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I need cables for my 2 channel system

Hi all,

I find the cable discussion very confusing, and it's pretty tough to separate the snake oil from the substance. Here is my current system:

  • MacBook Pro (late 2016 - USB-C) --- <Generic Cheap USB Cable>
  • Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ --- <Monoprice Premium XLR> 
  • Rotel RC-1590 Preamp --- <Monoprice Premium XLR> (Runs to Headphone setup on Out2)
  • Rotel RB-1582mk --- <Monoprice Access Series 14 Gauge AWG CL2 Rated 2 Speaker Cable> 
  • B&W 805 D3
Notes
  • Considering getting an SBooster power upgrade for Mytek, but they aren't currently available (open to other options)
  • 805s will be replaced with 802 D3 at some point this year
  • Considering a different amp, if the Rotel doesn't pair well with the 802D3
  • I only listen to digital streaming music with this setup - usually Tidal
  • Occasionally use a Yamaha WXC-50 to AirPlay to the Mytek

Happy to hear any advice about the system, but in particular cabling. I am not looking to break the bank, but if there is substantial improvement to be had for a few hundred dollars, I'd love to hear suggestions. I am not, however, looking super expensive cables and cords. As for sound, I do love the sound of the 805 (and 802 when I've heard it), so I'm not looking to make some radical change to the sound signature. Just more of the awesome I already hear. Thanks!
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
jdave's avatar
jdave
26 posts
 
I highly recommend  Blue Jeans cables (BJC) from Seattle. They're a great cable to use while you figure out how much you really want to invest in cabling. Some people spend many thousands on them.

BJCs are ultra-low capacitance. I've yet to find a cable at any price with as low a capacitance (12.4 pf / ft). For connecting components that's a key concern. And I don't find they color the sound at all. And they're very low cost for the quality. They're even available on Amazon Prime recently, so delivery is quick.

All my cables are BJC. At some point I'll try some higher end stuff to see how much difference they make, but in the meantime, there's no rush cuz everything is sounding very, very good. Good highs, mids, and bass; and very large, detailed sound-stage.
Anyway, just my opinion/suggestion.
Happy listening.

Dave

ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,312 posts
 
Yes, I get that I should contact the Cable Store, but they are incentivized to sell me expensive cables.


The used market is great for bargains but it requires knowing a bit about what will work for you (your gear & your ears). The Cable Company is another good resource for getting grounded in "cable lore". Contrary to your concern quoted above, I have not found them to promote cables that are way above my budget.

Just about all my conversations with Stephen at the Cable Company include him asking, early on, about associated gear and what I wanted to spend. He then makes a couple of suggestions in my price range. Will even tell me if something worth considering is available at Used Cable.com. Yes - he might suggest something that is just above my proposed spend, but not outrageously so. I’ve yet to encounter any strong-arm, pushy tactics with them.
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I'd be open to calling the Cable Company, but I'm pretty skeptical of a business that can't answer their own email or even worse in this case, their own internet question form. My salesman at Magnolia is super responsive on email and text messages, as is the other high end audio shop nearby.

Btw, since I didn't specify, I live in Campbell.
whart's avatar
whart
3,043 posts
 
This is why calling is better. In the old days, we used carrier pigeons, but what a mess! :)
I did business with them-- Robert Stein there is a good guy--
ericsch
753 posts
 
The Analog Room is in Campbell.

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