Worth upgrading my cables?


I’ve made a ton of updates to my system over the last six months and now I’m wondering if my cables need some attention. Here are my questions:

  1. Based on my system, and current caballing (description bellow), do you think I would recognize a noticeable improvement by updating my cables?
  2. If yes, which cables would you prioritize (speaker, interconnects, power)?
  3. Lastly do you have any specific recommendations.

 

Current system:

  • Technics SL-1200G (Hana SL) --> Manley Chinook --> Manley Jumbo Shrimp --> Finale Audio Classic 300B monoblocks --> Klipsch Heresy IV
  • All interconnects are Morrow Audio MA1
  • Speaker cable Canare 4S11 Star Quad Bi Wire
  • Power cables Tripp Lite Heavy Duty , 15A, 14AWG

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

128x128designtaylor

@dreas - I have have Blue Jeans Cable 10AWG speaker cables and have been very happy with them. Like you, I really like the ultrasonic welded connections.  I have not compared them anything “high end” but they seem to do pretty well. 
 

I had BJC LC-1 interconnects and found Audioquest Chicago to be better in my system. It wasn’t a subtle difference and given the price difference I’d go with AQ over BJC for unbalanced interconnects. 
 

I now have a Morrow Audio balanced interconnect and am very happy with them. Their marketing definitely is annoying. I emailed them to poke at it a bit. It’s a very intentional strategy that’s working for them. In short, people like sales so that’s the approach they have taken.  A little too much like Wilsons Leather!

@designtaylor
your last post was spot on- the entire audio chain matters so it’s usually best to address the weak links.  

@hifiman5      Please explain what the power cord does to the AC it receives.

 

If anything.

@clearthinker Shunyata Research’s website discusses each design aspect that resulted in the current line of power cables they offer. Here is an excerpt describing the noise reduction capabilities included in the NR cables:

"CCI filters have the unique ability to reduce component-generated power line noise without inhibiting DTC (dynamic transient current delivery). This unique filter element prevents power line noise from one component contaminating the other adjacent electronic components. Shunyata Research’s ‌‌CCI filter modules consist of proprietary multi-stage filters that reduce power supply-generated noise without the use of heavy transformers, coils or large capacitors."

Elsewhere on the site they specify a NR capacity of >12dB per cable. I added one cable at a time as I was skeptical about the NR claims. Hearing details deeper into the soundstage and being able to discern minute errant sounds in live recordings especially, added a new realization of realism to the music that made the overall investment worth it to me. I have had them in the system for about 9 months and have never looked back. YMMV but my system and my ear/brain interface say Yes to Caelin Gabriel’s offerings.

 

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