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
ebm
9,311 posts
 

Any high resolution system will improve with great cables.

danager's avatar
danager OP
954 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
4,014 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.

ryder
1,690 posts
 

$200 for cables on a $500 DAC doesn’t make sense to me.

 

Perhaps I am in the minority. I used to have a $2,200 power cord on a $2,100 DAC, all actual price paid for 2 years. Currently I am trying a $625 power cord on the same DAC so it’s more balanced cost-wise. Ironically the $625 cord sounds better than the $2,100 cord on this DAC.

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