Crystal Cable Art Series Monet – the Beauty of Unity and Coherence

Sunrise.

As the early days of 2025 unfold, I rise early to tackle my long-overdue writing tasks. With the arrival of a new year, this first story will center on new beginnings and fresh perspectives. If you detect more emotion than usual, accompanied by hints of melancholy and a core of hope, that’s completely natural. Our topic today has transformed the narrative entirely and led us to unforeseen destinations filled with warmth and light, balance and hope — an extraordinary sensory palette of colors, a sense of movement, and an almost ethereal lightness — a beautifully balanced depiction of sensations infused with a profound sense of unity. Happy New Year, everyone! May ’25 be a genuinely unifying force rather than a divider; may it embody hope and love and stand for the sublime in color and beauty.

I have to confess I was never an early riser. I always found the most comforting sensation in the world, dwelling deep into another hour of sleep in the early morning. My only salvation from this intoxicating need was my mother. She always found a way to wake me up and drag me from the warmth of the bed, especially in the winter when the chilling of our apartment in the communist era was frivolous and uninviting. There was no salvation from the cold water and windy night still lingering outside my windows. I might have been a lazy one forever, but I had my most unreadiness questioning of the universe deep into the night if this could somehow balance my shortcomings. What I will never forget is the tenderness and love of my mother from those early mornings. The warm kiss on my forehead, the gentle brush on my chicks, the smell of fresh and the kind soft words spoken. All that gave me purpose and desire to face the inevitable of a new day.

Much later in life, I miss the thrill of experiencing the sunrise. I’ve always felt disconnected from that joy, as I could never find comfort in the early mornings. But I relate to the event differently, always remembering the warm, gentle brush of my mother’s hand and her soft-spoken words. Looking now at Monet’s famous painting, “Impression: Sunrise,” which depicts a misty early morning on the water in the port of Le Havre, I don’t feel the joy of a new day. Still, I sense the flow of the water and air as the entire scene is anchored by the sun rising slowly in a powerful orange that contrasts with the light, hazy background. Even the dark vessels seem to be propelled along by the water, a swift attempt to capture a fleeting moment. It reminds me of my childhood mornings, with the sun as a static figure of my mother looking down on me. At the same time, everything else was intensely atmospheric, with small swifts of light air and subtle tones changing with a clear sense of movement where only the sun stays in place. “Impression: Sunrise” was considered an unfinished piece even by Claude Monet, so it was exhibited under that name. It was the first painting of an immensely powerful near-abstract technique about to be born – Impressionism. It is considered one of the most prominent paintings, along with the famous “Starry Night” painting by Van Gogh.

Claude Monet, widely regarded as the Father of Impressionism initiated one of history’s most influential artistic movements. Critics initially coined “Impressionism” to describe the innovative painting technique in Monet’s “Impression: Sunrise.” Characterized by vibrant colors and light brushstrokes, this technique involved completing artwork outdoors rather than finishing it in a studio. Initially, critics dismissed these efforts as mere “impressions.”

Monet and his fellow Impressionists sought to eliminate blacks from their palettes, advocating for their exclusion whenever possible. This led to the development of a new color theory that emphasized the presence of color within shadows. The theory was based on the belief that black does not exist in nature and should, therefore, not be included in their paintings. Key elements of Impressionism include quick dabs of paint applied with broken, hurried brushstrokes as the artist endeavors to capture the world’s appearance at a specific moment.

This approach can be likened to our quest for surprise in music, where the same uniqueness of sound is captured in a fleeting instant. The transitions between events, tonality, and the weight of the moment resemble an Impressionist painting in motion, sketching and coloring the essentials while providing movement and airiness with an abundance of light and a myriad of colors. I trust this comparison will not be perceived as overly stretched or entirely simplistic.

Components, Not Accessories.

I was privileged to test and write about a complete set of Art Series Monet cables. Great power comes with great responsibility, and I am fully aware of the challenge. Therefore, I want to share a perspective I hope to convey with heart and soul. I may not be the 20-year veteran reviewer who has followed audio companies for even longer, but I have learned valuable lessons as my system has grown over the years. All I want to do is share my perspective, with which you may agree or not, but at least learn about it.

In engineering terms, a cable’s behavior depends on its electrical parameters: resistance (R), inductance (L), and capacitance (C). These parameters are influenced by the cable’s conductivity, dielectric materials, topology, the number of strands, and the spacing between them. The conventional wisdom of the ’80s attributed all sonic differences strictly to a cable’s RLC electric parameters, which is as absurd as trying to define a person’s character based solely on their weight, height, and body temperature (as plainly described in an article from “The Absolute Sound,” December 2024 issue). Even today, many passionate audiophiles try to entirely disregard defining attributes like perceptual timbre, coherence, sound separation, spatiality, and even crucial timing — qualities that the RLC paradigm cannot describe and must be assessed subjectively. For years, highly respected reviewer colleagues have taken pride in not being deceived by such heretics as power cables, repeatedly claiming no change in sound character can be caused by the power cables of our equipment. They vociferously invoke substantial challenge prizes amounting to millions of dollars, asserting that no one can demonstrate a repeatable and measurable change in sound. This mindset reflects the same ’80s paradigm that fueled skepticism and lapses into a larger trap of dismissing anything that cannot be explained by standards from decades ago. Sometimes, I find this rather sad.

However, some will go far beyond RLC engineering constraints and look deeply into metallurgy and advanced physics to search for the purest conductors and dielectrics, measuring at -150dB resolution and conducting multi-physics simulations. High-purity silver is a clear phenomenon in high-end audio nowadays, and no one has taken silver metallurgy more seriously than Siltech Cables (the older brother of Crystal Cable). The level of engineering poured into such constructions today entitles these highly precious links between components and power transfer to be considered more than simple accessories.

That is why I am approaching these high-end cables as authentic Components today, from a different perspective. Now, I understand that beyond such accomplished products as the subject of today’s story lies high engineering power and extensive listening sessions routinely used in voicing the product. Ultimately, we consider any component in the system, and I hope we do not choose it solely based on technical data or for a beautiful screen. There is no link between components that can be dismissed as not interfering with the signal transfer; it is impossible to achieve a purely 100% accurate transfer of current between components. We live in a space-time constrained by the laws of physics, and there is no perfect movement of energy without any loss since there are no ideal materials outside of theoretical physics.

The Crystal Cable Company.

Crystal Cable was established in 2004 as an offshoot of the Siltech Company, both of which are part of International Audio Holding B.V. Crystal Cables celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2024. What a journey! 

Gabi Van der Kleij-Rynveld drove the distinctiveness of Crystal cables based on the technology and design of Siltech heart – Edwin Van der Kley Rynveld. For many years, in such a beautiful way, Gabi Rynveld and her husband remained the couple called “Mrs. Crystal Cable” and “Mr. Siltech.” Some say that while Siltech cables are large, heavy, and somehow bulky, thus very “macho,” Crystal Cable is delicate, beautiful, and looks like jewelry, being more feminine in appearance (not in sound, though). But I will argue that beyond appearances lies more deeply feminine qualities completely shadowing the first eye perception.

Gabi Rynveld is a highly accomplished professional concert pianist who has enchanted audiences in many of the world’s most renowned concert halls since she was just nine years old. Her early start in music laid the foundation for a lifelong career filled with passion and dedication. As she grew older, Gabi embraced the challenges of raising five children, a task she balanced with a significant role in the corporate world, leading the sales and marketing efforts at IAH, the mothership of innovative Sitltech and Crystal cable brands. 

I read about the wonderful partnerships between Gabi and Edwin Rynveld. The couple shares a deep love and passion for music, combining their talents and interests to enhance their individual pursuits. Much like Gabi, Edwin has had a lifelong enthusiasm for music and electronics. His journey began in his youth when he played bass guitar in a high school band, where he honed his skills and developed a keen ear for sound. In addition to performing, he delved into the intricacies of audio technology, building speakers and amplifiers that reflected his dedication to music and engineering. 

What stands out in their partnership is the unique synergy they create together. While Edwin is often regarded as the technical intellect behind IAH, Gabi brings the musical aesthetic that significantly contributes to the company’s identity and elevation to international prominence. Together, they form a dynamic duo, seamlessly blending technical innovation with artistic expression. Their shared passion continues to inspire the wider musical and technological communities.

In reality, there are no such things as separate Siltech and Crystal Cable companies. By all means, they are two distinct brands, but I refer to their technological and technical identity. Several years ago, Edwin wanted to try a different cable design using new techniques, leading to different measurable values and a distinct sound. It was not about building “feminine” cables; he just designed completely different cables that were identical in quality to the Siltech ones, which turned out to be much more delicate in design and more aesthetically pleasing than the Siltechs. It was then that Gabi recognized the potential and began to contribute not only by participating extensively in the listening sessions and having the final say on them but also by devising the right path for them. This is how Crystal Cable, as we know it today, was born.

“For the past thirty years, Edwin and Gabi have significantly advanced the state of the art.” — this is the conclusion of welcoming Edwin and Gabi to Absolute Sound’s Hall of Fame in 2024. Their passionate pursuit of excellence over the past thirty years is remarkable and may be unmatched in the industry.

The Art Series.

The Crystal Cable Art Series is advancing the design, engineering, and materials science to achieve exceptional sonic performance. Built upon the 10th generation Infinite Crystal Silver conductor (Mono X-tal Silver), it is no longer a Silver-Gold alloy but rather a pure single-crystal silver conductor paired with DuPont Teflon and PTFE insulation. The difference lies in the highly advanced metallurgy used to nearly eliminate the molecular cracks in the silver conductor compared to previous iterations, which used Gold to seal the microscopic imperfections. The Silver-Gold alloy is still employed in screening for RFI/EMI interference across all cables, with double screening applied based on the topology and purpose of each cable.

“The Art Series cables are unique in the high-end cable world. They have been expressly designed to enhance the appearance of the hi-fi system that the cables are used with and its sonic performance. This is a case of form following function. Designed to perform without compromise, the cable only looks as it does because of the superlative materials used and the ingenious way in which they are packed together. However, these are not mere fashion accessories. They are designed for people who are passionate about sound and expect the finest sonic results, as well as aesthetic beauty and ease of use.”

The range comprises three families – Monetvan Gogh, and da Vinci. Each is named after an artist who fathered aesthetic revolution and new standards of artistic expression. The Crystal Cable Art Series’ goal is to do the same thing as the great artist  – taking you closer to the beauty and majesty of music. The Art Series personifies the art of sound. Asked about the direct relation between the Art Series names and sound characteristics, Gabi Rynveld shares: 

Not the names, but the painters’ styles. It’s like Monet, for example. Monet was an impressionist. His style is light; he used soft colors… So, that’s the first step in the Art series. We then use two monocrystal conductors, which represent the newest technology. It is the lightest, not in sound, but in terms of the first step. If we look at Van Gogh, if you know his paintings, he always used a lot of paint. He is always robust and has a very special style. So, that’s the second level – using four of the same conductors and different connectors. We also try to please the eye, not only the ear, and there’s always a lot of testing and listening tests.

(High Fidelity No 219, Wojciech Pacula)

This combination of music, art, and engineering is so ingrained in Crystal Cable’s core philosophy that the new Art Series makes them indistinguishable. All Crystal cables are coaxial, greatly contributing to the sound’s speed, dynamics, character, and color. And here comes the most extraordinary discovery that I made for myself…

Indeed, the look and feel are striking with Crystal Cables. The miniaturization offers a significant advantage, as the cables are slim and beautiful. This design alleviates the user’s burden of routing the cables, supporting them with lighter equipment, and managing the weight. However, it goes beyond that. Crystal Cable’s sound philosophy delves much deeper than mere aesthetics. They capture a hidden beauty and a unique, powerful feminine character. This is what inspired the title of this article…

The Power of Unity.

I remember asking my mother many times during childhood how she viewed me compared to my brother. The recurring question was the egotistical, “Who do you love more, me or my brother? Yes, it could have been a matter of seeking attention, an inevitable contest of dominance, or just a reflection of certain insecurities, but regardless of the psychological analysis, my mother’s response has always remained consistent: “I love you both equally.” Nothing more, nothing less. Frustrating at the time, it now carries a great and deep understanding of such powerful ingrained emotional intelligence. I never possessed such deep intelligence, and in my later years, I realized that this is a tremendous power that only the feminine superhuman beings we call mothers have. My mother never faltered, not once. She gave me the same answer a thousand times and many other deeply smart and emotionally unifying resolutions to stupid and dividing inquiries that I had. This tremendous power, deep emotional understanding, and coherence of our most primal and dividing emotions are what I call The Beauty of Unity.

This unique quality, the power of unity, and profound coherence are deeply ingrained in the Crystal Cable Art Series. Despite being highly resolving and dynamic, it carries a way of unifying the system components effectively, as if trying to draw out the best from everyone, all while maintaining the coherence of the qualities in the music playing. I’ve heard many other cables attempt to expose a weak spot or impress with exaggerated expressiveness in dynamics. Some tend to painfully showcase micro details or dissect the sound to its bare essence. Others are just screaming in despair when something is not quite right in the system, making it the whole purpose of their existence and not the music playing.

I have never felt this unifying momentum to be as deeply comforting and gratifying, free of worries, coherent, and balanced in sound character. Reflecting on my mother’s profound emotional intelligence from childhood, I recognized the sound’s deep “feminine” essence. It was not weak but rather powerful; it was not blunt but highly resolving; it was not piercing but smooth. It was extended, dynamic, and resolute, set against a black background with a rich sound structure, yet perfectly balanced and profoundly cohesive. This is not just about appearances but about deeper qualities that provide a comfort zone rarely achieved.

I suspect that the higher you go in the Art Series line of products, the greater this unique quality will be felt. It is about more and not different. It is about a higher expression and a more visible character. It is about more beauty, more profound coherence, and the extended power of unity.

Packaging & Build Quality.

Value is inherently subjective. This flagship product line delivers unparalleled sound quality, seamlessly integrating exceptional aesthetics with top-notch engineering and bespoke technology. Nevertheless, packaging plays a more crucial role in this price range than merely protecting and transporting the product to the consumer. With the new Art Series, special packaging has been developed, adding a delightful touch to the unboxing experience for the end user. 

I was very impressed by the handwritten cards inside the boxes. Named after the great painters, the cards feature a famous painting on the cover and a handwritten story inside to explain once more the connection between the series’ names and product qualities. This personal touch shows a lot of care for the customer. The foamed inlay well protects the cables. The metal parts and cable terminations are also well protected against scratches or microdamage. Every box will also have a unique golden coin together with the certificate of authenticity and serial numbers of each cable included.

The product quality is outstanding, and one can not imagine how building all these by hand can achieve such a high level of finishing as any highly industrial-quality product. No detail is left untouched, and the feeling of quality and sturdiness, even with those light and delicate conductors, is immediate. Very high-quality connectors are used on all cables, and it makes a lot of sense not to diminish the qualities of the conductors with lesser ones. We received the full range of wires for our evaluation: Monet Speaker cables, Monet Balanced InterconnectsMonet Power cables, Monet USB, and Network cables. It was a rare opportunity as we tested and heard how adding each cable to the system complements and enhances the previous one. Having the full range at our disposal added a lot of value and synergy to our evaluation.

It was so comforting and easy to work with the cables, as they were slim, light, and very easy to root and position. I was not reminded anymore by my better half of the ugliness of cables and the rhetorical question of why I need to work so hard to pose those ugly cables that seem to ruin our living room visually. You might think of it as a minor issue, but I can assure you that being constantly reminded of that visual discomfort you infringe on in your family living room is not. It was a tremendous relief.

Music First!

Before going all the way to the technical descriptions and sound qualities, allow me another detour. Trying to read as much as I could find about Gabi Rynveld, I reached inherently the interview of Wojciech Pacula from High Fidelity, who was already mentioned. Going over the first moment of envy for the fantastic chance of interviewing Gabi, I read it all in one breath. Reading the reply to the last question left me speechless. Gabi’s answer to the boring if not frivolous question – “What is your mission?” was totally captivating: “Music first and cables as an equal system component.”

Not only that, “Music first!”  is our motto here at SoundNews, but enforcing the idea of cables as true system components in such a few words about the music played at the highest level possible resonated perfectly with our beliefs. Of course, Gabi elaborated more: 

My mission is to put music first in audio – not equipment and not the acoustics in your room, but the main thing we are all looking for. This comes from my past, of course. We’re heading in the right direction, but it’s still in progress. You know, hi-fi shows, talks, discussions – they are still about technology and equipment, which are also very important. The second part of the mission is to make people realize that a cable is not an accessory but an equal part of your system. And many people always use the cliché example – a cable is like your car’s tires. It’s okay, and it’s a very masculine example, but I prefer the metaphor of an orchestra or a jazz band. If we have 80 people in an orchestra and one plays false, the whole image and the whole music will be destroyed. If one of the tiniest cables in your system is wrong, the other components will not be able to give their best performance.

At this point, anything I could add feels pointless. I hope to have the honor of meeting Gabi Rynveld in person. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to ask her a few questions. Until then, we are truly grateful to have shared our deepest beliefs with her, and we take this as confirmation that we are on the right path. Yes, “music first!” Everything else comes in place to support this goal.

Sound Impressions.

To review the Crystal Cable Art Series, I used my daily setup, which includes Antipode OLADRA as a server/streamer/reclocker (you can read the in-depth review here) and LampizatOr Poseidon (KR Audio 5U4G, 6N30P-DR Super Tube, and L63 CV1067 GEC NOS) for digital-to-analog conversion. The Trafomatic Glenn (KR Audio 300 B XLS) powered my Raidho TD 2.2 speakers and switched places in a friendly fashion with the Chord Ultima 5 power amplifier. The Poseidon integrated preamp was used alternatively with the Trafomatic Lara line preamplifier (6N30P-DR Super Tube). Everything was plugged into the Keces IQRP-3600 power conditioner. 

After attentive listening sessions, I added the cables one by one to the system to better understand each component’s impact. This approach was not pointless, but after a while, it was certain that the effect of all was far greater than the simple sum of each one. The synergistic effect was almost obvious after adding the second component to the system. From there, it grows and grows, always 1 + 1 equals far more than 2.

Art Series Monet Loudspeaker cable.

We used to debate about which cable would be the most important in the system for what felt like an eternity in the past. But now, I know how silly that was. There isn’t a single most important one; there’s always a weak link that can affect the overall performance. One can only realize this when everything is in place and all the chain links perform at their peak. Only then can synergy come to shatter all preconceptions with its tremendous effect. I still carry the memory of that preconception, and that’s why I started with the speaker cables first.

The Crystal Monet Loudspeaker cable (13.500€, 2.0 m, pair) has a double coaxial topology with an Infinite Crystal Silver conductor, complete Infinite Crystal Silver shields, Kapton, and PTFE insulation. Our demo unit came with WBT-0681 silver spade connectors. That means it is a complete single crystal silver cable; even the shielding is made from the same costly, truly high-end materials and state-of-the-art construction-wise. Crystal Monet replaced my Marohei Statement SE speaker cables.

I tried to be a professional, keep my composure, and take notes about the audible changes that would arise. I tried. I instantly forgot all my plans when I hit play on the “Alive” track from Ajeet’s “Let it Breathe” album (Qubuz | Tidal). I was so captivated by the stunning black background and the hypnotical arrival of sounds that half an hour later, I struggled to recover my senses lost in the music. The immersion effect was so powerful, quick, and profound that I wanted to listen more and more to whatever Roon considered to feed me. I was overwhelmed by how clear and dynamic the sound became at the same volume level. The increased definition of a dark-pitch background made every little detail appear spectacularly and totally not offensive in such a natural and effortless way. A more authoritative bass, highly extended in a much deeper soundstage with such a delineated space between the instruments, kept me wanting more and more. The change was theatrical and highly emotional. I kept listening, and everything sounded new and fresh, articulated, organic, and addictive.

To regain my senses and urgently seek a structured approach to an unexpected phenomenon, I selected the final track from “Long Way Home” by Ray LaMontagne, the album’s title track (Qobuz | Tidal). With an impeccable sense of airiness and clarity in the recording space, micro reverb, a beautiful voice, and acoustic instruments complemented by a soft, deep bass in the background, the experience felt utterly unreal. Crystal Monet successfully amplified all the recording attributes – a more vivid tone color and immediate and intimate expression of the space, air, and ambiance around the instrument’s position and the venue. It was then that I sensed for the first time the deep, outstanding quality of these cables, the power of unity and coherence of the whole spectrum. The details were apparent in every part of the music, from the upper atmospheric airiness through the highly textured midrange to the deep, dense, and defined low bass. It has nothing to do with enhanced upper frequency or exaggerated shouty midrange that tends to create a false sense of presence in the room or exacerbate details. I found it in very high-quality equipment a few times, a refinement hard to describe, another level of coherence and sound introspection with a much deeper understanding and an authentic tonality. This level of superior delineation of instrumental spatial corporality while preserving an authentic tonality is a scarce treat.

Next, I played the highly anticipated and welcomed return of “The The” with their “Ensoulment” album (Qobuz | Tidal). Playing with an artful intensity, darkly textured grooves full of twangy guitar, bass, and piano to frame Johnson’s baritone, the whole album is a delight, and the corporality of the sound through Crystal Monet loudspeaker cables showed once more that silver done right at such a high level is unbeatable. That faithful delivery of the richness and vibrancy of tone color with outstanding bandwidth and dynamics is tough to describe. It is a completeness of sound beyond reproach. The liveliness and textural qualities create such a high textural expression that the feeling is of enhanced speaker qualities.

The sound is incredibly tactile with very high refinement and finesse, smooth and crisp simultaneously, and precise with a degree of resolution and articulation that allows to deliver more in every nuance subtlety. The unifying effect, cohesion between frequencies, does not allow for the slippery of harshness or piercing artifacts. The sound is powerful, dynamic, precise, and always in control. The sound seems louder and more complete due to the liveliness, color-rich, blooming bass, and enhanced resolution. I no longer questioned anything; it sounded just right: big, detailed, full-bodied, fast, and natural. 

The speaker cables alone made such a huge difference that I was intrigued. I was even smitten, to be honest. I was so impressed by the performance that I bought myself a Crystal Art Series Monet speaker cable. Yes, I did it! As I write these words, I am proud and happy owner of the best speaker cable I have ever heard, and I can hardly afford it. I could not live without it, and there was no way back. I still can not afford the following interconnect cables, but maybe the sun will smile for me one day…

Art Series Monet XLR balanced interconnects.

Adding next, the Art Series Monet XLR (6.800€, 1.0 m, pair) interconnects was a scary moment as everything was so good with the speaker cable. It was like disturbing the perfect balance of the universe. Why do that and mess with such a blessing? The Art Series Monet XLR interconnect is again an entire single crystal cable of 2 coaxial cores and one ground. Infinite crystal silver is the official name of the single crystal high purity silver metal, insulated with Kapton and PTFE outer jacket. The connectors are high-quality Neutrik silver/gold.

Now, looking back, I wish I would never know… Because it is madness in its purest form. The complement of those two cables (the speaker cable and the interconnects) was astonishing. It was like taping in the deepest secrets of the hidden fabric of the material world. All the mathematics we knew became irrelevant for the first time as 1+1 equals 5 now. No rules apply anymore; everything is possible at the inner core of matter and energy. I have never heard of such a powerful synergistic effect. Hitting play on the new remaster (mix) of the 1973 “Queen I” album (Qobuz | Tidal), their debut, more a collection of ideas than a cohesive album, I was left with my mouth open and probably a strange look in my eyes. The added musicality and cohesion to the already perfect sounding system was almost incomprehensible. The speaker cable with the XLR interconnects built up on everything that was already impressive. More substance, beauty, and dimensionality of sound with even a fiercer bass, more outstanding dynamics, and an overall feeling of rightness. The whole sound was now deeper, weightier, and more precise, with a highly elevated sound signature and a new level of refinement with impeccable control. It is tough for me to describe and keep the pace of building upon the speaker cable because it does not make sense in the physics reality we know.

Even today, I still do not understand how such a step-up is possible. It is a painful realization from the pricing perspective. But it was such a powerful unity momentum that I felt I had never listened to my amplifier before. Cursing myself for accepting the challenge and knowing I would never forget what I heard, I randomly chose another album. “Ballads in Blue” (Qobuz | Tidal), an array of artists spanning from seductive female vocalists – Melissa Walker and Jenny Evans to Dusko Goykovich‘s poignant muted trumpet and Karl Ratzer‘s delectable guitar; I listened to the whole album in a total mesmerized state. It was another level of expressiveness with such a perfect equilibrium and effortless dynamics. I thought for the first time that Monet’s paintings were not being light or sketched anymore but fully saturated with incredible tones and a perfect fluency of light and shadows. I realized how deep, beyond the first look, a frozen moment in time can reveal the past and future and how perfectly nuanced the transition between the observed states was. That fluency of endless tones of color, the so masterful balance between light and shadows that even without the pure white and black, can depict such a stark contrast between two close shades just because an infinite nuance still exists in between. I felt the piano tones carrying the same richness of color, and even being still a tone, carry infinite nuances while decaying. I was astounded by how high contrast can be obtained even from two adjacent notes and how fluently the music flows. It was the perfect piano I have ever heard in my system, no doubt about it.

A fundamental conclusion started to be constructed on the discoveries, pieces of evidence began to build up, and a higher form of understanding was revealed. It was clear by now that this was not a random or just a lucky marketing shot. A deep understanding of art and beauty lies deep into the sounding of these cables; a long search for the perfect equilibrium, unity, and coherence took place, and the single lucky part of it all was that the universe allowed it to be completed in a quantifiable time frame. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to witness the completed creative effort.

Art Series Monet Power cables.

Having three power cables at my disposal, I had to choose how to place them in the system to make a lot of sense. Chord Ultima 5 power was out of the question as it requires a C19 socket. All power cables were terminated with standard C15 connectors of the highest quality. Art Series Monet Power cable (5.050€, 1.5 m, one piece) uses 2 Triax configuration, meaning a double shielded inner conductor of Infinite crystal silver, one shield of Infinite crystal silver, and the outer one of Silver-plated copper, with Kapton insulation and PTFE jacket. The connectors seem Oyaide of the best quality, with gold-plated copper and silver. One can imagine the quantity of rare metals of the purest quality required to build these cables, and that definitely has a high impact on the final cost.

I chose to use the cables on the sources and preamplifier as I can not use them with my Chord Ultima 5, and it does not make much sense to spare two of them on the Glenn monos and only one for single source equipment. It seemed more logical to see the impact on the low signal level where the integrity and purity of the tonal characteristics matter more, but others may feel free to contradict me here. That being decided, Antipodes Oladra server/player/reclocker, LampizatOr Poseidon DAC, and Chord Ultima 2 preamplifier received the complete power treatment.

I was right about the tonal integrity perspective. Immediately, I heard a higher purity of sound and much better dynamics, a sense of effortless and even extended sound. However, I have to admit that the impact was not as significant as with the speaker / interconnect pairing. That was out of this world. Still, the power cables continued to build on the same path, and their presence in the system was evident. Art Series Monet Power cables offered an expanded degree of resolution and articulation to deliver more in every nuance subtlety. However, the most impactful change was the improved dynamics and tonal coherence. The whole carefully and highly artistic picture stabilized as the artist decided it was finished now. 

A lower noise floor helped greatly with the micro dynamics and improved focus. The elevated level of immediacy showed an even better naturalness and lifelike presentation. It was like everything got in place, and less distraction allowed for much better introspection. And yes, I even forgot about that as it was so natural and highly believable – staging and imaging cues also improved dramatically, probably a direct effect of more precise timing. I was surrounded by calmness and confidence that everything sounded as it should. It was such a comforting feeling that I could now listen and dream without questioning anything. A very rare feeling of completeness and joy surrounded me, like after a hard day’s work and struggle.

Digital: Art Series Monet Network and Art Series Monet USB

It is not easy to assess the digital cables after such big changes and perfect equilibrium are achieved. I kept it for the last entity of the chain, and I should have taken the time to get used to the new normal. But I am a highly flawed human being, and I am definitely one of the patient ones. I just replaced both cables at one move as I already had Crystal cables in the system for Ethernet and USB to the DAC, a lesser version than the Art Series. So, I was somehow accustomed to the purity and highly detailed sound signature, or at least that is what I had imagined.

Both Ethernet and USB Art Series Monet digital cables (Network RJ-45: 2.125€, 1.5 m; USB ASB-A/USB-B: 4.500€, 1.5 m) are twisted pairs, with one extra ground for the USB (ground consisting of three conductors and a shield). Silver-plated copper is used, which makes the total cost more affordable. Of course, both use the same PTFE jackets and the highest-quality connectors.

As for the rest of the Art Series cables going up on the scale to the more astute siblings, van Gogh and da Vinci, one will find that every step will double the number of conductors. It is the same configuration but with much pricier connectors and double the number of conductors at each step. Why am I telling you this? After listening to the Monet Network cable, I decided to get the best version of it, the da Vinci Network cable. It was the single one that I could afford from the upper echelon. The da Vinci Network cable comprises four twisted pairs of the same Silver-plated copper conductor. All I hope now is that the RJ-45 connector standard for the ethernet connection lasts forever as a golden standard 🙂

What was the added benefit of the last piece of the chain? Well, everything was already there, but as I stressed obsessively throughout this story, the fantastic quality of Crystal Cables is that they bring everything together in harmony, get the best out of each piece of equipment, and elevate the whole, not just a special one. That does not mean you will not hear any change in the system; on the contrary. The level of transparency is so high that any small change will be felt even, but their strength lies in unity and cohesion, not in dividing and pointing at the weakest link. Every better component will be welcomed and integrated beautifully. And this is what happened with the digital interconnects. The fluency and the cohesion strengthen. The flow improved. The reality became more musical and liquid. You can feel the power of completion and the awe of perfection. It was like the artist’s signature was added to a perfect painting.

“I would like to paint the way a bird sings.”

Claude Monet’s famous saying serves as a key to unlocking the secret of his paintings: “Color is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment. For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, as its appearance changes every moment; instead, the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life—the light and the air that continually vary.”This concept resonates deeply, as it easily translates into an authentic musical experience, reflecting the transitions, environment, and atmosphere of an event. 

The Art Series Monet allowed me to experience the most remarkable and authentic musical experience. There is no random connection between the fantastic Impressionist movement and the art of the most famous painters, as well as the branding of these cables and the story behind them. There is a profound understanding of translating sounds in their purest form, transforming the flow of music into bold colors and strikingly unconventional compositions that depict qualities of light and atmosphere, as well as color and form. Where Monet sought to paint as the sound flows, the Crystal Art Series beautifully recreates the same visuals in the attentive listener’s mind through powerful sounds of incredible richness, color, and finesse.

Monet’s later years focus on abstraction and purely surface effects, marking a remarkable advancement in his technique. Similarly, the Art Series shows Monet cables building up broad fields of color and exploring a highly detailed richness of sound to depict harmonies in contrast, using infinitely small “strokes” to bring everything together in unity and beauty. I have never met this deeply ingrained quality in anything I heard before. It is such a warm and comforting feeling. It is not about softness or sound coloration. It is about density, texture, bloom and definition, complex tonalities, fluency, and elevated levels of immediacy. The overall credibility of sound and the instrumental and atmospheric dimensions translates into an immediate state of daydreaming and contemplation. And this is what we are fervently looking for in our listening sessions, right? Leave reality for a moment and travel to incredible, beautiful places. Achieving this through music is achieving the best in sound quality. 

Epilogue and Conclusion.

I didn’t mention something really important, and maybe this is the right place to do so. As we can see on the handwritten cards, another impressive goal set by Gabi is to recreate a live concert event as closely as possible. To my shame, I have to come clean: I don’t have much experience with classical live concert events. This message, along with the fantastic experience I had with the Crystal Art Series, crystallized the need to restart my pursuit of these fine live events. It’s not like I’ve never been to a piano concert; it’s just that I didn’t seem to listen to the right things. And now, I know what I need to listen for. I will always remember my first live piano experience. It wasn’t in a concert hall but rather in a small apartment, where my schoolmate Miruna played some tunes on an upright piano for me. In that tiny room, I felt engulfed by emotions as the piano’s deep and meaningful sounds seemed unable to break free and soar. This memory will stay with me forever. I understood that day how powerful music can be and how, beyond any words and deeply emotional, a single instrument can reach into our souls.

It was a wonderful journey of discovery and learning. The Art Series Monet allows for the most believable and authentic musical experience, with fluency, coherence, naturalness, and incredible enrichment of the recreated musical envelope. Building one on top of the other, the synergistic effect is quite staggering, enhancing unity and coherence far beyond any expectation. With overall clarity and resolution, complex, dense tonalities, richness, and blooming vibrancy of tone color, the Crystal Art Series offers the most complete textural expression I have ever heard. It successfully depicts all marketing claims and welcomes you into a beautiful world where art, vision, and sounds merge to recreate a fantastic landscape for the mind and soul.

All I have left is an excruciating desire to see one day how the upper echelon of the Art Series, like van Gogh and da Vinci, is building on Monet’s remarkable achievements. For now, we can only offer our highest praise to the Art Series Monet and our Editor’s Choice Award here at SoundNews. Monet is a remarkable product and deserves our best appreciation. 

It’s becoming challenging to conclude this story. I feel I need to add more words to make it more convincing. I know it may not be necessary, but that’s how impressed I was. Now, I must wrap up this story, and first, I want to express our gratitude to Crystal Cable for sending us the complete batch of Art Series Monet cables. Also, I want to thank our local distributor of Crystal Cable in Romania, AVstore.ro for their support and professionalism. We always get quick answers and even the chance to test and compare the products, which is priceless. Thank you all for the opportunity!

Crystal Cable Art Series Monet details

As received for testing and review:

  • Crystal Cable Art Series Monet Speak 2.0m, Spade WBT-0681, 13.500€/set
  • Crystal Cable Art Series Monet Power 1.5m EUR NC-310P/IEC10A NC-320C, 5.050€/piece
  • Crystal Cable Art Series Monet Interconnect 1.0m XLR Gold s, 6.800€/set
  • Crystal Cable Art Series Monet Network 1.5m RJ-45, 2.125€/piece
  • Crystal Cable Art Series Monet USB 1.5m USB-A/USB-B, 4.500€/piece

Prices do not contain VAT and are dependent on local tax policy.

https://crystalcable.com

Associated Equipment

  • Digital source: Antipodes OLADRA or a custom passive server with Euphony, Roon, JCAT NET XE powered by linear power supply – FARAD Super 10
  • Transport: Antipodes OLADRA
  • D/A converter (DAC): LampizatOr Poseidon
  • Amplifier: CHORD Electronics Ultima 5, Trafomatic Audio Glenn 300B SET monoblocks
  • Preamplifier: CHORD Electronics Ultima PRE2, Trafomatic Audio Lara line preamplifier
  • Loudspeakers: Raidho TD 1.2, Raidho TD 2.2
  • Headphones: Meze Elite
  • Headphone amplifier: Trafomatic Primavera
  • Speaker Cables: Marohei Statement SE, Crystal Art Series Monet Speak Diamond2
  • Interconnects: Marohei Statement SE balanced, Crystal Reference2 Diamond XLR
  • Digital Cables: Marohei Statement SE AES/EBU, Crystal Monet USB Diamond2, Network Acoustics Muon2
  • Network Cables: Crystal Da Vinci Network Cable
  • Power cables: Marohei Statement SE, Crystal Ultra2 Diamond Power, Roboli Charlin
  • Power: Keces IQRP-3600
  • Network: Melco S100/2 switch powered by FARAD Super 3, Lumin L2 switch/music library
  • Racks: Woodyard Suspended Triple, Woodyard Baby Modular
  • Anti-vibration accessories: Arya Audio Labs RevOpod, Viablue UFO DOME Cable holders, Viablue UFO Vibration Absorbers

Catalin Cristescu

I’m a Graphic/UI designer, user experience specialist, a tech addict, an enthusiastic entrepreneur and last but not least – a passionate music lover. I love art in any shape or form, transforming my music collection into an essential part of my entire life. I’m not your typical hardcode audiophile, but it’s still the dominant hobby that drives me forward.

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