What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
29 JUN 2009
Ecosse Conductor CA1.2
The CA1.2 is decent, but just doesn't perform well enough to stand out from the crowd
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The original version of the Ecosse Conductor was a beauty. Those of you with long memories might even remember the interconnect walking away with a Product of the Year gong in our 2000 Awards issue.
Back then we had no hesitation praising the detail, dynamics, balance and speed on offer.
But that was a long time ago and the cable has recently undergone changes to its construction. Ecosse claims that noise and distortion have been reduced and you can now hear greater detail, dynamics and a more solid soundstage.
That's not quite what we found. On the plus side, the interconnect does dig up a fair amount of detail in the treble and midrange, allowing for a forthcoming, lively sound that keeps relatively good timing for the money.
Lacking bottom-end bite
Yet we also found the CA1.2 (£45 for 0.5m) to be a little top-heavy, with greater emphasis on the treble and not enough grunt and weight at the bottom end.
During Eminem's We Made You the percussion lacks control and consequently treads on the feet of the midrange and bass.
His vocals during Same Song & Dance aren't as communicative and the song doesn't flow as smoothly as it does when using the very best leads at this price.
The Conductor CA1.2 isn't a bad stereo interconnect; it just lacks the finesse that's needed to trouble its top rivals.
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