First impressions... Tara Labs RSC Vector 2 (long)

Cable Asylum

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I just got these over the weekend and wanted to share my initial thoughts. They are directly replacing a pair of Tara Labs Spectrum 3a interconnects that were purposefully bought to serve as the link between my amp (Hafler DH-200) and preamp (NAD C340). The Spectrums were bought about a week ago to replace AQ Corals.
After living with the Corals for about a year (I also have Corals between CD player and pre), I started feeling that something was missing in the sonic presentation of my rig. It sounded a little lifeless and dull. Not having the $$$ to consider upgrading any components, I thought maybe a new pair of interconnects for the critical amp/pre interface would be the ticket. So off I went to my local Tara Labs dealer... and purchased the Spectrum 3a's (around $100). After letting these break in for around 24 hours I sat down to do some serious listening. I'm trying to keep this post manageable, and so will skip specifics until I post a full review. The Spectrums were very clear and open in midrange and treble... but a little bright. The problem with these was more in the low to mid bass region. There was a *lot* of it, and it was WOOLY... but not in a nice Shetland sweater kind of way. This quality was just WAY too prominent over a wide range of recordings for me to consider keeping them. They were going back.
Next up the "ladder" in Tara Labs line is the RSC Prime gen2, and this seemed like the obvious next step. The dealer had these in stock and I nearly bought them. However, he strongly urged me to get the RSC Vector 2s (around $200). WTF? That's more than I paid for my Hafler amp! I was seriously thinking that it would be a waste of money... that the Vectors would "outclass" the rest of my gear. With a very audible gulp, I decided to try the Vectors (assured of full return priveleges of course!)
Construction and Design: Unshielded. Uses two identical rectangular solid-core conductors wound in a complex, spaced geometry using teflon spacers. Jacketed with a nice transparent, woven material. Locking RCA connectors with a machined aluminum strain-relief. They're thick (around 1/2" Dia.) but very flexible. They're VERY nicely made. They have a great "feel" in the hand, and they look good too. Locking RCAs make them very easy to install, and you get a SOLID connection.
About the sound...
The first 10-20 hours were TERRIBLE! It was like an audio rollercoaster that swooped through every negative attribute you could possibly think of! Bright, grainy, midrange suckouts, missing octaves, Uggh! Dense, dark, misty, loose, ARGH! Then... BANG! Everything just locked in! I was utterly flabbergasted. I've heard others describe this process, but never experienced it myself to this degree. I'm sure they will continue to break in, but i feel like I've gotten "over the hump" so to speak, and feel comfortable saying that these are the best cables I've "never" heard. They're transparent to a startling degree. Music that I know like the back of my hand was thick with new details that I have never heard before. Are the Vectors ruthlessly revealing? I don't think so. They don't seem to spotlight any particular attribute of a sound. The details emerge in a context that is congruous with the rest of the event. Transients are lightning fast... had me jumping out of my seat a couple of times. Highs are clean and extended. Bass is tight and deep. The midrange is where these cables had me shaking my head in disbelief. I've never heard voices and instruments have this much palpable presence in my room. More than any other factor though, is how these cables have allowed my system to engage me with music on an emotional level... smiling ear to ear one minute, choking up the next, and everything in between. I absolutely cannot wait to get back in my listening chair this evening.
Yeah, I know. I've only had the cables for a couple of days... I may have gone a *little* over the top. Hardly. These cables are special. If you can try them, do it! I haven't heard 10% of what's out there, but this simple purchase has opened a door for me.
I'll be posting a full review soon.
Cheers

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Topic - First impressions... Tara Labs RSC Vector 2 (long) - SF tech 14:47:18 10/18/05 (1)

Re: First impressions... Tara Labs RSC Vector 2 (long) - AudibleAcoustic@gmail.com 13:27:27 11/03/05 (0)

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