2. cables
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My system....what and how will cabling impact?

Stereo Equipment


I know that not proving enough info is troubling so here is my complete list for my system.

All in around 100k.


Wilson Audio Sasha DAW

D’Agostino Integrated Amp

Clear Audio Ovation w/ 9” tracer tone arm

Clear Audio Concerto V2 MC cartridge

DCS Bartok DAC

VTL 6.5 phono pre amp (used w less then 50 hours of use)

HRS RXR Maple rack w/ isolation shelves

Transparent Music link and music wave cabling.



The room is strangely laid out. First, high cathedral ceilings with several peaks for sounds to bounce around. Second not too wide from speaker fronts to my ears but long. Approximately 25’ X 50’. From speaker fronts to my ears maybe 15. Speakers are positioned close to back wall and I am sitting on a sofa that places me about 2 feet in front of the front wall which is comprised of windows.


Now onto my first impressions. It sounds fantastic. Very warm, melodic, clean, rich and juicy are a few adjectives that come to mind. The TT sounds as good or perhaps at times better than the DAC. The soundstage is fairly wide given the limited space between my ears and the speakers.


Now onto my question. I have spent around $2,000 for cabling. I am figuring that those are what many of you would consider basic cabling. I see folks spending much much more for cabling. What does investing in high end cabling buy you? How does it effect the final outcome? Will the sound be richer and more realistic? What high end cables are recommended for the system I have? How much should one expect to spend for cables for the system I have assembled?


Thanks for your input.


lawmnsuu
geof3
1,129 posts
 
@lawmnsuu try to take your Transparent cables up to the Super level to start and maybe up to Ultra. There is a vast difference between Wave and Super. A fairly good jump from Plus to Super. Above Ultra you are getting into custom networks specifically for your system. I will say, without doubt, you are not getting everything you can out of your very nice system with your current cabling. I also don’t agree that all cables MUST be the same, or of the same level. It really depends. Though Transparent has really taken strides to create a full “system” of cables. Other companies not so much. Take a look at Shunyata Research cabling too, similar price point...
ddrave44
146 posts
 
I also think the speaker wires should come before choosing interconnects and power cords. Cable co is a great recommendation. They're really knowledgeable and helpful. 

Transparent Ultra RCAs are a good step up from the Supers (I've used both), but you can do better with that system. Even a G5 Siltech SQ-110 is better than the Ultras (I just A-B'd them both in 1.5m size)  

As far as power cords I'd recommend Shunyata. The CXs are very good, Zi-trons are better. I've found its beneficial to go to the lowest gauge in whichever line you work with. I'm using Zi-trons in my system with a Shunyata Sigma to the amp. Just put the Sigma in recently, but not hearing a big difference from the Zi-tron Anaconda so far.  Maybe I've maxed out what I can do there. 

Good luck and have fun with that great system. I have DAWs too and they're very revealing so you'll hear the impact of these changes. 
ddrave44
146 posts
 
Check out Siltech 770 interconnects. Smooth, detailed and full sounding. 
lawmnsuu OP
11 posts
 
Again thank you all for your input. As a neophyte it is still hard to imagine wires, cords and interconnects can make such a significant difference. At first I told the company that sold me the equipment no way will I spend significant money on wires. The last system I put together in the 70’s/80’s I used monster cable. After listening to all of you I will make the investment. I now expect I’ll hear a difference. I hope that’s not causing me to have expectations and bias. We will see next week when I begin this process. I of course will report back my impressions.
Dean
fratbob
4 posts
 
Good luck on your journey! I moved up from the Transparent Music Wave interconnects and speaker cables to the Gen-5 series and am very pleased.
The improvement was not subtle.
Regards,
Bob
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