A Different Solution for Cables


In the past, I have contributed to topics on the forum about building your own cables and tweaking cables. I would like to revisit another cable theme that I have talked about in the past, one that has not received much interest since it is on the fringe. The subject is series cabling. By this I mean piggy-backing cables -- 2 cables only -- to improve SQ. I started experimenting with series cabling by chance, frustrated after successive purchases from well-known companies fell short of anticipated results. The most common shortcoming was thin sound with deficient harmonics.

I ended up experimenting over a period of years, mainly with PCs and interconnects in series. I have come up with improved SQ -- not subtle --- by trial and error. My most recent success came as a total surprise -- using interconnects in series from BSG QOL to Lyngdorf RP-1 before the pre-amp. I know that some audiophiles insist that making the signal path unnecessarily longer has to degrade SQ. The truth is that the contrary has often been the case with my system. The latest results are quite stunning. There must be a scientific explanation for this but I am not the kind who worries much about theories. I am more interested in the music. As long as the sound improves I am happy.

You might want to try experimenting with this if you have some spare PCs or interconnects in the audio closet. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results. Have any others out there done something similar that they would like to share while risking a few slings and arrows on the forum?
sabai
bdp24,

I have experienced something similar with sound stage being constricted and harmonics disappearing. That kind of piggy-back does not last long in my system. As I say, this takes a lot of trial and error. Have you actually experimented with series cabling? I would be interested in knowing the details.

steakster,

Glad to hear there are others doing the same thing I am doing. I knew I could not be the only one out there. As noted above, yes, the worst can also be brought out if the combination is a bad one. I just combined 2 XLR interconnects -- one with thin sound, the other with good harmonics. The result has really surprised me -- an opening of the sound stage with full harmonics and great detail. Like changing a component.

In like your analogy to blending spices when cooking. This is very much a matter of creating the right blend and discovering what blends well with what. Often, simply reversing 2 cables can make a huge difference. The difference may not always be pleasant, but there are many permutations to be tried out along the way before the best reveals itself.
No I haven't sabai. But I will be soon, trying both Kimber Hero and Mogami Gold Studio balanced/XLR cables with both my main amp and speakers, and my subs. The XLR jacks make combining balanced cables a snap!
bdp24,

I would be interested in knowing what results you get. But in my experience there are XLRs out there that will give much better results than Mogami.
I'm using two sets of RCA connected via barrel connector from a phono preamp. I also have a power cord plugged into an adapter into another of same cord. Also have plugged XLRs into each other for extra length on a remote CDP.  Does this disqualify me as a  high end cable user?
gshepardbuster,

I would only be using cryo-ed connectors. I have found that non-cryo-ed connectors can degrade SQ.