Kimber Monocle XL, Part 1

Posted by Luminator (A) on April 28, 2024 at 18:07:12

In 1997, we called it the "Stereophile" Show, which took place right here in San Francisco, at the Westin St. Francis. But for legal purposes, it could not use the Stereophile name.

Anyway, Kimber Kable were excited about upcoming new lines, which turned out to be their Select Series.

However, Kimber did have their new Monocle and Bi-Focal speaker cable models. These used TC conductors for positive, VS conductors for negative. My friend ACS, who used to work at that very Westin St. Francis Victoria's Secret (above), said that Kimber's VS stood for Victoria's Secret. But no, Kimber's VS has always stood for "Vari-Strand."

At the end of 1997, my Thiel CS1.5 (above) used Kimber's 8TC speaker cable. We wanted something better, so we started to try speaker cables from AudioQuest, Cardas, MIT, Tara Labs, Wireworld, and XLO.

Again, Kimber do not presently have any Northern California dealers. But back in late 1997, I went to San Francisco's Ultimate Sound, and borrowed a Monocle XL. Back then, an 8-foot pair was under US$1000!

Here on the Central CA coast, the end of 1997 was rainy. Yet, weathermen kept saying, "Wait 'til El Niño comes!"

We liked what the Kimber Monocle XL was doing on the Thiel CS1.5. My friends, including my future wife (above, in the light-colored hoodie), and I left the stereo, and headed down the coast. Using those binoculars, we saw neither storms nor migrating whales.

In February 1998, El Niño did bring soaking rains. My coworkers at the time can vouch for the fact that, loving the rains, I did a victory lap, around the block of California, Kearny, Pine, and Montgomery Streets.

At the end of March 1998, my friend Annie, who had gone on that road trip down the CA coast, turned 21. I can't put my finger on it, but something about that party inspired me to reach higher. So instead of keeping the Monocle XL, I ponied up for Kimber's Select KS-3033.

Since Annie's 21st birthday, my friends and I have had very little experience with the Kimber Monocle XL. But look what we have here.

Alas, the Monocle XL is no longer affordable. Its U.S. retail price is $1,420 for termination, which includes your choice of WBT copper 0661 or 0681 spades, and 0610 angled banana plugs. The cable itself is $260 per half meter stereo pair. Therefore, an 8-foot pair is now $2,460.

Be that as it may, we will put the Kimber Monocle XL through our usual thorough evaluation.

-Lummy The Loch Monster

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Topic - Kimber Monocle XL, Part 1 - Luminator 18:07:12 04/28/24 (3)

RE: Kimber Monocle XL, Part 1 - fantja 05:43:03 05/19/24 (0)

RE: Kimber Monocle XL, Part 1 - chocolate_lover 08:05:14 04/29/24 (1)

Especially #5 - Luminator 21:41:51 04/29/24 (0)

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