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  3. 181506-177063

Maintaining a "Balanced" System Design?

After recently upgrading my phono stage, amp and preamp to all ARC, I have begun to explore speakers and have plans to listen to some Joseph Audio Perspectives in the coming week. 

However, in the process of talking with the dealer, it was suggested that I should upgrade my interconnects and speaker cabling. He has suggested all Stage III gear, which is almost as expensive as the JA speakers. 

My question is not to necessarily debate speakers or cables, but to instead hear some thoughts about not over-weighting one's system with a component that exceeds the rest of the gear. For instance, I realized that my current turntable/tonearm/cartridge combination deserved more than the $3k phono stage I had been using. So I moved up to an ARC and really noticed the difference. Of course that brought me to looking at amplification and I am sure everyone knows the story from here...

But, how do folks allocate or balance their systems?  I am pretty sure adding $15k of cables is more than makes sense, but maybe not?

Thanks to all who would like to share their philosophy and experiences. 

128x128thr1961
ghdprentice
7,217 posts
 

OP,

 

If you are considering a speaker option change then definitely do not move forwards with cables and interconnects until you have your final destination speakers.

Typically in an upgrade cycle one will choose speakers first… then work on the upstream components to support them. Once all the components are in place then work on wires. The good news is you have chosen world class components so now it is a matter of finding speakers that are emotionally appealing to you. Your upstream equipment will make the most of them.

vthokie83
943 posts
 

Thr1961,

I agree on the upgrade path, the best improvements I found were with power cables, then speaker cables, then interconnects. I am testing several power cords righrt now, so I can't yet give you a final recommendation...but the Morrow Audio MAP4 and Zafino Majestic are the leaders in the clubhouse.

I have found GREAT success with Morrow Audio analog interconnects (RCA and XLR) nterconnects, and digital 75 Ohm RCA. They punch way above their cost, and right now they have a 40% sale. These are amazing value for the sound quality I've found

USB cables are Supra Excalibur, and ethernet is Audioquest Vodka cables

Suggestions: Start with the MA4 or DIG4 level and go up from there, and absolutely get the cable burn in service....the 20 day break in service is $99, and is a one time charge that covers all cables purchased...not per cable. They have a 60 day return policy, but only after 30 days; meaning you need to try them for 30 days before returning the cables.

Currently "rolling" the Zafino Fusion and Arcadia interconnects, great value but not sure if there is an improvement over the Morrow cables.

Speaker cables are currently Anti-Cables Flex 4.2 cables, but am testing the GR-Research 24 strand speaker cables as well. They are meant as DIY, but Danny will assemble them for an additional fee.

As you can see all of my recommendations are cables that are affordable, but provide great SQ.....great bang for the buck

vthokie83
943 posts
 

Clarification: The MA4 and DIG4 cables are Morrow Audio

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