Watch and listen to the 1 $10,000 Valhalla 2 take on the $5,000 Audience Front Row interconnect. Who do you got ? Interested in anything you see ?. Jayaudiolab@gmail.com
#1 was more immediate, #2 a bit more distant. I listened with headphones and thru my main system, and I could live with either. The higher strings close to the end seemed a bit much with #1, but I didn't like that part on #2. If I had this kind on money to spend, I'd need to listen with a wider variety on music before making a decision. Thanks again Jay, for keeping these videos coming, and I'm looking forward to finding out which is which.
You are killing me with the new Amp Unit Jay , I ordered today the second M900U !!! .... I hope the possible better under 20K is not below the price I paid ....
I had to go back and forth a few times on this one. Both sound excellent but which is most accurate. My impression is that number one is brighter than number two which to my ears shortens the higher pitched notes making them sound thinner. Number 2 has more timbre and presence with each guitar pluck. In addition Nil’s voice is more relaxed with cable 2. I would select cable #2.
Having the Audience Au24SX and knowing the Audience signature sound and hearing Nordost IC, I'd guess IC#1 is the Nordost Valhalla and IC#2 is the Audience Front Row. As for my preference, I like the warmth and expansive soundstage of IC#2.
Nunber 2 gets the vote from me, I found #1 very detailed with lots of clarity but ultimately it might be too fatiguing. #2 was warmer and more musical and involving, lacking a touch of detail but fuller. IMHO
I personally preferred #2. It had a warmer presentation, while #1 seemed to almost sound a bit shrill to me. It certainly didn’t lack detail though, and I can see how some might prefer #1. As of now, I don’t think #1 works in your rig as well as #2 does, but maybe that’ll change when you swap components? Looking forward to hearing the Accuphase. Thanks, Jay!
AMAZING!!! BOTH INTERCONNECTS PERFORMED EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD WITH THE REST OF THE SYSTEM. I.C 1 # SOUND MORE TRANSPARENT WITH CLARITY, BUT LITTLE BIT SHARP. I.C 2 # SOUND ALSO TRANSPARENT LITTLE LESS CLARITY & SOUND OVERALL SMOOTH COMPARED WITH # 1. SO MY CHOICE WILL BE NO. # 1. AND BIG CONGRATS ON ACCUPHASE E - 800!!! ITS A POWERHOUSE!!! THANKS AS USUAL!! AND T.C..BYE👍🙂🙂
I'll take the Nordostd Valhalla, which I believe are the first option. I simply believe that they contribute more transparency to the overall system. I do like Lofgren and the music selections you've used for the comparison. For the sake of variety, spice and flare. I make the following recommendation for you to check out and perhaps use: Group Barbatuques song Biana (the original). It's Brazilian Fanfarra musical style. Powerful bass, and mid-range is tested by the vocals. Also, checkout the legendary live recording of Hugh Masekela's Stimela (Coal train) 1993 recording at Blues Alley. The song is highly dynamic (going from soft to very loud and powerful). These two selections are used often by Naim and Focal reps in their demos. Thanks Jay for the detailed focused work you do in your presentations.
One had more on the high end and two seemed to be smoother. One didn’t seem shrill to me, and I did like hearing the fingers moving over the guitar strings, you could hear the attack of instruments better, the attacks at the start of a word being sung, just seemed like more detail there, more like live where two seemed like a after it’s been processed to be sold presentation. I can see where both have their appeal. I see the other comments but I felt like one had more range than two, two maybe sounder fuller because it stayed more within a range and possibly did do a bit more within that range. I preferred one over two. More true to what is actually in the music, though that extra detail might be a bit too much for some, or if you’re just looking for a more relaxed presentation.
I think both cables sound very similar - or equally good for that music track anyway... Perhaps #2 has little more energy or is little more extended at higher frequencies. #1 is perhaps more neutral?? Very hard to tell anyway on my near field setup... With #2 also I guess I hear more of your room acoustics (I don't know if this is negative or positive). I also compare to CD and Tidal trough my system, and these times there were not the same "room information" so this must be because of the acoustics in your room.
Two microphones (or more) at work here capturing the artist - the vocal mike has, in my opinion, too much processing to use in this test, even the sibilances were a bit much, and I don't mean they shouldn't be there, the recording equipment is "blurring" them and - there's certainly processing going on with the guitar mike as well - - regardless, I'm on board with the general consensus of the other comments, even figured #1 to be the Nordost before hearing #2 - - I'm very likely full of S _ _ t, I have no explanation why I'm confident and at this equipment level, if I were being honest I'd have to say that it would take days for me to really get to distinguish between the two cables - perhaps morning coffee is giving me false bravado. Anyway I'd "buy" #1 because, yeah, #2 is more musical because it's more colored (exaggeration) - #1 is giving the truer picture. Gawd, as I go to hit the "Comment" button, I think I am completely full of crap - - they're both excellent and if that's the case, one could save 5 grand per cable - - too bad for me, I've already spent my money on Vahalla 2's throughout my system. Thanks Jay, I love this kind of video.
Accuphase finally!! Heck yes I'm so looking forward to audition your next video.
Thanks for sharing Jay!
Great to see Accuphase in your review queue, very exciting! Thanks for responding to our asks 🙌🏻
#1 was more immediate, #2 a bit more distant. I listened with headphones and thru my main system, and I could live with either. The higher strings close to the end seemed a bit much with #1, but I didn't like that part on #2. If I had this kind on money to spend, I'd need to listen with a wider variety on music before making a decision.
Thanks again Jay, for keeping these videos coming, and I'm looking forward to finding out which is which.
No 2 for me Jay. I feel that I would get listening fatigue with no1. Cannot afford either anyway but great to have a listen. Thanks.
You are killing me with the new Amp Unit Jay , I ordered today the second M900U !!! .... I hope the possible better under 20K is not below the price I paid ....
I had to go back and forth a few times on this one. Both sound excellent but which is most accurate. My impression is that number one is brighter than number two which to my ears shortens the higher pitched notes making them sound thinner. Number 2 has more timbre and presence with each guitar pluck. In addition Nil’s voice is more relaxed with cable 2. I would select cable #2.
Having the Audience Au24SX and knowing the Audience signature sound and hearing Nordost IC, I'd guess IC#1 is the Nordost Valhalla and IC#2 is the Audience Front Row.
As for my preference, I like the warmth and expansive soundstage of IC#2.
Nunber 2 gets the vote from me, I found #1 very detailed with lots of clarity but ultimately it might be too fatiguing. #2 was warmer and more musical and involving, lacking a touch of detail but fuller. IMHO
I personally preferred #2. It had a warmer presentation, while #1 seemed to almost sound a bit shrill to me. It certainly didn’t lack detail though, and I can see how some might prefer #1. As of now, I don’t think #1 works in your rig as well as #2 does, but maybe that’ll change when you swap components? Looking forward to hearing the Accuphase. Thanks, Jay!
AMAZING!!! BOTH INTERCONNECTS PERFORMED EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD WITH THE REST OF THE SYSTEM. I.C 1 # SOUND MORE TRANSPARENT WITH CLARITY, BUT LITTLE BIT SHARP. I.C 2 # SOUND ALSO TRANSPARENT LITTLE LESS CLARITY & SOUND OVERALL SMOOTH COMPARED WITH # 1. SO MY CHOICE WILL BE NO. # 1. AND BIG CONGRATS ON ACCUPHASE E - 800!!! ITS A POWERHOUSE!!! THANKS AS USUAL!! AND T.C..BYE👍🙂🙂
I preferred #2...just perfect to me. I found #1 to have a little edginess.
Number 1 interconnect is gives more air to the music. The second is very good too, but not so very opened.
Vote for 1 (i bet is Valhalla).
I'll take the Nordostd Valhalla, which I believe are the first option. I simply believe that they contribute more transparency to the overall system. I do like Lofgren and the music selections you've used for the comparison. For the sake of variety, spice and flare. I make the following recommendation for you to check out and perhaps use: Group Barbatuques song Biana (the original). It's Brazilian Fanfarra musical style. Powerful bass, and mid-range is tested by the vocals. Also, checkout the legendary live recording of Hugh Masekela's Stimela (Coal train) 1993 recording at Blues Alley. The song is highly dynamic (going from soft to very loud and powerful). These two selections are used often by Naim and Focal reps in their demos. Thanks Jay for the detailed focused work you do in your presentations.
Great highs
First week of July like waiting for Christmas every month 🧸
One had more on the high end and two seemed to be smoother. One didn’t seem shrill to me, and I did like hearing the fingers moving over the guitar strings, you could hear the attack of instruments better, the attacks at the start of a word being sung, just seemed like more detail there, more like live where two seemed like a after it’s been processed to be sold presentation. I can see where both have their appeal. I see the other comments but I felt like one had more range than two, two maybe sounder fuller because it stayed more within a range and possibly did do a bit more within that range. I preferred one over two. More true to what is actually in the music, though that extra detail might be a bit too much for some, or if you’re just looking for a more relaxed presentation.
I think both cables sound very similar - or equally good for that music track anyway... Perhaps #2 has little more energy or is little more extended at higher frequencies. #1 is perhaps more neutral?? Very hard to tell anyway on my near field setup... With #2 also I guess I hear more of your room acoustics (I don't know if this is negative or positive). I also compare to CD and Tidal trough my system, and these times there were not the same "room information" so this must be because of the acoustics in your room.
Have both interconnects been broken in yet?
That was easy! Number 1, no contest. Richer and more details than interconnect no. 2 IMHO.
#2 I actually said “wow” out loud
No.2 the winner for me: Audience Front i guess
Better balanced full sound with IC2. IC1 has thin but more air highs, lacks low mids weight to seem serious. I’ll take IC2 to go thank you...
number 2
1st one is the best hands down. Gets the most sound, which is why you pay for these cords.
# 1 for me
I know Jay made shadow puppets dance to the music when he finished this video.
#2
#1 sounded artificial (overly bloated) but a lot of people like that.. The second one was drier, but more accurate
Number1
Some people claim #1 is odin #2 front row and some vice versa, yet both say that there are big differences, lmao, basically confirms snake oil
certainly number one inteconnect. well controled high, more musicality as a whole. will be sad if its not valhalla2.
Mmmmm Accuphase...always think they are boring... very interested to test my attitude. Rolex of Hi-Fi.
I’m sure you have something special hidden there, I hope it Vitus but that’s over 20 so probably not ... for cables #2 ( Audience )
#1 Front Row
#2 V2
1st Front Row 2nd Odin 2
I urge you to try Tellurium Q statement cables. As good as a component change.
2
2 is more musical....reverb is more natural....
For me interconnect 2 is better
#2 on my crappy pc speakers sounds much less electronic than #1.
What is what?
Two microphones (or more) at work here capturing the artist - the vocal mike has, in my opinion, too much processing to use in this test, even the sibilances were a bit much, and I don't mean they shouldn't be there, the recording equipment is "blurring" them and - there's certainly processing going on with the guitar mike as well - - regardless, I'm on board with the general consensus of the other comments, even figured #1 to be the Nordost before hearing #2 - - I'm very likely full of S _ _ t, I have no explanation why I'm confident and at this equipment level, if I were being honest I'd have to say that it would take days for me to really get to distinguish between the two cables - perhaps morning coffee is giving me false bravado. Anyway I'd "buy" #1 because, yeah, #2 is more musical because it's more colored (exaggeration) - #1 is giving the truer picture. Gawd, as I go to hit the "Comment" button, I think I am completely full of crap - - they're both excellent and if that's the case, one could save 5 grand per cable - - too bad for me, I've already spent my money on Vahalla 2's throughout my system. Thanks Jay, I love this kind of video.
Lol! PassLabs...come again...
no difference. It just doesn't fukin matter.
#1 Odin 2 no thanks
#2 front row... all day long, compared to #1