I received my Acoustic Zen Silver Reference last week and tried it out over the weekend. Wow, is this a thick cable. It's about the size of a garden hose. You'll need a lot of space behind your equipment to bend it. First impressions are very positive. It's definetly the best cable I've tried. If you want detail and clarity in abundance then this is the cable to try. I would say compared to the Homegrown Silver Lace that this cable has a much richer sound to it. It makes the Silver Lace sound a little thin and bright. Of course, the AZSR is over 4 times the price. I would characterize the sound of the AZSR more on the warmer side of neutral. Yet, at the same time there is plenty of upper end energy. I was never wanting for more. The one great thing I noticed was a complete lack of grain with this cable. Every instrument had its own space and I couldn't get over how that made everything sound so clean. It was like when I tried DVDs for the first time and I compared it to Laserdisc. It was like someone had cleaned my TV with Windex and I could finally see a clear picture for the first time. That's the way this cable made me feel about the music I was hearing. If you can afford it then you should try this cable out for yourself. You can usually pick one up on Audiogon for about half price. Highly recommended.
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Nice cable...that's what she said!!
Join Now
Be a part of the community.
It's free, join today!
Recent Reviews
-
All I have to say is that their awesome pair of headphones. Great sound stage, vocals are a bit too strong, you can feel the bass other than hearing it, and great for movies. Comfort is 4.5...
-
I know people bash on Bose because of they're over priced and I agree. I believe these retail for about $150 or so and I paid $85 for these due to employee discount at where I work. With that...
-
I bought these headphones as an upgrade from my BD DT-770 Pro 80Ohm. The are better in all areas, except that the right can can't handle bass. As soon as there are low bass it just becomes a...
-
I just picked these up today so this is just an initial assessment. These are a great sounding headphone overall but the fact that they are also closed back and still have great soundstage at...
-
everything about these headphones is flawless. Everything is balanced, and perfect. Any of the reviews that didn't like them most likely have a fake pair, or, hate life. The only thing I could...
Head-Fi Sponsors
Drop by and thank our partners for helping keep the lights on at Head-Fi!
Nice cable...that's what she said!!
post #2 of 35
5/28/02 at 12:44pm
- Vka
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 322 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: MA, USA
- Select All Posts By This User
How do they compare to the Grado interconnects?
Have you tried Pure Note Epsilon Reference?
Pure Note is my current favorite so far.... I wonder how the Pure Notes compare to the Acoustic Zens. Some people at audioasylum seem to prefer Pure Notes over Nordost Vahallas.
Have you tried Pure Note Epsilon Reference?
Pure Note is my current favorite so far.... I wonder how the Pure Notes compare to the Acoustic Zens. Some people at audioasylum seem to prefer Pure Notes over Nordost Vahallas.
- acidtripwow
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,901 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
- Select All Posts By This User
Hi VKa, the Grado is a nice cable with an overall warm sound to them just like the Joseph Grado headphones. It doesn't have the detail or clarity of the AZSR. Matched with a headphone like the Ety ER4S and the Grado HPA-2 amp and the Grado's sound is sweet as hell especially with female vocals. I was listening to Jacintha this morning and the sound was awesome.
I haven't heard the Pure Note cables, yet. Maybe we could work something out where we trade and try each others cables. Just a thought.
I haven't heard the Pure Note cables, yet. Maybe we could work something out where we trade and try each others cables. Just a thought.
post #4 of 35
5/28/02 at 1:29pm
- dhwilkin
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Headphone audiophiles are practically the stuff of legend.
-
- offline
- 4,429 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Select All Posts By This User
Either of you two heard the Synchestra Signature from Luminous Audio? Or TG Audio's (Bob Crump's) version of the Synchestra? Both of those have been extremely favorably reviewed at AA as well, even against Cardas Golden Reference and the AZ Silver Reference...
Also, how is the Sliver Reference for vocals? Are they warm and full-bodied, accurate, etc...?
Also, how is the Sliver Reference for vocals? Are they warm and full-bodied, accurate, etc...?
- acidtripwow
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,901 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
- Select All Posts By This User
Hi Dhwilkin, no I haven't tried those cables either. The AZSR works very with vocals. It has a warmer sound to it and is very full bodied. The cable sounded very accurate to me.
post #6 of 35
5/28/02 at 2:13pm
- dhwilkin
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Headphone audiophiles are practically the stuff of legend.
-
- offline
- 4,429 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Select All Posts By This User
Thanks, acid. 

post #7 of 35
5/28/02 at 5:36pm
- DarkAngel
- Trader Feedback: +1
- DarkAngel's a man, baby!
-
- offline
- 7,247 Posts. Joined 8/2001
- Location: Shadows of the Night
- Select All Posts By This User
Well not too suprising that the AZ silver ref sounds better at 4.5x
the price of HG silver lace, would like to hear one in my system but even used they go for almost $500!
Now how about the AZ digital, power, speaker cables......it's only money.
the price of HG silver lace, would like to hear one in my system but even used they go for almost $500!
Now how about the AZ digital, power, speaker cables......it's only money.
- acidtripwow
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,901 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: Chicago, IL USA
- Select All Posts By This User
Quote:
| Now how about the AZ digital, power, speaker cables......it's only money. |
post #9 of 35
5/29/02 at 5:54pm
- TheeeChosenOne
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 65 Posts. Joined 5/2002
- Location: Gotham City (where else?)
- Select All Posts By This User
Try www.bearlabs.com
This guy makes some of the best, if not the BEST silver cables at ANY price.
a 1 m run will cost you $245.....much better than the costly AZ stuff.
'Nuff said.
If you're hurting for money and WANT silver badly, try www.apature.com. Great stuff, great price. REFERENCE quality!
This guy makes some of the best, if not the BEST silver cables at ANY price.
a 1 m run will cost you $245.....much better than the costly AZ stuff.
'Nuff said.
If you're hurting for money and WANT silver badly, try www.apature.com. Great stuff, great price. REFERENCE quality!
post #10 of 35
5/29/02 at 9:15pm
Quote:
| Originally posted by TheeeChosenOne Try www.bearlabs.com This guy makes some of the best, if not the BEST silver cables at ANY price. a 1 m run will cost you $245.....much better than the costly AZ stuff. 'Nuff said. If you're hurting for money and WANT silver badly, try www.apature.com. Great stuff, great price. REFERENCE quality! |
post #11 of 35
5/29/02 at 9:26pm
- TheeeChosenOne
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 65 Posts. Joined 5/2002
- Location: Gotham City (where else?)
- Select All Posts By This User
Bear Labs are BETTER than AZ Silver. Other people who have compared BOTH agree as well.
If that isn't high complement, I don't know what is!
Read Bear's paper on his website about his designs.
Email him as well, he'll most likely give you a 1 page dissertation of an answer. This guy is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about all things audio!!
If that isn't high complement, I don't know what is!
Read Bear's paper on his website about his designs.
Email him as well, he'll most likely give you a 1 page dissertation of an answer. This guy is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about all things audio!!
post #12 of 35
5/30/02 at 12:33am
- kelly
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Herr Babelfish der Übersetzer, he wore a whipped-cream-covered tutu for this title.
-
- offline
- 5,436 Posts. Joined 1/2002
- Location: Dallas, Nation of Texas
- Select All Posts By This User
I'm not saying this guy is a shill. I mean, clearly I have no way of knowing for certain this guy is a shill. Just because he only has 2 posts and both have heavily promoted a product that I had never heard of before, that doesn't prove anything. It's entirely possible that this person is not employed by Bear Labs. He may very well be a completely innocent well intended audiophile who has only the best interests of fellow HeadFi'ers at heart.
In fact, he's probably doing us a great service by letting us know that a lower cost alternative to an expensive well known product is available from this company. Sure, he hasn't detailed his comparrison or sited anyone who has done the comparrison by name... and sure his posts may come across a lot like a marketting spill, but I'm just saying... for the record, we don't have any reason to believe this guy is anything but genuine.
Welcome to Head-Fi!
In fact, he's probably doing us a great service by letting us know that a lower cost alternative to an expensive well known product is available from this company. Sure, he hasn't detailed his comparrison or sited anyone who has done the comparrison by name... and sure his posts may come across a lot like a marketting spill, but I'm just saying... for the record, we don't have any reason to believe this guy is anything but genuine.
Welcome to Head-Fi!
post #13 of 35
5/30/02 at 1:03am
- TheeeChosenOne
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 65 Posts. Joined 5/2002
- Location: Gotham City (where else?)
- Select All Posts By This User
Hehe.....you guys are funny.
I'm no shill or represent any company. I signed up after trolling different websites on audio/video.
Just decided to add my own experience to the "silver" issue.
Regardless, IMHO, Bearlabs and Apature are the sensible inexpensive way to go silver.
Just my .02 cents.
..........btw, also try www.innersound.com. Read his white paper on cables and email him questions as he is also a VERY knowledgeable guy. He sells IC's for $50.....his cables are rated REFERENCE AWESOME.
I'm no shill or represent any company. I signed up after trolling different websites on audio/video.
Just decided to add my own experience to the "silver" issue.
Regardless, IMHO, Bearlabs and Apature are the sensible inexpensive way to go silver.
Just my .02 cents.
..........btw, also try www.innersound.com. Read his white paper on cables and email him questions as he is also a VERY knowledgeable guy. He sells IC's for $50.....his cables are rated REFERENCE AWESOME.
post #14 of 35
5/30/02 at 1:37am
- Dusty Chalk
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Head-Fi-holic: With headphones would just be a benny.
-
- offline
- 6,575 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Select All Posts By This User
post #15 of 35
5/30/02 at 1:59am
- pigmode
- Trader Feedback: +15
- Truck-Fi
-
- offline
- 4,954 Posts. Joined 6/2001
- Location: HNL
- Select All Posts By This User
Hey TheeeChosenOne, I appreciate your comments. I have seen many good write-ups on Bear Labs cables.
Dusty, don't be coy, how about a review?
Dusty, don't be coy, how about a review?

Return Home
- Nice cable...that's what she said!!
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Nice cable...that's what she said!!
Currently, there are 2097 Active Users
(479 Members and 1618 Guests)
Recent Discussions
- › Dilemma: Should I not believe any reviewers who talk about cables... 33 seconds ago
- › FOR SALE: Ultrasone Pro 900 (Unbalanced) less than 14 days... 1 minute ago
- › the way I analyze audio performance 1 minute ago
- › Feedback for Justin's Headphone Modding (jschristian44) 1 minute ago
- › Headphone Help! 1 minute ago
- › New to Head-Fi / High-end Audio Forum / Proud MDR-R10 Owner 3 minutes ago
- › Post A Photograph Of Your Turntable 4 minutes ago
- › Alternative to Lehmann audio Black Cube Linear USB 4 minutes ago
- › **IC: Denon D2000** 5 minutes ago
- › ++RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for... 5 minutes ago
View: New Posts | All Discussions
Recent Reviews
- › Sennheiser HD 800 Headphones by DannyRox23
- › Bose OE2i Audio Headphones - White by emceelokey
- › Beyer Dynamic DT 770 Premium 600 OHM Headphones by kungmarten
- › AKG K 550 by JohnnyBlaze554
- › Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Studio Monitor Headphones by Headphonezz
- › Sennheiser HD 238 Stereo Open Aire Headphone by Squirelrepublic
- › Beyerdynamic DT-990 Professional Headphones by turgid
- › Phonak PFE 012 by drsamdc
- › digiZoid ZO2 Personal hi-fi experience by redguy
- › Stanton Dynaphase Sixty by voodoo do-er
View: More Reviews
New Articles
- › Comparing headphones: Sennheiser's HD... by Windsor
- › iBasso DX100 FAQ by DoctorHeadz
- › DIY Cable Info and Resources by Pingupenguins
- › Asr Head-Fi Threads Compendium by Asr
- › Headphone Buying Guide by keanex
- › Fostex T50RP modification summary LINKS - wiki by jgray91
- › Comparisons of the LCD-3 and the LCD-2 Rev. 2 by MacedonianHero
- › Posting Guidelines by Currawong
- › Comparisons of LCD-2 Rev. 1 and Rev. 2 by MacedonianHero
- › Membership Levels, Badges and Custom Titles by Currawong
View: New Articles | All Articles
Home | Head Gear | Forums | Articles | My Profile
About Head-Fi.org | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2012 Head-Fi.org is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
About Head-Fi.org | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2012 Head-Fi.org is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map




