Review #133 - Invictus Speaker Reference MKII Cable - Ricable Review
Paul C.
Sources: Mac Mini M4; Thorens TD 1500 turntable
Amplifier: McIntosh C22 preamplifier; McIntosh MC312 power amplifier
Acoustic Speakers: Klipsch Cornwall IV
Other: DAC Lector Digicode S192; 2 Subwoofer Sous Faber Gravis V
The following review of the Invictus Speaker Reference MKII cable is the result of theRicable Review initiative. Ricable Review is the program designed by Ricable, which was created to collect feedback from audiophiles, in order to lead to continuous improvement of the products in the catalog. Last but not least, those who join the program receive a certificate at home, with the purpose of certifying how the customer has become a full-fledged member of the " Ricablefamily."
The following Feedback was created on the basis of a predefined questionnaire to which the user returned his impressions, in a completely free. We thank Paul for his time.
I have in the past used Ricable entry-level Speaker cables and have read, in addition, several (positive) reviews of Ricable products. So I wanted to try to improve the performance of my system (and speakers) by equipping them with Speaker cables of higher quality than the ones I owned (mid-level VDH).
I was convinced, in particular, by the positive feedback, the possibility of return, the lifetime warranty offered, the support provided even in pre-sales, and the seriousness and reliability demonstrated.
and aesthetics of the product?
The packaging, build quality, and aesthetics (also taking into account the not inconsiderable possibility of choosing the available finishes and type of connections) were excellent. I was able to appreciate (and I am still appreciating) the build quality (already found in the past), attention to detail, finish, solidity, and aesthetics of the product.
I have tried the cables (comparing them with previous cables - VDH of medium quality) and am still breaking them in with listening to the genres I like best (especially rock and jazz). I am writing now after many hours of listening (approx. 200) at a variety of volumes (soft, medium and even the sustained one that the power amp I own allows) and I can say with certainty that the control (as well as the quality) and the performance of the system and the speakers have improved significantly.
listening impressions?
Compared to previous cables, the overall performance is more transparent: micro-details and nuances that were previously veiled now emerge more naturally. Soundstaging and three-dimensionality are much improved: the scene is more open, especially in depth (with the Cornwall IVs - already wide and dynamic - I got a more stable, less "flat" and more airy image).
In the low range, compared to the previous cables (which tended to be a bit dry and "pulled"), the Invictus brought more body and control (obvious benefit, with more integrated and less "rubbery" bass, even without the use of the two subwoofers I own).
In the high range, in listening (which before was rough and fatiguing in the long run - especially with the Klipsch horns) I found great softening (without sacrificing detail), less harshness and naturalness. Dynamics (already wide) now have more control: there is not just "brute power" and there is an added feeling that each instrument is in its place, with greater precision.
Your conclusions.
In conclusion, the Invictus definitely refined the sound and listening. The effect (even after many hours of break-in) was to move from a good, but somewhat "grainy" performance to a more fluid, natural, and three-dimensional one. In my system, the input of the Invictus resulted in a longer, never fatiguing, and certainly more harmonious and pleasant listening experience.
What did you enjoy?
- Performance
- Aesthetics (with a choice of)
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What would you improve?
- Nothing to report
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