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Wireworld Silver or Gold Eclipse 8 - IC or Speaker Cable?

About 20 years ago, I owned some costly Wireworld interconnects, probably the Gold range. I then deviated from WW and tried other brands. Several years ago I tried the Electra 7 PC. Fast forward to today, I recently tried the Silver Electra 7 PC and Platinum Starlight 8 USB. I’ve only installed the Silver Electra 7 power cord and so far things are looking promising.

For people who say that Wireworld PCs are the weakest product in comparison to their interconnects and speaker cables, I partly agree. I find that the power cords don’t sound good when used on amplifiers, sounding dull and flat with reduced dynamics. I solely use the PCs on digital sources such as DACs and they perform well here.

Coming back to the question, I may be interested to try the higher range Wireworld interconnects (balanced XLR) or speaker cable in the near or distant future when I get the itch. Currently I have pretty good and costly cables in my system but am curious about the Silver and Gold Eclipse 8 range. Questions as follows.

1. What is the main difference in sound quality between the Silver Eclipse 8 and Gold Eclipse 8? Which is more dynamic, smoother, detailed and 3-dimensional?

2. Generally, which is considered to be better with Wireworld products, the interconnects or speaker cable? In other words, a cable that is capable of bringing a larger impact or improvement to the sound of the system.

Before anyone asks, the Platinum is left out as it is a little too rich for my blood. However, I wouldn't mind people posting their impressions on the Platinum vs Gold vs Silver Eclipse 8 if the comparison was made.

 

 

ryder
fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
369 posts
 

FWIW> I too had 20 year old WW Gold Eclipse III full loom interconnect and speaker cables. Got new speakers that were not bi wire able and also needed longer lengths started me off looking for replacements. I ended up with Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables. However on a whim I found a pair of RCA Eclipse 8 on the used market and placed them between my DAC and Pre amp. They bettered my (Best they sold at the time) Gold Eclipse III silver interconnects. So I sold off all my Gold Eclipse and got the Eclipse 8. I don’t know what you are using now and how it compares to to old WW you had but the newest stuff seems to be very good. It bettered my old WW in a good way.

For reference my system is in the $60K MSRP range. I started that Electra 7 thread you are involved with, that cord is on my DDC unit but have not heard it yet because my Pre Amp is at VAC for updates and have not got it back yet.

jdub39
495 posts
 

Wire World really has something special going with the 8 series !

ryder OP
1,689 posts
 

Thanks @fthompson251 and @jdub39 . I’ve had great success with the Platinum Starlight 8 USB and Silver Electra 7 power cord. The system has greatly improved in areas of poise and refinement. I’m very happy.

I’m currently all tapped out but will keep the higher range WW interconnects in mind when I get the itch. The XLR interconnect I am currently using is pretty good so I guess I may I need to go higher up the range of the Wireworld to achieve an improvement in sound quality.  

ryder OP
1,689 posts
 

Jdub39, I just received the Silver Eclipse 8 XLR. It's showing great potential in my system although it's being used for less than 50 hours. May I ask how long is the burn-in period?

Have you managed to compare the Silver Eclipse 8 XLR with the Gold Eclipse 8 XLR? If the Gold Eclipse 8 has higher levels of resolution, detail and dynamics, I may acquire another one in the near future. The Platinum 8 is too costly so it's out for me. 

 

 

tokushi
53 posts
 

1. Difference Between Silver Eclipse 8 and Gold Eclipse 8:

  • The Silver Eclipse 8 is typically considered to be a more neutral and detailed cable. It offers excellent transparency and can provide a sense of airiness and detail to the sound. It may excel in reproducing high-frequency details and providing a sense of spaciousness in the soundstage.
  • The Gold Eclipse 8, on the other hand, is often characterized as having a slightly warmer and smoother tonal balance compared to the Silver Eclipse. It may offer a more musical and less analytical presentation, making it a good choice for systems that need a touch of warmth and richness.

Which one is more dynamic, smoother, detailed, or 3-dimensional can vary depending on your system and personal preferences. Some may prefer the additional detail and neutrality of the Silver, while others may favor the musicality and warmth of the Gold.
 

2. Interconnects vs. Speaker Cables:

  • The choice between investing in high-quality interconnects (XLR) or speaker cables depends on your system's needs and where you perceive the most significant impact. Both can make a noticeable difference, but the specific benefit will depend on your existing components and their strengths and weaknesses.
  • In general, if you feel that your system is already well-balanced and you want to enhance detail and soundstage, upgrading your interconnects can be a good choice. They can have a substantial impact on the clarity and imaging of your audio.
  • On the other hand, if you're looking to optimize the power delivery from your amplifier to your speakers and improve the overall synergy in your system, upgrading your speaker cables may be the better choice.

Ultimately, the "better" choice between interconnects and speaker cables is system-dependent and based on the aspects of your system that you want to improve. It's worth noting that the differences between cable lines can be subtle and are best evaluated through listening tests in your own setup. If possible, consult with a knowledgeable audio dealer or Wireworld representative who may be able to provide specific recommendations based on your gear and listening preferences.

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