Speaker Cable : Low/Mid Priced Advice


I Already have Tributaries SP4 I am wondering if I should upgrade to DH Labs T14 or Kimber 4tc. Will there be a significant improvement? or should I just save up and buy some more expensive cables in the future. -Dave
simonsez
Thank you everyone for your input, I think you all have talked me into spending a little more on cables. I think I've got it narrowed down to the 8TC or the oval 9. My speakers are B&W CDM7se they sound fine but are a little laid back for my taste. Just want something to liven them up a bit.
This is the second time I'm posting for you....Go Kimber 8TC..Lots of lively music will flow out! Great bass too. Kimbers are more forward sounding therefore music will have more life in it.
I have Tara TFAII, 8TC, Goerzt MI2, and Oval 9 and like Oval 9 the most. 8TC sounds too analytical and bright, MI2 sounds too warm and has too much bass, Oval 9 sounds smooth but with detail, and more neutral.
Now I know that the lower kind Monster Cable sucks, but how do people like their high end M-Series cables such as the 1.4 or 2.4 biwire and the M1000i interconnect versus others? I find that they go well in a variety of systems.
I really have to laugh after reading this stuff. We've all seen stuff like this before. Cables are extremely system dependent and a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless, here's my take on the situation : ) Kimber 8TC will sound somewhat forward and "analytically etched". Their harmonic structure is lacking and notes decay very rapidly. For a system on the dull and slow side, it would breath life into it. Analysis Plus Oval 9's had very erratic response in the system that i tested them in. While bass was extremely tight and well controlled, i found it lacking in output. Midrange was a series of peaks and dips while the high end was over the top and smeary. I have no idea as to what type of system these cables could be used for. Maybe good for an overtly strong subwoofer or bottom end of a bi-wired system that's using multiple drivers in a vented enclosure. The Oval 9's would tend to level out the response and tighten it up quite a bit. Goertz MI-2's typically sound well balanced and quite musical. Good extension at both ends, lot's of open midrange with good air and soundstaging. This is not a "band-aid" type cable but does have it's own baggage that it brings with it to the party. Due to the design, you may need to run a Zobel network at the speaker system to keep your amp from oscillating and going up in smoke. They are not nearly as flexible or easy to work with as the other cables mentioned. Due to the fact that they may be more difficult to route in tight areas or around bends, you may need a slightly longer run than with other cables. MIT's in general tend to sound warm and smooth. Not as much detail or high frequency extension, but good for getting rid of rough edges on an overtly bright or hard sounding system. Can add "body" if mid-bass is lacking. Some of the XLO's do quite well for the money, but i've never stuck with the factory configurations. Taking a few cue's from Kimber's designs, i've rewound XLO's and had worthwhile results. Some competitive cables can be had for a reasonable price if you don't mind doing some cutting and soldering. These would not be the last word in any category, but then again, the price reflects that. The Audioquest's that i've used were kind of "there". Nothing bad, nothing good, kind of middle of the road. Did nothing to stand out but didn't offend either. Depending on what your system is like, kind of neutral to slightly dull. Nordost's tend to have an open, well defined upper mid and treble response. Good soundstage, air and depth. Can be somewhat thin sounding though with a lack of "slam" or bass output, slightly reducing the "drive" of the music. Never tried any Cardas or Tara's unfortunately. Sorry for some of the generalizations. It's been a while and i've tried more than a few, sometimes multiples from the different brands. As mentioned, these were based on my results in my systems and my opinions. What are these comments worth ? Place your own value on them. Sean >