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Speaker Cable Upgrade... Advice Please

My current cables are Cardas Cross.  My speakers are Wilson Sophia 2.  I just changed electronics from Audio Research tubes, PS Audio DAC, and Whest Phonostage to the Devialet Expert 220 Pro.  The sound is a bit more bright and forward than with the previous gear.  I am happy overall, but I would like to tame it a little.  I am considering an upgrade to the next price category in speaker cables.  $2-3k retail new for a 2.5 meter pair.  Any suggestions for a cable that will work well with my gear?  Any thoughts on Nordost in that price range?  Perhaps Heimdall 2?

The brands that have peaked my interest are Purist, Verastarr, Nordost, and Cardas.

thanks!
Mark
marktomaras
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I have found the Audience PowerChord and PS Audio PC’s to have a smooth and realistic top-end. They both present a laid-back image with excellent soundstaging. You can gain more detail as you move up the PowerChord line.
The Cardas Golden cables will have rolled-off highs, with a presentation that is more forward. The Clear line is more open, transparent and with good detail and texture.

Budget cables; Pangea, nice smooth top-end and laid-back, but not a detailed cable. Cullen is very smooth on top, with good soundstaging. Signal Cable, transparent but very extended and detailed.
joey_v
669 posts
 
Look into wireworld or Audioquest, whichever is in your budget

terry9
2,354 posts
 
Have you considered an isolation transformer? Plitron makes a good one, and they sell to the general public.

Thing with isolation transformers is that they hum when they are working hard, and other times too, so it's essential to position them outside the listening area, like in a utility room.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,182 posts
 
audioquest in copper with dbs
i have also owned the Zen Satori, a fine value...
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Golden Cross is a nice step up.

I have used many Cardas speakers cables, and found Golden Cross the best.

Mates well with Audio Research amps. Smooth highs (never bright), warm midrange, and deep bass.

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