Warm, rich sounding interconnects?

Almarg - Yes I'm using the Auris blueMe (double entendre for sure).  I didn't realize that it had a low impedance - how would that affect the sound?  

I've tried both optical and interconnect, and for me the analog has a more natural sound.  My assumption was that the Auris wouldn't have the DAC in the path of the analog being an inexpensive device - but I have no idea.  In fact the WADIA DOES convert analog to digital but does an amazing job of keeping the analog very analog sounding.

But unlike with other sources the analog sounds tilted up in the high's and I assumed that was the blue-tooth since that's what it's know for, but maybe the lack of impedance also has something to do with it.  

The optical sounds a bit warmer and actually more detailed, but the analog sounds a bit airier and more natural.  So it seemed like the interconnects could be the problem.  The Museaus's were shrill and unfocused, and I've replaced them with AQ Cinnamons which are better but could still use some weight and warmth.  

Thanks for your in-depth look at my setup!

Thanks for the additional background, Monsignor.

I didn’t realize that it had a low impedance - how would that affect the sound?

Compared to output impedances that are considerably higher (as is especially common among tube-based preamps and source components) it will to some degree lessen sensitivity to cable differences, and also to sonic effects that might otherwise result from interactions between that output impedance and amplifier input impedance. So to at least a small degree it works in the direction of improving the accuracy and neutrality with which signals are conveyed from the bluMe to the Wadia.

My assumption was that the Auris wouldn’t have the DAC in the path of the analog being an inexpensive device - but I have no idea.

Since Bluetooth conveys information in digital form it is the analog output of the bluMe rather than the optical output that would have the bluMe’s internal DAC (digital to analog converter) in the signal path. However, although optical interfaces are digital they have tradeoffs and potential downsides of their own, so the only meaningful way to compare the two approaches is to try them both, as you’ve done.

In any event, I would still suspect that trying to use a cable to compensate for the shortcomings of a $169 component providing DAC functionality as well as Bluetooth functionality, and having low output impedance, is not likely to be fruitful. And I would consider the relevance of cable recommendations which are provided based on experience with very different and presumably higher quality applications to be questionable at best.

Good luck, however you decide to proceed. Regards,
-- Al

Almarg - Thanks, very good points. I’m sure lots of people are in my situation of having converted to music streaming (in my case Spotify) and away from their own limited music libraries.

I used to use a NuForce that direct connected to the system with my iPhone connecting via USB cable instead of wireless. Obviously much better sound that even did justice to my Cary Audio/Verity setup at the time. Of course the Cary CD player was distinctly better, but the NuForce direct connect was still very listenable.

Sadly Nuforce went out of business before apple switched to the lightening interface but I suppose my money is better spent looking for something similar in a wired option. I haven’t been impressed with ANY of the streaming media players out there so far with my small bit of research to this point.  But I'll start looking again.