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Cables 101, new student, first question

I have a simple question if I can get it worded correctly. For simplicity, let's say my system has four interconnects in a "stream," all from the same manufacturer, some from the top of the line and some from the bottom. Example: Wireworld's Eclipse 8 line, four different versions, the least expensive starting at $325 and the most expensive starting at $1700. In general, will the system's sound be defined by the weakest (cable) link in the chain, in which case all the more expensive cables are a waste of money? Or will a mix of cables that includes some really high-end ones sound better than a consistent run of the cheaper stuff? 

To put this a different way, if I'm buying a couple new interconnects (again, for simplicity's sake from the same maker), might buying better ones improve the sound or will I not hear a difference until I've replaced them all? (Here's the stream analogy: if I put a dam upstream, the flow in the entire river will be reduced.)  


northman
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
@williewonka  Thanks for your organized, clear, detailed, and readable answer.
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
I’ve used everything from freebie patch cords to $4k Synergistic Research Atmosphere Level III Euphoria. I’ve done a budget system where the total cost was $1200 and I’ve put a $2k interconnect in that system. So I know what I’m talking about.


Oh yeah? Oh yeah?
Well, I’ve rebuilt $10 and even free old used audio gear ...and then put +$20k in the system built from them. So I really really super duper really know what I’m talking about.

What are we talking about, again?
Can we tell the differences in cables, even at that (simple cheap) level of audio system?
Does it take an educated and capable ear to hear it?
Does this mean good cables are chance and also choice?
That the ear is the final arbiter?
That we can’t trash a cheap cable choice or an expensive cable choice, as all people are different?
But..but..that..anyone who INSISTS that their cable choice is the best for ALL is just about... 100% wrong?

Yes on all fronts, from my perception.
terry9
2,333 posts
 
Northman, I suggest that you audition before you buy. You have a functioning system and you know how it sounds. Make any change prove itself before your lay down your dollars.

You may find, as I do, that cables are the least cost-effective upgrade.
hobo1452's avatar
hobo1452
85 posts
 
Been doing this audiophile thing for a long time. Regardless of price, I like having all my cabling made by the same manufacturer. I consider that more important than price. Do your research, read the reviews, paying attention to the quality of construction. Shielding and quality connectors are important for interconnects. As for price, my personal experience has shown that a $400 set of interconnects will not sound $340 better than a $60 set of cables. Let your budget dictate how much you spend and you won’t suffer from buyer’s remorse. Companies like Blue Jeans Cable make pretty decent cables with competitive pricing.
northman OP
251 posts
 
Thank you, @terry9; I've got an account with the Cable Company lending library and I might indeed do that.

And thank you, @hobo1452; I know exactly what you mean about those "incremental" improvements. Your first point is something I've wondered about; I didn't want to complicate this thread (any more than I already have) but I'm interested in your comment that you like having the cables come from the same manufacturer. I should probably admit that one of the contexts for this thread is that I have no consistency at all. In my current system I have Kimber Kable, Cardas, Audioquest, and Pangea. And now I'm looking at WireWorld! Maybe it's time for me to settle down and pick a path.... 
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