2. cables
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How good does my system have to be to realize an improvement with cables?

I've heard the difference power cables and interconnect cables in a highly resolving system so that's not the question.  $200 for cables  on a $500 DAC doesn't make sense to me.  Wouldn't that $200 be better spent on a better component?  At what point is an expensive cable the best choice?  Spending $500 on a $15,000 DAC does make sense as the transparency and resolution of the component could be better realized with a better signal / power source.

My question is what's the  percentage of the overall component's cost should be the cabling and at what point should it even be considered?

Or put a different way How would you know if your cables are your weakest link?

 

128x128danager
overthemoon
432 posts
 

@bjp9738 I had C2600/MC302.  For XLRs I used Mogami and upgraded to Kimber Kable Silver Streak then KCTG.  I purchased them used through Kimber on ebay.

Speaker cables I compared Blue Jean Cables to Audio Quest Rocket 33 and Kimber Kable 12TC.  I preferred the Blue Jean Cables in that comparison because the Kimber Kable 12TCs had harshness in the higher frequencies and the Audio Quest Rocket 33s seemed to muffle lower frequencies.  I did try the Kimber Bifocal XLs and the high frequencies were clear and the sound decay of symbols was natural and the total sound was dynamic and clear.  Much higher price point than the 12TCs but in my system worth it.

mrskeptic
262 posts
 

As someone said, if the synergy isn't there, you're wasting your time and money. Additionally, you need to hire a Chinese professional to ensure the Feng Shui is proper and your chakras must be aligned or it's all for naught.

 

Actually, expensive cables are for naught too. Buy the Blue Jean ones and spend more money on music, which is what this pursuit is supposed to be about. 

1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
511 posts
 

If your cable is of sufficient size gauge and well put together your off and running. A percent figure based on the quality of your system (rule of thumb) is Total BS. Better components if you’ve cash to spare is the way to go. As said a million times build / set up your sound room as to compliment your system. Again having well made proper gauge cables should be the end game, that said PC’s will do Nothing to the tonality of your system !!

Cheers 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,899 posts
 

If your cable is of sufficient size gauge and well put together your off and running. A percent figure based on the quality of your system (rule of thumb) is Total BS.

I agree 100%!

Mike

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,340 posts
 

 

1971gto455ho

250 posts

 

If your cable is of sufficient size gauge and well put together your off and running.
 

Agreed. My Audioquest Hurricane power cord is a testament to this statement.
 

A percent figure based on the quality of your system (rule of thumb) is Total BS.

 

Once again - totally true. At one point I had Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper interconnects on Rogue RP-1 preamp. They retail higher than RP-1 and they made a huge difference.

Better components if you’ve cash to spare is the way to go. As said a million times build / set up your sound room as to compliment your system.
 

Another good advice. I can’t disagree here. Looking back from my experience the money would be better spent on upgrading the preamp (which eventually happened).
 

Again having well made proper gauge cables should be the end game, that said PC’s will do Nothing to the tonality of your system !!

That’s a fact! Beethoven’s 5th will remain in C minor irrespective of the power cord on your amplifier as long as it’s proper gauge and is plugged into the wall on the AC connector end and into your amplifier on the IEC connector side  

Cheers 

 

 

 

 

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