Where to start upgrading?

@williewonka Thanks for the information! I've honestly not put much thought into cables, but again this makes a lot of sense. I'm excited to dive into the research a little more.

This has been great! I really felt like I was floundering with the process. Although there's way more to analyze, I feel like I've been able to direct my focus through these responses. Thanks again to all!

Better to think about what makes a “good” cable and why in terms of the physics. That is a thorny set of questions because it depends upon the nature of the output of the driver and the input of the driven component. In my opinion it’s a bit less critical for interconnects, except for phono and SUT, than it is for speakers.

@lewm - I started out thinking the same, but as I delved into the physics, it became more apparent just how much difference good cables make.

More expensive components tend to negate the effect of moderate cable designs, so the opinion that cables make less of a difference is often stated. but really, all you have to do is incorporate significantly better materials, geometries and connectors in your cable designs and the improvements are then discernable.

i.e. the best components demand the very best cables

But lesser components can perform noticebly better, even with moderate DIY Helix cables

e.g. I have had great success with mini systems below $700, that now sound amazing, with the right cables

Feedback from others around the world, that have tried the DIY Helix cables, state even XLR cables improved significantly by adopting the Helix geometry.

Once you get into the helix geometry, improvements in dynamics and details can be easily heard by using UP-OCC silver over the UP-OCC copper. This translates to better imaging and much better micro details, specifically venue acoustic reverberations and echoes

I have no doubt the DIY Helix cables will evolve with the advent of better materials. thanks to the DIYers that continue to try them.

Regards - Steve

I am a Cable convert, the conversion started gradual but took on quite a momentum about 12ish Years ago, which concluded that certain Types of OCC were much improved over other types of OCC and the improvement attained from OCC over OFC was from my experiences through comparisons, leaving OFC as a sole wire for the Signal Path in a Cable not wanted to be used.

I ended up with a Selection of OCC Silver and Copper as the Signal Wire in my system.

I genuinely thought my experiences with Cables was fulfilled, but Hey Ho, a very attractive priced Cable Type that is produced by a Brand caught my attention. My Offer was accepted and I importing a Wire Type with a Helix Type / Version of a Helix Configuration, that was to once more compel me into comparing Wire Types for a Cable.

Later down the Line and ’x?’ amount of time after I created a Digital Source. The same Brand had a Cable for a Digital COAX Interface that I was drawn too. I felt there was room to hone the Digital Sound and was Cable inquisitive to see what was able to be achieved.

In both cases the Cables brought in to use from the Brand were to Supersede other Cables used for the same role.

I was once more meddling with the idea of the Value a Cable can demonstrate.

I became aware of Wire Types being produced by earlier producers of OCC, where they had not renewed licenses to produce wire type and were now producing their own Wire as a replacement for OCC.

I commenced research and was enabled to buy into both Cables using the Wire  and Wire Only, where the Wire Type used for the Signal Path has been PC Triple C.

Today PC Triple C is pretty much the entirety of the Signal Wire used on the system. Another Signal Wire Type is also used in conjunction as a between device umbilical only, being D.U.C.C.

I have not given up as off yet I am to produce my own Helix Cables, I have read enough to know the venture is worth my time given for investigation and the later to come experimentation.

SAEC Produces a Helix Configuration Cable at approx’ $700 ( £550 )per metre with PC Triple C used as the Signal Wire. I expect with the best connectors selected for both Cable Termination and attached to the devices being connected Chassis to be in possession of a 1 metre cable for close to £200.

@fignuts33 A very reasonable priced product that is a definite way to have an alternate experience to the sound being produced, is to try out a new Umbilical for the Headphones. SAEC produces a Headphone Cable - SHC 220 which is using a PC Triple C as the Signal Wire.

Note: Personal Experiences had to date, have shown that the connectors selected for the Termination of a Cable and the connector design mounted on the chassis enables the Signal Wire to produce a sound that is so attractive for what is being presented. The perception by an individual can easily become a description of what is being encountered, as being more than the sum of the parts selected. 

When nothing is Ventured, Nothing is to be Gained. 

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/special/order/confirm/brand-works:14318327/2_1/

Both an amp and a turntable+cart would yield “significant” sonic benefits. A significant turntable+cart upgrade is ~3-5k, but ann amp upgrade likely best sonic upgrade choice.