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
nutty
2,668 posts
 

Call TheCableCompany and borrow some cables. 

N

 

ebm
9,311 posts
 

Any high resolution system will improve with great cables.

danager's avatar
danager OP
880 posts
 

@ebm 

I appreciate that but at what point does a system become classified as "high resolution"?  If I think my system is only a "mid resolution" system will simply adding cables bump it up a notch to "entry-hi"?

What are the criteria I can use to classify where my system is on the spectrum and that cables are the component holding me back?

jl35
3,936 posts
 

there is no exact dividing line...find a good deal on some returnable cables at a price point you're comfortable with, and decide what's worth what for you... 

denverfred's avatar
denverfred
252 posts
 

I have a mini system for background mostly using a pair of little YU-6 powered speakers by Kanto with hi-test Synergistic in and AQ A/C cables out from a used MIT power conditioner that originally sold for circa $900. The sound is extremely clean with very low noise. So . . . try putting a big cable on your whatever and live with it long enough to find out if it really sounds the same. The value is for you to decide.

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