Power cables and sharp dimensional imaging on a budget, Zu Audio and Furutech or Oyaide

Thanks everyone for your kind responses.

I agree with everything you say, but right now my focus goes out to cable investments and less so on electronics.

I have a pretty budget macbook based system, but I want to get the best sound out of it I can, until no improvements can be had.

The system is in the bedroom/ working room, and there is a bed inside for damping. I would say it is fairly small (living in Hong Kong). About 2,5 meters by 4,5 meters.

System:

Source: Macbook Pro Retina
USB cable in: Curious Cable
Power supply USB: IFI Nano iusb3.0 on Black Diamond Racing
USB cable out: Curious Cable
DAC: Korg DAC100 on Black Diamond Racing
XLR-interconnect: Zu Audio Mission upgraded with Furutech plugs
Amplifier: Rotel RA-1570 on Herbie's Iso-Cups and Ikea bamboo
Power cable: Zu Audio Event upgraded with Furutech plugs
Speaker cable: Clear Day Double Shotgun
Speakers: B&W CM1 S2 on IsoAcoustics and Ikea bamboo with Brass Isolators

I would so that until now, the best performance, cost component is the Curious USB at $120 per piece. Made by Rob Woodland who has formerly worked at KLE Innovations. So I am very interested to hear about the last post concerning the KLE cables and plugs.

Basically, what I am looking for is a sound that can be best described as a "dimensional hologram". That vocals are small in dimension, like real people. Same for instruments.

I had heard this kind of soundstage in a store here in Hong Kong, and it was an ear and eye opener. I could actually see the performers in front of me.

Did anyone have this experience before?

Richard, after reading about your system, my advice would be to not go out and spend a bunch of money on cables. I mean no offense by this, and your system may sound fantastic, but it doesn’t appear to be the type of amp/speakers that are going to reflect upgrading your cables. I know because I used to have B&W speakers myself.

The things you are looking for would be more easily achieved IMO with a speaker upgrade. There are some well-reviewed bookshelf designs that will give you what you’re looking for if you are able to audition some.

To answer your actual question, I’ve found Zu Event speaker cables to have the sound characteristics you’re looking for. To my ears they are a bit too analytical (and I run Zu speakers), but you might prefer them for your tastes.  Good luck

@richardhk - I’ve reviewed most of the cables in the KLE Innovations product line - except the power cables.

Here are two reviews
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-gzero20-ic.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-gzero6-sc.html

Their other cables are superb performers that will get you very close to the "dimensional hologram" you talk of, but only their top of the line cables will perform to you expectations.

If you are into DIY then take a look at http://image99.net/blog/index.html

The helix cables detailed there are the best I’ve ever designed and built and if you follow the instructions to the letter they will melt away the walls of your listening space.- they are exceptional performers, but they require 200+ hours burn-in

The Helix speaker cables will reap the most rewards of the three, so I’d start there, but having all threecable types in a system really brings it to life

Also, How does the system you heard compare to your own...
- were they using the same/similar components or type of components?
- what cables did they use?
- did they use monitor/bookshelf style speakers?
- what was the room like compared to your own
- Are you comparing apples to apples here?

Having said that, your room does present a challenge so your goal may not be 100% attainable.

As an example - my system sounded good in my previous house where the room was 12 x 15 x 8, but the new listening room is so much better - the speakers are now 8 ft from the wall behind them and there is 20ft of space behind the listening position - so I now get superb holographic imaging.

As it stands there are too many questions to provide any type of useful feedback

Cables are only a part of the equation, but they are a very important part

Regards...

..

+1 whoopycat.  But agree with others that upstream electonics are also critical.  If I'm you, the first thing I'd do if you haven't already done so is to experiment with speaker placement.  It's free and can have a huge impact on things like 3D imaging and depth as well as helping speakers disappear as a sound source.  Pull speakers out until they're 3, 4, 5, and even 6 feet into the room and also experiment with toe-in at each position, and I'd think you'll start to see a more 3D soundstage -- again assuming you haven't already done so. 

Past that, some speakers just do better at 3D imaging than others, period.  Here are some brands I've found to excel at this in the event you can go hear some or, even better, borrow them from a dealer to audition in your own system. 

Vandersteen
Joseph Audio
Reference 3A
Thiel
Avalon
Audio Physic
ProAc

I don't think cables are going to help too much in your current system with what you're looking for, but getting speakers that have exceptional 3D imaging as part of their DNA would be the best first step toward achieving what you're looking for IMHO.  Best of luck. 

Thanks guys for responding.

I recently installed my new Zu Event Power Cable with a Furutech Gold UK plug, because I live in Hong Kong.

I feel it allows for more depth and air around vocals and instruments, but also more detailed, because the noise floor is lower and blacker.

So I get one more step ahead at the 3d hologram image I am looking for. I am still thinking of getting the Oyaide F1 plug if that would help.

I am also thinking of investing in another XLR cable, that would allow for better imaging and focus.

Could anyone give their thoughts about the cables for Audioquest and Anti-Cable (with Xhadow Precision plugs)?

Or how about islolation with Stillpoints at the sources?