Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Anticables Anti-IC Cable by jonbee

Model:	Anti-IC
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$150
Description:	Interconnect with eichmann bullet plugs
Manufacturer URL:	Anticables
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee on November 22, 2009 at 11:06:01
IP Address: 71.231.106.152 Add Your Review
for the Anti-IC

Over the years I've used dozens of well reviewed interconnects in the under $500/pr. class, from Kimber, Audioquest, MIT, Acrotec, Goertz, LAT, Monster, and many others. I've used copper, copper/silver, and
silver. All of them sound different, and I had landed on Goertz AQ silver for the last few years, because of their neutrality and musicality. I felt that they didn't give me all the detail, though, and recently bought a pair of Paul Speltz' Anti-ICs (promoted on A-gon) with bullet plug RCA connectors for $150, after reviewing many user reviews.
They are unusual in that they are a minimal dielectric design (just coated wires) with a coiled wire caged for protection and spacing. Goertz and Mapleshade espouse a somewhat similar approach.
After installation, I was really taken aback by what I heard, with no break in. The soundstage opened up in a major way. Instrumental definition, spacing and dimensionality is as good as I've ever heard, on any system, period. Bass was pretty deep, but there was not a trace of lower range thickening or obfuscation. The top end was exquisitely detailed, and just a bit emphasized. The total dynamic fabric is just right, neither in your face or dulled.
After a dozen hours of playing, it seems the slight top end emphasis is receding, but the amazing extension is still there.
So here it is- for me, these are not a clear window on the music- they remove the window entirely. They get closer to the sound than I've ever had in my system. On the downside, it seems that the bass is a hair less deep, although that may be an artifact of the reduced low end muddiness. The top end is still a tad strong. Paul says the top end will continue to smooth out, but for me, even if they don't change a whit, these little ICs have improved my system more than anything else I've done in the last 2 years. They are like a major amp or source upgrade, for peanuts.
Cables are the most idiosyncratic of components- matchcups truly are everything. In that light I know that these will certainly not give as good results in many systems. I have a feeling that they may make an already bright and thin sounding system even more so, for instance. I also can't say how they compare to the over $500 competition, as I won't pay that much for cables.
What I will say if you are looking to pay under $500 for ICs, you should give these a try. Paul has a good return policy. For me, they are one of those rare products that truly are category killers.

Product Weakness:	Currently a bit of top end emphasis- might sound thin in some systems. may not be durable enough for frequent handling, such as professional applications
Product Strengths:	wide open 3d soundstage, excellent dynamic and harmonic accuracy great price

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ps audio gcc-250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): modwright/sony 9100 cdp
Speakers: vmps rm 30, ACI Force XL subs
Cables/Interconnects: clear day speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections): lots, varied
Room Size (LxWxH): 16 x 19 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: room is slight bright, eats bass
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): ps audio quintet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	ps audio gcc-250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	modwright/sony 9100 cdp
Speakers:	vmps rm 30, ACI Force XL subs
Cables/Interconnects:	clear day speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots, varied
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 19 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	room is slight bright, eats bass
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	ps audio quintet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner