Van Den Hul The Integration Hybrid interconnect: impressions

Posted by KanedaK (A) on December 29, 2013 at 14:15:52

Okay so, it's been years I'm going around with the same "entry level" interconnects because, budget is limited, and i first had to get the electronics to suit my taste.

Now however I've been proposed a discount on Van Den hul The Integration, so I decided it was time maybe to give it a try.

My system, mainly "vintage", is a bit uncommon and would, on description only, probably attract some cynical comments from some members. But I'm very, very satisfied with it. Here it goes:

Klipsch LaScala (heavily modded)
SAE Mark 1B preamp, completely recapped, new CINCH connectors.
Technics SE-A5 power amplifier
Kenwood DP7090 cD player
kEF TDM45B and SWR Big ben (yes, a bass guitar sub) for sub duties.

Until now, interconnects have been Monster Interlink 400MK2 between CD and preamp, and QED silver anniversary between preamp and power amp.

I don't wanna sound like a kid on lSD but all I can say is... WOW. The crap interconnects I was using were really limiting my system to a great extent. I used to have this vaguely thick, slightly compressed dynamic swings, wich I had learned to live with (when u use vintage electronics and are on a budget, you tend to accept some compromises); I was sure the slightly edgy upper midrange and not-so-subtle nuances were due to the fact that I'm using a preamp that's been conceived 40years ago. My system was giving me satisfaction and had great qualities, but there was some annoying bits I was trying to ignore.

Well... now I know. I'm not saying my system is now perfect but... just replacing the two interconnects with the Integration from Van Den Hul made such a change! The midrange now has the exact tonality. No edginess, no glare. Nuances and fine layers of sound are now very obviously and delicately "woven" to eachother. Macro and microdynamics have greatly improved. Bass is more firm, deeper, and hits you fuller. Globally everything is more clean and pure but also more balanced, more dynamic. Stereo image is very convincing, instruments and voices taking a believable size. The difference is far from subtle. I didnt need to sit down and listen to hear the change. I connected the new cables, pressed on play, walked three steps towards the chair i usually sit on for listening, and turned my head back, mouth wide open. I'm really shocked. Frankly thses interconnects now seem like a total bargain. I've owned entry-level Nordost in the past (solar wind) but this is another league, really. I wonder how i could live with those muddy QED and Monster cables for sol long!!!

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Van Den Hul The Integration Hybrid interconnect: impressions - KanedaK 14:15:52 12/29/13 (2)

RE: Van Den Hul The Integration Hybrid interconnect: impressions - Chris K. 09:48:54 01/04/14 (0)

As Robin Williams repeatedly said to Matt Damon... - axolotl 14:44:06 12/29/13 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.