2. cables
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Why Do Cables Matter?

To me, all you need is low L, C, and R. I run Mogami W3104 bi-wire from my McIntosh MAC7200 to my Martin Logan Theos. We all know that a chain is only as strong as its' weakest link - so I am honestly confused by all this cable discussion. 

What kind of wiring goes from the transistor or tube to the amplifier speaker binding post inside the amplifier? It is usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper. Then we are supposed to install 5 - 10' or so of wallet-emptying, pipe-sized pure CU or AG with "special configurations" to the speaker terminals?

What kind of wiring is inside the speaker from the terminals to the crossover, and from the crossover to the drivers? Usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper.

So you have "weak links" inside the amplifier, and inside the speaker, so why bother with mega expensive cabling between the two? It doesn't make logical sense to me. It makes more sense to match the quality of your speaker wires with the existing wires in the signal path [inside the amplifier and inside the speaker].

 

 

kinarow1
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,208 posts
 

Rather than rationalizing why cables may or may not matter, simply try different ones and HEAR for yourself if they matter. To my ears, they matter. In fact I have now found out that everything in my system matters, fuses included. Science may have a different take on it, but I could care less, my ears take priority over science in this case all day.

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recklesskelly
330 posts
 

I completely agree that everything matters and that there is a point of diminishing returns. Inter Connects and Speaker cables take priority and then power. You can get great performance and sound without spending your children's 529 plan. 

gladmo's avatar
gladmo
311 posts
 

When you get to heaven, it’s one of the first things they’ll explain to you. But as they say, if you don’t believe in them, you’ll never know. Too bad there’s no way to figure out as mere human if they make any difference. If only there were an ultra simple method to discover the truth... Something like just listening to them. Oh well.

curtdr
348 posts
 

I'd primarily ignore the discussion and the claims.  Just get decent cables... both interconnects and speaker wire... from a modest company like Blue Jeans, or SVS perhaps, or ELAC, and be done with it.  Cable obsession is misplaced.

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