Naim DC1 v Chord Indigo Plus

SQ aside as this is often subjective, both cables are rather expensive; can you have your dealer loan the cables to you for a demo?

I have done the comparison with HDX and CDX2. As James suggests and audition is essential because it's such a subjective area. I prefer the Indigo Plus but I have retained a DC1 on the CDX2 because it now gets little use and couldn't justify (to myself) paying twice. You can't lose with either, it just comes down to what you like and if it's worth the outlay to you.

I've got a DC1 which is a nice step up from the QED cable i was using however i keep getting this 'harsh' sound on certain tracks?

The DC brought it down a little, however it's still a bit apparent. i'm not sure if I have unbalanced my system with something or the DAC just needs time to burn in? It's only a month old..

I was considering a hi-line from the 202 to the DAC or this cable as they around the same price.

The XPS will have to wait!

I got what I thought to be a significant "harsh factor" when a demo 555PS went in. It settled down but could still sound edgy at times. I have since concluded that if a recording has any rasps the source will faithfully and (when appropriate) aggressively convey it. Having listened to some scores of ripped CDs since, and compared these to CD replay I am confident that the effect I'm hearing is more muck flying in when you open the window wider. Many albums sound absolutely sublime. At this stage you also can't discount burn in which if it has any characteristics I would would go with forwardness. Sometimes it's the top end itself, sometimes it's the bass finding its level - which can also have a huge effect on how the top come across.

quote:

I was considering a hi-line from the 202 to the DAC or this cable as they around the same price.

While the Hiline wasn't my cup of tea, it is VERY popular around here. I would encourage you to demo a shitty dig cable with the Hiline, then the Chord with the standard I/C.

I would be very interested in that demo.

I am guessing the I/C will have more of an effect.

-Patrick

Not for me but it's somewhat horses for course. I can't use a DC1 on the SBtouch. It just shows that it's bright. Something more smoothed out is easier to live with. The IC wouldn't change that.

quote:

I was considering a hi-line from the 202 to the DAC or this cable as they around the same price.

I swapped from a standard grey interconnect to a Hiline a few months ago. It seems pretty 'aggressive' to me in comparison and I like it. I doubt it will solve your harshness problem though. Definitely one to test before you part with a fair bit of money.

Is that black country Warley that you are from?

Gav.

Patrick,

I'll shall complete the test next week (dealer permitting) and report back.

Gav,

Gt Warley, Essex.. Near Brentwood and Shenfield - it's a bit footballers wives around here

It could just be that i'm a finicky bastard, or that the hi-face / foobar source is a bit bright?!

Still its fun finding out!