2. cables
  3. 137534-112139

Looking For 90% of the performane of the super expensive cables for much less money

I currently have a system which consists of Vandersteen 5A's, THor Audio TP-150 tubed monoblocks, Thor Line Stage and Thor phono stage, Marantz SACD player SA-114 and will take delivery of the VPI Prime Scout with a Sumiko EVOS 3 Cartridge. I am currently using LAT International Speaker Cables, Power Cords and Interconnects. (They are no longer in business). I am in immediate  need of turntable cables and would like to update my new speaker cables and interconnects. Not willing to spend thousands on this upgrade. Seeking to capture as much of the "magic" that the super expensive cables deliver but at a more realistic price point. I understand that I have really good quality equipment, but at this stage of my life cannot allocate mega dollars towards cables.
 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 
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geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I’ve been involved with some pretty expensive systems at THE Show in Vegas. For example, one system with $100K Rockport Hyperion speakers, biamped with $60K worth of Tenor amps and just guessing $20K worth of Jena Labs Pathfinder cables and Shunyata cables. Best of show, best anyone ever heard at any show. Blush. Gee, maybe there’s something to this expensive stuff... 😬 Also, with John Curl and Bob Crump twice back when they showed their really expensive Blowtorch preamp, Bar B Q amp and a bunch of Bob’s Throbbing Gristle TG cables.

Conclusion: It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re trying to get best of show it’s probably best not to scrimp on the cables.
fleschler
2,021 posts
 
My best ever system has been the Von Schweikert/VAC/Kronos at $1.4 million. The difference between a $50,000 system and it are HUGE!! The best ever system wasn’t 10-15% better, it was indescribably superior, like 200-300% better. It betters my $80,000+ system by 100%, at least and every other great system I’ve heard over the past decade at shows and stores.  Sometimes the monetary difference does translate into very superior sound/music reproduction.  Often it does not.  Cables do matter but cost of cables don't necessarily relate to superior sound either, just like equipment and tweaks.  Then there is system symbiosis, getting the equipment and tweaks to work together towards a goal desired by the listener.  
fleschler
2,021 posts
 
The cables for my favorite of all time system cost $400,000 and are made by Masterbuilt, a company distributed by the speaker manufacturer.  They are expensive (and there were a lot of them in that system).  Are they worth it?  If they were necessary to achieve best ever sound system, then yes.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
fleschler
The cables for my favorite of all time system cost $400,000 and are made by Masterbuilt, a company distributed by the speaker manufacturer. They are expensive (and there were a lot of them in that system). Are they worth it? If they were necessary to achieve best ever sound system, then yes.

>>>>If the best mouse trap ever built cost $50,000 would that be worth it?
glupson
7,842 posts
 
It depends how smart the mouse is.
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