in the build techniques as the ones I first heard. (These refinements deal with the hardness” of the EAR damping grommets and the coating used to seal the audio cable solder joints.)

I took the Chimera Labs audio cables home the day that they were built installed them between my Sony SACD and my 300B SET (6SL7 SRPP, Alps BB pot) and over the first hours of listening I repeatedly got to lower the volume. Not because things got louder but that they got clearer.
The difference is a kin to having my Heil AMTs sitting on the speaker cabinet or isolated.

The detail goes from being very good to crystal clear but this difference was not just on the highs, it was the full spectrum. There was no brightening, the audio cables did not create better dynamics, and they are just neutral and get the signal from one place to the next without changing it. The very best way I can describe the way that these interconnect audio cables work is that they change everything by changing nothing.

Strengths: Price, absolute quality, no coloration of signal and dead quiet.

Weaknesses: None.

Similar Products Used:Kimber, Monster, DIY silver, copper, solid, stranded and assorted low end

Audio Cables Reviews - Gary Alpern I don't remember how Gary heard about the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Gary ordered a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect audio cables. After Gary reviewed the Audio Cables, he told his audio friends and sent me a glowing review. Gary spent a lot of time posting web reviews on the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. This was the start of a friendly and professional relationship that lasts to this day. I think Gary has heard and reviewed all of the various Chimera Labs Audio Cable Types. He has used all the CCC Wire, CC Solder, OFC Connectors in his audio gear and did beta testing on some of the audio tube designs used in the axiom Tube Amplifier and for future tube product release. I respect and enjoy his ears, his advice and his friendship.

So I decide to once again try and finally answer the questions of what is the best audio cable for my system at least. I ve spent 20 years trying different audio cables spending thousands of dollars only to find flaws in all of them and move on. Must be the equipment, buy new equipment; still not satisfied. I decide to borrow the finest interconnects audio cables from the two high-end shops here in LA. These audio cables ranged from $600 a pair to $2500. I also had some people send me the best of the home brew audio cables that have been blowing away very expensive RCA interconnect audio cables.

Then I hear about some guy in Texas who hand braids his audio cable using a copper wire that s supposed to blow away silver. I call him up and order a pair of audio cables knowing they come with a Money Back Guarantee. I invite a number of people over from the music industry that included producers and engineers. This was a blind test. Each time I put a pair of interconnect audio cables in (all were broken in) immediately people would start shouting comments and criticism. Then I put in the Chimera Labs Advantage interconnect audio cables. No one speaks. One by one they all announced these were the best. I then went through it again and sometimes said I switched audio cables when I didn t. Always the same results, these $200+ audio cables destroyed all the other audio cables including the audio interconnects I use in my system. I immediately sold all my audio cables and bought the Chimera Labs audio cables. Unbelievable, even the engineer who s recorded many live albums by Rock n Roll hall of fame acts bought them, as well as all my audiophile friends.

Audio Cable Strengths: Quiet. Unbelievably black. I mean shocking. Smooth. Excellent separation of instruments especially in complex and challenging passages. Heard things I haven't heard before in the music. EVER. No smearing. Lots of separation and soundstaging. Phenomenal depth. Bass? At first I complained that they had NO BASS. Then Chimera Labs says to let them break in longer. Know what? They had great bass all along. I was used to smeared, tubby bass. The engineer especially commented how the bass is amazingly accurate. That s what a kick drum really sounds like!” I had to re-align my ears to realize what bass is.

So accurate I may not upgrade my CDP because it sounds so good. CD after CD I couldn't believe it. Normally when everything opens up with a good audio cable there is an edge of brightness. Not with these audio cables. I kept waiting for it to happen and it never did. The other audio cables had my ears ringing after a short time.

Weaknesses: Everytime I think I find one, I don't. Now I just enjoy the music

Similar Products Used: Harmonic Tech, AQ, Transparent, MIT, Monster, XLO, Kimber, Tara Labs, Straight Wire, Maple Shade, (most were all top of the line).

Audio Cables Reviews - Peter Gleekel Peter is another tube buyer that thought enough of my ears to try some Chimera Labs Audio Cables. He purchased two pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. After Peter s review, he did come back for more and purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables and some special Litz braided jumpers or his speakers.

I have now had the chance to listen to the Advantage interconnect audio cables in my system. I will not bury the punch line---I will NOT be the first one returning them. You have done a wonderful job with these audio cables. They are everything you indicated you thought they would be in my system. I get somewhat tired of all of the stereo speak so let me first say as far as soundstage, imaging, separation, etc the Chimera Labs audio cables are on top with the so called best audio cables that I have heard. Now to the best part from my perspective…You were right on in talking about neutrality.

I hear no more of the hardness or tipped up nature of the previous audio interconnects I was using. Nor have I lost anything by way of extension. What I have now is simply a more musical and thus enjoyable system--thanks. I need to sell of a couple more pairs of audio interconnects and I will be back for more.

Audio Cables Reviews - Geoffrey Clark This review of the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Interconnects is compliments of Graham Ingle, BlackCat Electronics sending a beta pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables to his customers.

Geoff is a senior lecturer in communications at the Blackpool and Fylde College. He has perfect pitch and plays piano to concert standard. System - Alphason Sonata turntable with HR 100 MCS arm, Marantz CD player (rarely used), Blackcat Electronics phono preamp, Blackcat Electronics 2A3 SE amp. Blackcat Electronics Speakers. As you are aware I have had a lot of experience trying a range of HiFi interconnect cables over a broad price range. As a result became increasingly convinced by the qualities of high purity silver as the material which proved to have the most effective characteristics in retaining musical information.

However one does not progress by having a closed mind and so when you suggested trying a copper based HiFi interconnect cables you d found I was happy to agree.

I am writing to you because the Chimera Labs Advantage HiFi interconnects have forced me to re-evaluate my conclusions about silver. The effects of this material were apparent even in the early stages of insertion. The hifi interconnect did, as with all other HiFi cables benefit from burning in, but does in fact seem to produce more audible gains further into the process than previously experienced HiFi interconnects. The main effects were.

Noise - The noise floor dropped, revealing more retrieval of complex harmonic structure. This also had an added impact on micro dynamics so that musical interpretation was easier to understand. Such was the importance of this aspect; recordings I had previously felt were dull and pedestrian in interpretation took on a new and more engaging aspect.

Harmonics - The lower mid and bass areas now have a much cleaner quality, with the harmonics in this area of the fundamental reproduced in such a manner, that timing and the sense of musicians working with each other is greatly enhanced.

Dynamics - The effect here is a new one to me. Large scale dynamics were reproduced with such accurate contrasts, that I found myself lowering the overall level at which the music was played, whilst increasing the musical excitement of the performance. It was as if I had a considerably more powerful amplification, more in reserve.

In conclusion this Chimera Labs Advantage HiFi cable has made me review my feelings about the current applications of silver and the underpinning science. The Chimera Labs HiFi cables are without doubt a step forward in the reproduction of a musical performance.

Audio Cables Reviews - Myron Olson Myron has been a customer for a long time. He lives in Dallas and has bought a lot of audio tubes, and uses a Chimera Labs Ace Amplifier in his audio system He also owns a rare Jensen stereo audio speaker which I consider one of the best high efficiency speakers ever made. Over the years Myron has purchased Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables, Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Digital Interconnect Cables for his Home Theater System, Chimera Labs Advantage Internal Speaker Audio Cables for his Jensen and finally a Chimera Labs Advantage Single Run Speaker Audio Cables to replace the braided speaker cables I made for him using Western Electric wire. Myron is very busy and I was pleasantly surprised that he had time to send me a review and also post one on the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cable reviews on audioreview.com

Chimera Labs Advantage RCA interconnect audio cables are, well, the most accurate audio cables I've never heard!! Incredible dynamics and musicality. Effortless. Stunningly quiet. I never realized how noisy my other audio cables were until I had these. Ideal for tube gear. Very revealing. Nothing is hyped. No false air or imaging. Just dead on accuracy.

Reveals everything for what it is. Bad recordings/equipment cannot hide. Good recordings/equipment are true audio experiences. I can't imagine anything better at any price. At less than $300 for a meter pair, the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Interconnect audio cables are simply unapproachable performance wise. Strengths: Dynamics, accuracy, stunningly quiet.Weaknesses: None, at any price.Similar Products Used: Purist, Tara, Audioquest, Vampire, Nordost, MIT, Accrotec.

Audio Cables Reviews - Rene' S. Ramirez Rene initially purchased some vintage tubes for his EAR tube gear. He lives in Dallas and he stopped by to pick up the tubes, he spent some time listening to my Audio System. He became very interested in the Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Cables. He ordered a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. After he had reviewed the Advantage RCA Audio Interconnects, he purchased two more pairs of Chimer Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables. He also purchased some OFC copper chassis jacks and some CC solder to upgrade the connectors in his audio equipment. Most audio manufacturers use brass connectors and upgrading to OFC Copper audio connectors makes a big improvement in audio sound performance.

If you remember, I own three pairs of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Audio Interconnects. From my experience, it took about 15 - 20 hours before I felt the highs and the lows of the audio cables were playing fully.The mids were good right out of the box, but they improved with time. As the Chimera Audio Cables relaxed, the stereo image grew larger. Vocals are very natural, and so easy for the listener. A great presentation, Highly recommended.My system playback is used for my vinyl collection. From the first hour, the vocal playback was much better than before. More relaxed...easier to listen. Even my wife has noticed the difference! These Chimera Labs Audio Cables are a winner. Thanks.

Audio Cable Review - Tony DeVoil Tony lives in the UK and Graham Ingle, a friend and fellow audio manufacturer lent him a pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables to review. Tony purchased the pair of Advantage Audio Interconnects and now uses Chimera Labs Audio Cables in his system.

System used: Koetsu Red, Gyro Dec SE, Nu-Vista 3D, MF A308cr, Magnepan MG2.7SE, Philosophy Aurion. Black Cat Electronics Amplifiers Saturday Afternoon.

The Chimera Labs Advantage HiFi cables had about 18 hours now, time for a listen.My immediate impression was very favorable, more space around instruments and a much more solid bass, image was wider and deeper and the tonal balance was much warmer. There was less hardness to the sound and even the poorer recordings sounded better. Detail was more subtle in the upper mid to high but not reduced. Female vocals were exceptional!! It was a very comfortable experience!!

As time progressed my attention kept being drawn to the Bass and away from the whole picture. I started to fret about it and became convinced it was less controlled than with the Diamond X2 HiFi cables. Out with the studio foam and a bit of room treatment. Much better!! Switched the Chimera Labs Advantage HiFi cables to between Pre and Power and the difference was not so extreme but it gave similar results. (Pity I didn t have two sets of the Chimera Labs HiFi cables)Saturday Evening.Hooked up the LFD with the Chimera Labs HiFi cables and sat down to listen to some plastic. No time to let the interconnect cables settle, no need.

PHENOMINAL!! Is the only way to describe it, I was blown away. All the attributes of audio sound performance x 10 and more. There is no doubt these are fine HiFi cables, very easy to listen to and wonderfully weighted . I would say the Chimera Labs Advantage Interconnect HiFi cables are a Vinyl Nuts dream.

Audio Cables Reviews - Tom Ito –Tom was not sure he would realize that much a difference in sound performance by purchasing the Chimera Labs Audio Cables. Since the Advantage Audio Cables have a money back guarantee that includes the initial shipping cost. Tom felt comfortable enough to order three pair of the Chimera Labs Advantage RCA Analog Interconnect Audio Cables..

CURRENT SYSTEM - Pioneer PD-S95 CD Transport, Entec Number Cruncher 2.1 DAC (TG Audio/Bob Crump Upgrade), Symphonic Line Die Erleuchtung Preamp, Odyssey Stratos Monoblocks, Lost Chord Acoustics Speakers (3-way dynamic system using Aerogel midrange driver)

First, let me preface my impressions by saying that I’ve been “on the fence” regarding whether audio cables could really have a substantial impact on the sound of a system. I’ve been on the sidelines and have read many of the emotional posts on a few of the discussion group sites that were debating the merits of different brands of audio cables or on whether or not audio cables really made any difference at all.

Therefore, I’ve been very skeptical of the numerous claims of audio sound performance improvements achieved using various brands of audio cable.  I expected, if I heard any differences at all, that these differences would be subtle in nature and it would be difficult to discern which, in fact was a real improvement.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - I have very little experience with different brands of audio cables. Over the years, I’ve used MIT MI-330, Audio Quest Emerald, and most recently Groneberg Quattro Reference interconnects. I also just purchased Luminous Synchestra and Empirical Audio Microdynamic interconnect audio cables for comparison. 

When I inserted the MIT, AQ, or Groneberg audio interconnects into my system, I heard just what I expected – very subtle if any difference in sound.  Then I inserted the Luminous Synchestra audio interconnects, and heard an immediate difference! Unfortunately, it changed for the worse and became very bright and edgy to the point where I could not listen for very long. I tried a couple of different times, but got the same results. The Luminous audio interconnects just did not work in my system.

I then tried the Microdynamics audio interconnects (which Empirical Audio have replaced with the Holophonic which they feel has much better performance) and heard a subtle improvement. The highs were a little more defined and a little smoother. The midrange was a bit more transparent. The Microdynamics use silver conductors so the problems I had with the Synchestra cannot be blamed on the silver conductors. Anyway, the sound using the Microdynamics was nice, but not dramatically better and nothing to warrant a change in my guarded skepticism. So, when the Chimera Labs Advantage audio interconnect audio cables arrived, I was hoping for a more noticeable improvement, but certainly not expecting it.

Well, I hooked the Chimera Labs advantage interconnect audio cables up and was immediately taken aback by the obvious differences in the sound performance. This time, however, it sounded like a very apparent improvement. However, this sometimes wears off over time, so I withheld my judgment until I was really sure. Well, three days later, not only did it not wear off, but I found I was enjoying listening to my CDs much more than before. The improvements in the Chimera Labs Advantage audio cables sound performance ran across the board – low level detail, micro-dynamics, transients, harmonics, dimensionality, etc…  All of these improvements added up to a more organic and live sound, which greatly increased the excitement factor.

I now find I’m listening to more of my CD collection, as well as, spending more time searching for new recordings. The improvement was distinct enough, that I was able to recognize it from my other rooms. Lyrics were much more intelligible on several recordings so that I no longer had to pull out the inserts. But the most important attribute was how it brought out the emotion within the music allowing a more intimate connection to the listener which made it a more involving experience. Although this seems like an obvious conclusion, it doesn’t always happen. You can achieve greater resolution and detail and at the same time feel less involved with the music.

So I now feel audio cables can make a worthwhile difference. I also feel audio cables are very system dependent and how much a difference in audio sound performance they make will depend on the particular audio system they’re used in (not to mention the listener’s bias). In regards to the Chimera Labs Audio Cables, I can’t really rank them relative to the most highly regarded audio cables because I’ve never tried any of the elite brands such as Nordost, HMS, AZ, Silversmith, etc…Largely, because I cannot justify or support their obscene pricing. All I can say is the Chimera Labs audio cables made more of an improvement in my music than I thought audio cables could and that I will not be returning them.

Audio Cables Reviews - Kevin Brown –Kevin purchased a pair of Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Interconnects.

Received the Chimera Labs Advantage interconnect audio cables on Monday. One word says it all: WOW!!!! The Advantage audio interconnects are all I have ever hoped for in an audio cable upgrade. They provide an amazing degree of immediacy, where musicians and instruments are at times seemingly “alive” or “present” in the room. Spatial cues of the recording venues, live or in the studio are often revealed in a spooky way. 

Overall familiar recordings are now also strangely revealed anew and sound unf