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REVIEW: CATcables Kingcats Cable

68.164.48.120


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Model: Kingcats
Category: Cable
Suggested Retail Price: $189.99
Description: Shielded Silver IC
Manufacturer URL: CATcables
Manufacturer URL: CATcables

Review by Rad21 ( A ) on June 28, 2003 at 10:54:09
IP Address: 68.164.48.120
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for the Kingcats


I decided to upgrade my interconnects from my Music Hall MMF-7 to my Acoustic Signature Tango phono stage and from the phono stage to my Simaudio P3 preamp. I had been using Straightwire Rhapsody until now. There are so many cable manufacturers and so many price ranges, I decided to try one of the asylum’s sponsors- so I chose CATcables. I contacted Doug via email and told him what I was looking for. I must say that Doug’s personal attention to detail is beyond the industry standard. Doug asked about my system and components and suggested a shielded cable for phono use. We discussed the type of music I listen to and Doug suggested the Kingcats Silver. The standard rca plug is the silver bullet plug and while I don’t dispute the performance of this rca plug, I find them to be a pain in the butt for A/B comparisons due to the tight fit during installation and removal. I asked Doug if he could substitute WBT locking rca plugs- he did (there is an upcharge for these).

Doug sent daily email updates regarding ship dates, burn in time on his cable cooker and also describe his system that he used for the cable evaluations(reference level system). I had the cables in 5 days.

I was impressed by the build quality. Good fit and finish, a bit stiffer than my Straighwire cables but still very manageable (custom geometry and shielding add to the cables stiffness). I listened to a few various LP cuts with my Straightwire cables then switched to the Kingcats. The cuts I used for evaluation were Grateful Dead American Beauty rereleased on Rhino vinyl, Dire Straits/ John Coltrane/Soultrane Prestige LP and some Toto.(as well as an extensive collection of vinyl from the 70’s and 80’s). I was really impressed as to how good some of this old vinyl sounded, not to say I didn’t enjoy them with the Straightwire cables, but with the KingCats, they were just more revealing and I could hear deeper into the soundstage.

My observations were as follows:

Improved detail and clarity, I was able to hear deeper into the recording and pick up sounds I never noticed with my previous cables. The bass also sounder tighter and more defined.The more I listen to the kingcats, the more I want to listen to just “one more LP” .

Overall, I would recommend these cables especially considering the excellent support, fast shipping and 30 day in home trial.


Product Weakness: None so far for the price
Product Strengths: excellent build quality and service, enhanced soundstage, clarity and definition


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Llano Trinity SX-2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Simaudio P3
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Music Hall MMF-7
Speakers: Magnepan 1.6's/Mye Stands
Cables/Interconnects: Analysis Plus biwire/Acoustic Zen pre-power
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/vocals/rock
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: CATcables Kingcats Cable - Rad21 10:54:09 06/28/03 ( 2)