Upgrading Speaker Cables: Wireworld Silver Eclipse or Transparent Audio Ultra?


More than 15 years ago, I bought a set of speaker cables to accompany my then brand new Revel Ultima Studios and Krell FPB amplifiers.  While I continue to adore the sound of my system, I know there have been a lot of advancements in cable technology this century.  Consequently, I believe that a [relatively] low cost upgrade would be a purchase of new speaker cables.  (I have no intent to replace either my speakers or my amplifiers at this time.)  I live in an area that is several hundred miles distant from any high end dealer, so doing a sonic audition of cables is infeasible; moreover, I could not duplicate my combination of other sources, amplifiers, interconnect cables, and power cords -- as well, of course, of my room environment.

All that being said, I have done tons of reading about speaker cables these past few months.  The result of my efforts has been to narrow down my two upgrade choices (both bi-wired) to Transparent Audio's Ultras and Wireworld Cable's Silver Eclipse.  Coincidentally, their respective MSRPs are between $50 of each other.

Ideally, I would love to read responses from other Audiogon members who have actually auditioned one cable against the other.  That is likely to be nigh unto impossible because I have been unable to identify a single dealer who carries both lines.  Consequently, I would be delighted to receive anyone's thoughts about the pluses and minuses of each individual cable.

Many thanks to all who provide their much appreciated insights!
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b4icu
325 posts
07-27-2020 12:38am
Just some facts:

Here are some facts, 30 years ago even radio shack new better cable sounded better, maybe a good ear cleaning, and a little reading will give you a little in site.  You will have to be honest with yourself. CAN YOU HEAR, well? Different cables, can and do sound different.

BTW, YOU don't have to be the only one hearing, or not hearing the same thing... DF and cable length, that's it? If that is all you want to address, then that is all your going to do. It's a way, but not the BEST, way. Your spouting really OLD STUFF.. and it's just not so...or is it?
After all, the earth is flat, right? ;-)

Regards...
b4icu started another thread and has been pushing very hard in different threads that big gauge speaker wire beats everything else.  I would take all this with a grain of salt.  Generally, if you have a speaker cable that is somewhere in the 9-12awg range, you should be good if the cable is high quality.
This sounds like a case where borrowing a few pairs from the Cable Co. would be the way to go.
I've got a pair of Transparent Gen5 Super speaker cables. 10'. I know the Ultras are a step up from the Supers but the price I'm offering might make it worth it for you. Will list here at A'gon if interested. 
@auxinput  You've posted here enough to realize what a canard the old silver is bright line is eh?

@b4icu  Of course, size is not all that matters with cables.  Purity of conductors, nature of dielectric, cable geometry, connector quality all matter. 

What we do with our systems is all about the system.  Finding that synergy of components and cables and footers and equipment stands also the nature of our listening space, all and more make up our system.  Working toward that audiophile utopian experience is what our quest as audiophiles is all about.  How much like the real thing can I experience from my system?
Agree with others here that borrowing a few pairs of cables from a place like the Cable Company might help you find the speaker cables that bring the music closer to you in your system.  Happy hunting!