2. cables
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Can cables of any cost and quality provide bass response missing in my B&W speakers?

I'm sure variants of this question have been offered previously, but let me ask in light of the following:  I have a very modest main system powered by an Adcom 555II amp, Adcom GFP-750 pre-amp, and run into a pair of B&W CM-4 speakers (6.5in woofer, 6.5in. woofer/mid. and tweeter, and bi-wireable).  Any music with a moderate-to- heavy bass component (organ, bass fiddle, etc) just doesn't translate to my ear.  I'm using a mid-range pair of Monster cables, and in fact tried a second pair of Z-Series to no audible difference.  On the other hand I have a legacy pair of a/d/s 1090L tower speakers (2x7.5in woofers, 6in. mid-range, tweeter) that deliver thundering bass when needed regardless of cabling used, and powered by the same system.  Even tried passive bi-amping for the B&Ws by using an old Carver M-500t amp for HF input, and Adcom amp for LF input...no diff.  Is there any point really in looking at higher-end speaker wire of, e.g., thicker gauge, or exotic geometry, or multi-conductor "shotgunning", whatever, in order to induce greater LF response from the CM-4s?  Thanks for your patience.
compass_rose
sc4a
28 posts
 
Speaker cable, power cords and interconnect cable can very definitely make a difference as to the issue you mention!

Suggest: 

JPSLABS.COM

go to the lending library at    THECABLECOMPANY.COM
mar14lee
14 posts
 
B&W won't have good bass and lousy treble either model 800 .... ( never get deep , tight and strong bass ) ... you should go with Dynaudio speakers .... for bookshelf go with :
Dynaudio C1 Confidence Platinum 
Make you happy all the time !!!!
gaal
64 posts
 
High Fidelity Cables (HFC) has various products that I would highly recommend. I have their Reveal line of cables to include RCA, XLR, and power cable. Each product significantly benefited my system. Surprisingly, you may want to start with their MC-0.5 power conditioner. My first experience with HFC was with the MC-0.5 - it increased clarity, fullness, depth and soundstage presence. 
inna
7,296 posts
 
As a cable guy I will say it clearly - forget about it. In any case, you want balanced cables not 'tone controls'. The only thing you might want to try is to put a better power cord on the amp. Other than that - sorry, you need better speakers, but you know it.
csmgolf
892 posts
 
If the ADS speakers have adequate bass in the same system as you state, then it is clear that the problem is the B&W speakers. I believe cables can make a subtle, but musically important difference. They will not fix what is wrong with the speakers. Spending money on cables in this instance is the wrong move, IMO. Properly selected cables are not tone controls as Inna stated, but they can be the icing on the cake for a well sorted out system.
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