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Cable Asylum: REVIEW: MIT Cables Digital Reference 1 Cable by mcdonald.robert@mayo.edu

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REVIEW: MIT Cables Digital Reference 1 Cable

129.176.151.122


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Model: Digital Reference 1
Category: Cable
Suggested Retail Price: $325
Description: Digital Interface
Manufacturer URL: MIT Cables
Manufacturer URL: MIT Cables

Review by mcdonald.robert@mayo.edu ( A ) on July 02, 2002 at 00:17:36
IP Address: 129.176.151.122
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for the Digital Reference 1


While having not auditioned many high end digital cables, I own several including DIY using Belden 1506, DH Labs, Monster, and a few others... When I saw the digital reference used for > 50% off, I took a chance and I am quite happy with my purchase. While not being bowled over by the technical explanation regarding what really exists in those network boxes, I must admit that after purchasing MIT 330's and T2 Biwire cables, I noticed an improvement in the soundstaging, imaging, and separation of sounds. (BTW I am a scientist, but even I can take a leap of faith when it comes to cables!) Whether or not this occurs through better timing of events vis a vis the MIT network box I am uncertain, but my ears do not lie. Forget about placebo, as I could turn around and sell the cable for more than my purchase price... (laughs)

Regarding this cable, I have it connected between my NAD S500 CDP and my CAL Sigma tube DAC, and the soundstaging improvements over my other digital cables are amazing!!!

This cable has improved the sound by:
1) bringing the image forward
2) increasing the amount of off axis sound, thus increasing the horizontal soundstage
3) isolating noises, thus creating the floating bubble effect where each voice is hanging separatly.
4) Micro-dynamic improvements- reverbs and echo's seem to last longer and small details are now apparent

This is a great cable, it is huge and stiff but these are minor gripes

BTW:

The highs were not attenuated as some may suggest with MIT, but rather cleaned up in that I heard less digital hash in all but the worst recordings. I must admit that my system was on the bright side before I took steps to tame the brightness - Tubed preamp (Anthem Pre 2L), Tubed DAC (CAL Sigma DAC), MIT cables (they did smooth out the highs, but not as much as they improved soundstaging).


Product Weakness: stiff, expensive
Product Strengths: Image, soundstage, timing, dynamics


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: NAD S200, Anthem MCA-3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Anthem Pre 2L, Lexicon DC-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): NAD S500 --> CAL Sigma
Speakers: Paradigm Studio 100 v2/CC/ADP
Cables/Interconnects: MIT T2 biwire 2000/ 330 IC s2
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Anything but rap and country
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 14 x 9?
Room Comments/Treatments: none
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster Power HTS 2000, Loewe Calida HDTV (the BEST TV at ANY price!)
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: MIT Cables Digital Reference 1 Cable - mcdonald.robert@mayo.edu 00:17:36 07/2/02 ( 1)