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Need Opinions for Different Cable Manufacturers/Cable Designs

I have a McIntosh 200wpc receiver [MAC7200] and Focal Sopra 3 speakers - and am using low-grade cables. I'm looking to vastly improve my system with a complete cable upgrade. I like a warm sound with lots of clarity and detail and naturalness. I have been reviewing tons of literature and am intrigued by Cu/Ag and Cu/Ag/Au combinations. I will probably buy used, and look at offerings in the midrange to lower high-end range of products. Cannot afford the best each manufacturer has to offer. Looking to spend up to $2,000 for 3m speaker cables and up to $700 each for RCA and XLR cables. Again, I hope to buy used.

 

I am interested in opinions on the following manufacturers:

AUDIENCE

DH LABS

PURIST AUDIO DESIGN

SILNOTE

SNAKE RIVER

Please feel free to offer your opinions on these and any other recommendations you may have. I really appreciate your time and advice!! Thanks!

kinarow1
megabyte
94 posts
 

I’m not saying don’t get nicer cables. But, unless your current cables are really bad, too thin, aren’t making a good connection or damaged, don’t expect significant improvements let alone “vast”. Any differences a cable can make, again, assuming there’s nothing really wrong with your existing ones, are very subtle. IMO anyone who says the differences between 2 decent quality, properly made cables is night and day, is exaggerating a bit. Just my opinion though. Having tried quite a few myself, from $150 to $3500.

 

I have come to see nice (expensive) cables as 98% cool audio jewelry. Nothing wrong with that. Just don’t expect huge improvements.

kennyc
1,452 posts
 

High value maybe bargain speaker cables:

  • Silversmith Fidelium
  • Kirmuss Adrenaline 

 Other safe quality SC options:

  • Iconoclast
  • Zenwave SCR-14/11

Learn about cable design here             
FYi- Silversmith will be offering interconnects soon, maybe available now             

williewonka
3,075 posts
 

@kinarow1 - take a look at Zavfino silver cables - they will improve your system greatly.

If you really want TOTL take a look at Hijari

Ask your question in this thread - they will be able to help

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hijiri-users-thread-2

If you are more budget oriented take a look at Audio Envy - great cables made more affordable

Regards - Steve

 

incorrigable
32 posts
 

Cables are like woofer coils. It's  copper and how much.  

audiojacks's avatar
audiojacks
11 posts
 

My suggestion is that you don't spend your hard earned money on any set of cables unless you are able to first try them in your system. Many retailers will allow you to do this if you leave a deposit. Listen to each brand and go with the ones that sound the best to your ears. 

I currently have Kimber, Silversmith Audio FIDELIUM and Micca cables. They each sound a bit different but are well matched to my system. It is good to have a few different pairs handy because over time if your ears get tired of a particular cable, you can quickly change them up. 

The Miccas in particular are interesting because they are $40/pr on Amazon and sound awesome! 

 

 

 

 

 

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