Cable Asylum: REVIEW: Tara Labs The One interconnect Cable by LowPhreak

Model:	The One interconnect
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	$2195./1 meter pr.
Description:	Externally shielded, Rectangular Solid-Core copper.
Manufacturer URL:	Tara Labs
Manufacturer URL:	Tara Labs

Review by LowPhreak on December 30, 2001 at 21:02:24
IP Address: 208.20.85.127

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for the The One interconnect

I did a home audition of a dealer's demo1m. pair of "The One", in XLR version and
with the "Solo" GS. The One does many things as well as a cable can be
expected to do - except IMO it fails in one important area: large-scale (macro)
dynamics. In this respect, The One is akin to a high-quality FM broadcast,
whereas some of its contemporaries (AQ, NBS, Synergistic Research, XLO, etc.)
are more like a good analog or digital rig in comparison, dynamics-wise. The One
just didn't have the 'swing' that some other models did; it couldn't get the
cresendos and peaks of the performance out of the components. I decided to
return them to the dealer.
I try not to be too biased for or against any competent brand or design. I'm just
trying, like many 'philes are, to get the best-sounding components for my
listening tastes and budget. The One's dynamic deficiencies stood out almost
immediately in my system, so there is no point in discussing the other
parameters pro or con. To me, reproduced music can't begin to sound like a live
event until you can begin to get the 'big swings' right. C'ya, Tara.
I think The One i/c's would be most happy with acoustic and smaller-scale music,
which is fine if that's your main musical diet. For that, it probably deserves a 4 to
5 star overall rating. But for $2195./meter retail, I expect much more.
Nice packaging, though!

Product Weakness: Doesn't get the JUMP-factor gold star.
Product Strengths: Excellent detail retrieval, nice low-end.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mesa Baron; Levinson 383.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS-25 Mk II.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	C.E.C. TL-1X; Pass Labs D1.
Speakers:	B&W Nautilus 803; REL Stentor III.
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ Anaconda; Madrigal CZ-Gel 2; NBS Monitor IV; Nordost SPM; Silver Audio Appassionata; XLO Signature.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical; Jazz; Reggae; Rock; World.
Room Size (LxWxH):	19'8" x 13'5" x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Living room w. heavy w-to-w carpeting & big bay window.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	About 1 week.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Aurios M.I.B.'s; Adcom ACE-515.
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Doesn't get the JUMP-factor gold star.
Product Strengths:	Excellent detail retrieval, nice low-end.