2. cables
  3. 133032-95382

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
mtrot
804 posts
 
compass,

Douglas Connection Furez are very nice copper cables.  In addition to my Cerious Tecnnology Graphene Extreme cables, I have a set of Douglas Connection Alpha 12 AWG OCC Speaker Cables with Furutech rhodium connectors, which retail for ~$1,200 for a 9 foot run. 

Both the Cerious GE and DC Alpha 12 cables allow great sound, but in comparing them, somehow the Graphene Extreme seem to have a wider frequency range, in that both the treble and bass seem to be more extended.  I also get a great sound stage, imaging, and depth with the GE.  Perhaps I'll hook the Alphas back up and "re-compare" them at some point.  When/if I ever get a big center channel speaker, I plan to use the Alpha to connect it.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Just so that you know, I took a look at the Furez cable and they do not seem to be anything more than just normal stranded 12awg conductors.  It does use foamed polyethylene insulation, which will be a much better coating than plastic/PVC of the monster cable or monoprice stuff.  It may be sounding better, but I would not expect a whole lot.  I just replaced another system with Audioquest rocket cables and it also made a significant improvement.  Nothing really compares to solid-core conductors in my experience, even the radically expensive Furutech OCC copper stranded still doesn't sound quite as solid and natural as cheaper solid-core.
keithtexas
352 posts
 

Cheapest route would be to add a Pangea 9SE power cord; it will add bass. Usually ~$150


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