Chimera Labs Speaker Audio Cable Customer Reviews

    

    

Chimera Labs Advantage Audio Speaker Cable Reviews

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.

They are simple and very neutral, but there is so much more info and nuance that comes through these little audio cables that it is really amazing. It throws all those 2 inch thick speaker cables into the mid-fi range. And the bass is all there too! I am glad I took the plunge and went this direction instead of the “larger is better” route but after listening to your advantage audio interconnects I knew your speaker cables would be even better. I’m running short on time but wanted to get this out today. Thanks Dennis.

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 - 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 - 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 - Charlie Azzolina - Azzolina Audio Charlie 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 - 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.


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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 - 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 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 - 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.


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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.

Product 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 guarantee. I'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 - 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.

 

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