I know this is a considerable departure from my usual playing field, but this extremely affordable Litz-wire interconnect from ultra-high-end Japanese manufacturer Audio Tekne, handmade by the wife of Mr. Imai (the designer of all Audio Tekne gear), is genuinely terrific--exceptionally high in transparency, low-level resolution, and sheer naturalness from top to bottom (and I'm talking in comparison to the best interconnect I know of, $14k/m Tara Labs Zero). It may not be the Zero's match, but for 4% of the Zero's price ($550/meter-pair) it is phenomenally good. I haven't tried the Audio Tekne speaker cable yet, but if it's as swell as the ARC-500 interconnect we may have one of those rare price/performance breakthroughs in an area that seems to rub audiophiles rawer than any other.
Here is the Audio Tekne price list:
ARC-500 all litz wire interconnect with RCA, 0.7 meter=$460.00 pair
ARC-500 all litz wire interconnect with RCA, 1 meter= $550.00
pair
ARC-500 all litz wire interconnect with RCA, 1.5 meter=$650.00 pair
ARC-500 all litz wire interconnect with RCA, 2 meter=$800.00 pair
ARC-500 all litz wire interconnect with XLR, 1meter= $500.00 pair
ARC-500 balance all litz wire interconnect with XLR, 1.5 meter=$575.00
pair
If you're interested in getting information about Audio Tekne interconnect and cable, call or write:
Tangram Audio
Yujean Kang
3131 Piccolo St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 689-8904
info [at] tangramaudio [dot] com
tangramaudio.com
That's quite a recommendation, Jon. I will have to see about getting some to audition. Hopefully the company I've been dealing with for cables will have some in their lending library.
There's a good possibility that my work will take me to Michigan this coming year. Cincinnati would just be a few hours away, and I could finally take you up on your gracious invitation to visit and share some insights on music and film.
Here's to a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year to you and your family. Happy Holidays.
Larry Lerner
I don't know how widely distributed Audio Tekne products are. I do know that if you talk to Yujean Kang at Tangram he can set you up. Honestly, this stuff is downright shockingly excellent.
As for paying me a visit...shit, yes! Just let me know when you'll be in the neighborhood!
Thanks, Jon. I will contact Yujean after the New Year.
I'll definitely let you know when I'll be in your neck of the woods, once I know for sure.
LL
$500 a meter affordable? Maybe for me but I think the definition of afforable for a meter of interconnects should be under $200 not under a grand.
And you SO isnt going like you spending that much on wires when she could have got a pair MB or Jimmy Choo FMP's for that price.
And the fringe bennies from shoes are something you never get from a pair of interconnects. They just dont have the same effect wrapped behind your head.
Sheepherder
Shenandoah Valley, VA
fanatic about the quality of wiring ... does it even make a qualitative difference relative to various components and source of sound (cd, tuner)
550 / m. that company must be rolling around on the floor with glee and perhaps laughter.
i would not be at all surprised to hear that thin wire is better than phat wire at some point in the future. it seems all marketing and adding.
Thanks sir, nice articles
My homapage : tekne