2. cables
  3. 179634-87782

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
jl35
4,036 posts
 

I think it'a also important to take into account that many brands/models of cables will lose little or no value over a few years, and can either be sold or grow with your system...Kimber 8TC or 12TC are a great example...

mickeyb
585 posts
 

I have a 2.5k cable on a realistic receiver from the 70s. The difference in sound quality is mind blowing. Smokes my buddies 40k gryphon system. 

mceljo
1,357 posts
 

@stevewharton - I used all Blue Jeans Cables for a long time because they are very well made, affordable, and they are fairly local for me so overnight delivery is almost the standard.

I was surprised at the difference (improvement to my ears) that I heard between the BJC LC-1 ($50) and the Audioquest Chicago ($100) and then Sydney ($200).

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

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

Start with the cheapest Best Buy cables and if the expensive ones make no difference, then job done.

It is pretty easy to spend more than 10% even doing DIY cables, on gear that is not super expensive. I must have spent over $1000 on cables an ICs between the wire and the ends in the last couple of years… and that was for DIY cables. Easy to do ~$40-50 on a DIY IC, and more if one is using silver wire instead of Mogami or Cardas etc. wire.

Usually I have found that moving the speakers a few inches makes more of a difference than I have noticed with cables.

I’d likely buy BlueJeans if I did not have a soldering iron.

 

Wouldn't that $200 be better spent on a better component? 

Bingo!
We have a winner.

danager's avatar
danager OP
959 posts
 

Thanks everyone for the input.  My biggest issue is I don't know what I don't know.  I'm budget cable all the way and it still sounds good to me, so considering buying a cables that cost more than half  of what I spent on my amp causes me pause.

I like the concept of the used the route but counterfeit looms as they are selling for more than the ones from China with the same look.

There are sooo many choices and feedback from all of you and the logic of how you made your decision is of great value to me. 

Cheers

More to discover