2. cables
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Who else is using old cables/interconnects, and is happy?

Although I have changed my system substantially in recent years, I still retain both speaker cables and interconnects that I have owned for ~15 years. I use Audience Au24E speaker cables and RCA interconnects, and a Virtual Dynamic David XLR between my DAC and integrated amp.

The system sounds very good, and I am not inclined to make any changes to the cables. Having said that, though, if anyone has used similar cables and found big steps forward without breaking the bank, I'd be interested to read about your experiences.

More broadly, I would enjoy hearing about cables that other members have stuck with for years.
whipsaw
turnbowm
353 posts
 
Used StraightWire Maestro ICs and Kimber 8TC speaker cables for 25 years, but decided several years ago to give Cardas ICs and SCs a try. Liked the Litz/solid-core construction and the fact that they're made in the U.S. First time I've ever had the same manufacturer on all audio cables and I really like the results. Nice tonal balance and very musical. 
tk21
237 posts
 
I have a mix of cables old and new. AFAIK the most I've spent was on a set of speaker cables from Benchmark Audio with Neutrik SpeakOn connectors (for the Benchmark AHB2 amp). About $2/ft. I'm satisfied.

It's not that I'm unwilling to buying fairly expensive gear. I have about $18K -$20K USD tied up in the rest of my fairly simple system, about half that in the loudspeakers. I'm skeptical though that cables matter much (as long as the connections are tight, they aren't damaged, and the gauge/length/type is appropriate for the use).

jond's avatar
jond
5,680 posts
 
@justmetoo Lol Michelle your pitiful Mark Levinson/Burmester system is so "not sufficient high end" indeed! :-p
mitch2
3,697 posts
 
Happy here....
I have a few in rotation but as discussed below by @noromance, I generally go back to solid core.  Harmonic Technology did it well with multiple, individually insulated (with foamed PE), OCC, solid core wires of different sizes.  I also sometimes use heavy gauge NOS Western Electric KS-13385 wire, as well as some newer Duelund DCA12GA wire doubled, twisted, and bi-wired for a total of 6 awg to each speaker per pole.  Fortunately, due to using monoblocks, my run is also short - typically 1M.
david1949
14 posts
 
Many years ago I read an article written by McIntosh which stated you could use a lamp cord for speaker wire and not notice any real audible difference.  I have used cheap wire, medium priced speaker wire, and tested expensive speaker wire.  The look of better wire is appealing, but I couldn’t notice any real sound difference.  Speakers were Wilson and Paradigm.  Now I am using wire that cost 150.00 for two 10 ft runs.  Sounds great.  Will never spend any more on wire.
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