The Symphony
Realising the full potential of the new 'super audio' formats, with their wide dynamic range and extended frequency response, requires an interconnect which exceeds the requirements of the SACD/DVD-A format.
Conceived and designed as an upgrade to the world renowned and multi-award winning Ecosse 'Maestro' MA2 Interconnect (a bloody hard act to follow…)
'The Symphony' is a 'balanced' analogue interconnect cable which easily exceeds these requirements. Connect it to any digital source and prepare to be astonished. At this price it’s another unbeatable cable from Ecosse!
Heres the science: This remarkable interconnect uses several complementary sub-topologies synergised in one cable. Space and secrecy preclude a detailed description but we can afford a brief glimpse in lieu of an audition. The conductor is UHP-OFC (Ultra High Purity Oxygen-Free Copper, plated in UHP-OFS™ (Ultra High Purity Oxygen-Free Silver-since silver has a 10% gain in conductance compared to copper, a copper wire plated with silver will have less signal loss especially at longer lengths) spirally wound around a PE (polyethylene) tube with a primary dielectric of gas-foamed low-density polyethylene (LDFPE).
Isohelix Technology™
Each conductor assembly has a continuous foil shield and drain wire. Isohelix™ is our patented technology for ensuring not only that the signal and return conductors always maintain a precise relationship to each other, but also that externally induced resonance (microphony) is entirely dissipated within its structure, thus fully isolating the conductors from the outside world. A further continuous foil shield and drain wraps the encapsulation before sheathing in soft PVC. Complicated yes, but musically a revelation.
When wired in a 'pseudo-balanced' fashion using RCA 'phono' connections, the screen is connected at one end only to drain unwanted RFI ‘noise’.
Terminations
Here the termination is our MACH2XS audiophile deep silver-plated non-compressing all-copper RCA plugs - where the centre pin and shields (designed to form a 'Faraday Cage'- a device designed to maximise RF screening) are built from copper materials. The MACH2XS offers all the benefits of our super awesome MACH3 RCAs but without the cost involved, hence the relatively cheaper Symphony Interconnect.
For fully balanced equipment, 'The Symphony' is fitted with our audiophile quality MACH2-XLR Switchcraft plugs which have deep silver-plated pins and solder surfaces. The unique clamping mechanism exerts equal pressure around the circumference of the cable without compression. This ensures constant impedance from termination to termination and results in an almost perfect signal transfer.
The Symphony, single-ended or balanced, produces a soundscape from an inky blackness that converts your listening room into the recording venue. This interconnect, due to its construction, is directional and an arrow indicates the appropriate direction (RCA).
We sincerely recommend you match this cable from one of our Monocrystal™ 'speaker' range but, for the ultimate audio experience at this price point, try it in combination with our MS2.4 or MS4.45 pre-terminated biwire. For reference heres our cable synergy table.
Unparalleled Noise Reduction
To maintain continuity and optimum conductivity, their contact points are made from OFC copper - same as the conductor wire itself (don't be fooled by inferior yet similar-looking brass plugs as used by some of our competitors, these are cheap and nasty!) Both centre pin and the return conjugate bracket (designed to form a 'Faraday Cage'- a device for reducing RFI) terminals or shells are direct silver hard-plated (others use 'flash-gold' plating which is a very thin coating that wears away very quickly and soon looks tarnished-you have been warned!). The plug casing is precision machined from highest quality copper alloy and is deep-plated. This thick casing offers further shielding - effectively a second 'Faraday Cage' - and reduces the ingress and radiation of EMI, ESI and RFI 'noise' even further, to virtually zero.
The interface of shells and casing is one of high mechanical impedance, dissipating energy and rendering microphonic effects negligible.
These shells are designed to perform a 5-fold function:
- They provide a terminal to which the return/screen conductors can be firmly crimped and soldered.
- They incorporate tiny teeth that grip the cable firmly and evenly around its circumference without compressing the cable and thereby maintain the cable's characteristic impedance right up to the solder joint.
- When assembled, they form a Faraday cage, screening the signal right up to and including the RCA socket.
- They form a union of high mechanical impedance with the outer casing, dissipating energy and therefore rendering the plug immune to the effects of microphony.
- They firmly locate and clamp the centre pin's polypropylene dielectric, which, in conjunction with the outer casing, results in a strong, stable and extremely durable structure.
Technical Specifications
UHP-OFC wrapped in UHP-OFS™ rope-lay woven conductors
Dual Conductive Polymer and SP-UHP-OFC close-lapped braid screens
Patented Isohelix ™ separator
RCA direct silver-plated all-copper contact pins
Polyethylene and ultra low loss LDFPE dielectrics
Vibration-absorbing low density 9mm circular o/d LDPVC jacket
Supersolder™ - our new ultra high purity silver and tin alloy solid wire-used in conjunction with our unique, passive organic flux. Together these ensure a joint with ultra low chemical contaminants and very high strength.
We cannot stress enough that significant improvements are possible from matching mains cable, loudSpeaker and interconnect cable-grade-wise (see our 'at-a-glance' Cable Match Table) throughout your system, thus enhancing synergy.
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Reviews & Testimonials
"Ecosse's effort to minimize all forms of interference appears to have paid off, as the cables were incredibly quiet. Backgrounds were blacker, and I was able to hear further back into the soundstage and discern the minutest of details with ease."
"The Symphony interconnects were impressively quick, grabbing hold and letting go of notes with remarkable clarity. Notes were clear and distinct, never blurring or running into each other no matter how complex or muddled the recording. Perhaps owing to their speed, ease, and clarity, the Symphony interconnects threw a large soundstage containing well-delineated images. The midrange was exceedingly neutral, sounding neither warm nor lean—which is ideal, as it lets the recording speak for itself. The bass was likewise extended and tight, without any thickening or warmth to detract from the performance."
"Compared to my reference Audience Au24 interconnects, the Symphony cables were bigger sounding, with a larger soundstage and a more dynamic presentation. The Symphonies were a little more upfront, with a slightly brighter treble register. The midbass was just a little more lean, which was a benefit or liability depending upon the recording. the Symphony interconnects impressed me with their outstanding dynamics, exemplary reproduction of detail, and enveloping soundstage. Essentially neutral, the Symphonies are lively sounding cables, and their big, bold sound makes every listening session an event."
"At the price, the Symphony interconnects are something of a bargain, and an easy recommendation. "
John Acton, Positive Feedback Magazine, USA
“...this authoritative and detailed wire is a real all-rounder”
What HI-FI? Sound and Vision Magazine, UK
"…Nordost Tyr versus Ecosse Symphony."
"I found that the mids is too compromised with too much detail and decided to install the The Symphony . The result was mind blowing. The detail was on parr with the Tyr and midrange was as if the Tyr 2 and Interconnects were installed. So why is the The Symphony $700 NZ $ and the Tyr interconnect $6600?."
Jaco Roets, Australia 2022
"…On Nordost..."
"Their loudspeaker cables are very good but their interconnects both the Frey and the Tyr2 are very disappointing. The Symphony placed above the Frey with much more attack…"
Jaco Roets, Australia 2022
"…Why is the MS4.45 and The Symphony and MS4.45 not standing back for the $22000 Nordost Tyr2 loom? Answer: Nordost is either over rated or Ecosse under price their products."
Jaco Roets, Australia 2022
"…a tremendous presence in my room and the focus and positioning of the instruments is superb.” “… the excellent top-end, which is bright but not at all harsh, thanks to the silver-plated conductors.“. “The music has a great realism in my room. At its price point, The Symphony reveals itself to be a first-class interconnect with an excellent build quality that offers very refined performances.”
Hi-Fi Choice Recommended,March 2023
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