2. cables
  3. 141155-1301

Too much of a good thing...

I've always been a "Cardas guy" and they're always worked great in all my setup. I recently replaced my Thiel CS2.4's with Audio Physic Avanti III, which are stunning speakers. When an opportunity to get a Pass Labs XA60.5 at a very reasonable price came up, I couldn't pass it up. The combination of the AP and the PL is just plain amazing. Now to the challenge, I'm starting to think that the speaker/amp combination which are both on the warmer side and the warmth of the Cardas Cross (and Golden Cross interconnects) might be too much of a good thing.

What other speaker cables should I be looking at?

Rest of the system consists of a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (connected via XLR directly to Pass amps) with Auralic Aries streaming (connected via AQ Carbon USB).
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jea48
4,425 posts
 
audiojan OP216 posts12-17-2018 9:01am


@elizabeth Forgot to add that to my notes, already have good power cords all the way around (Shunyata) all connected to a PS Audio Power Plant.
@ audiojan


I assume all the above power cables and PS audio Power Plant was used with the previous speakers and amp. Before you go out and buy new speaker cables and or ICs cables I would first try connecting the Pass amp directly to the AC wall outlet using the OEM power cord that came with the amp.
I believe Nelson Pass recommends his amps be connected directly to the wall outlet.

As for the Shunyata power cord you are using on the Pass amp, if it is shielded that could very well be causing what you are hearing.

A good non shielded power cord that mates well with Pass amps is the 6’ Kimber Kable PK10.
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audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
402 posts
 
@jea48 You are correct. All of the cables and power conditioner were used with previous speakers.

I tried plugging the amps directly into the wall outlet and it made a subtle difference, but unfortunately not to the better...

I might give the Kimber a try. I'm not convinced the Shunyata's are ideal for the Pass.

I am changing to Cardas Clear XLR and Cardas Beyond Clear SC (got a great deal on it!). The Clear XLR is already in the system (and it made a huge difference!) and the SC is at Cardas for retermination.
jea48
4,425 posts
 
@ audiojan

Did you use the stock OEM power cords, that came with the amps, when you plugged them directly into the wall outlet?

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
402 posts
 
@jea48 No, I do not have those, but I did try some other cables (basic stock cables from other amps) and it made it worse.
jea48
4,425 posts
 
Is the wire gauge of the cords you used at least 14awg?

Just curious is the wall outlet a 20 amp dedicated circuit? What are you using for the wall duplex receptacle?



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