2. cables
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Does a weave of cables really make a difference?

I have a mix of good quality cables -- speaker, AC, XLRs, USB, but they are a mix of brands. I would say they are all in the same quality/price range - $200-800.

Has anyone switched from a mix of brands to a weave of cables (my understanding of a weave is all one brand at the same quality/price level) and found it to be a big improvement? I would like to hear from people who have actually done this. 

I am quite happy with my current sound, but would make the change if others have found there to be an audible difference. One of the audio dealers here claims it will make a huge difference. 

I will add that I could easily hear an improvement with speaker and some slight improvement with the XLR's, but not so much with the AC cords. Also, I'd rather not just try  weave out (as much as that makes sense}, as changing all the cords would be a real pain.

Thanks in advance.

128x128deadhead1000
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,365 posts
 

The manufacturer will tell you for sure you must use all cables by his brand for best results.  Many people have read and believed this. they will repeat it in this thread.  

I believe good cables are good cables.

Jerry

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,564 posts
 

All manner of rationalizing comes with using a loom from one brand that I could never wrap my ears around. Reviewers claim you should go with a house sound and avoid going down the rabbit hole as different makes will sound different. Well...duh.

 I just don't see one make getting it correct in all aspects. It's intellectually lazy. I can see sticking with the same brand for ICs and SCs but everything else just doesn't make sense. Just my $0.02.

All the best,
Nonoise

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,155 posts
 

In my direct experiences, moving to a single brand matched array / loom of cables MAY ( emphasis added) provide an audio performance improvement and synergy.

BUT … I only found it mattered on limited circumstances contributing factors:

(1) only in high-end pricepoint strata brands ( for me, CARDAS & NORDOST) …think CARDAS CLEAR …

(2) It is ENTIRELY system dependent and there is no one-size-fits-all general rule. I have four 2-channel systems ranging from $1500 to $50,000. . Only in the my “A” system did It matter. In lesser build and lesser pricepoint systems …. Nope. … nada perceived differences.

The added synergy and ethereal audio performance was definitely there , but it was on the subtle or “softer’ side instead of any “AHa!” Or “ Jesus” moment. For example , adding a final piece with a matched speaker cable in a sequential cables CARDAS CLEAR arrray upgrade from NORDOST FREYs, finally tamed an ethereal “brightness” or “digital edge” that still existed until the NORDOST speaker cables were removed as the final link.

Choose wisely

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