2. cables
  3. 179746-3610

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
ryder OP
1,682 posts
 

Tokushi, thanks for the post. Certainly useful !

I presume you have experience with both Silver Eclipse 8 and Gold Eclipse 8 cables judging from your detailed assessment? I agree it’s a matter of mix and match and from your description it looks like the Silver Eclipse 8 will suit my system or preferences more than the Gold Eclipse 8 as I am looking for a more open and 3-dimensional sound rather than warmth. It is surprising to know that the Gold Eclipse 8 is warmer sounding than the Silver Eclipse 8 as the conductors are solid silver while the Silver Eclipse 8 is copper with silver plating. Anyway, it’s good to know the Gold Eclipse 8 sounds warmer than the Silver Eclipse 8. I surely don’t want a warmer sound as I am seeking for an airier, more open and 3-dimensional sound.

My current Acrolink 8N-A2080III Evo XLR sounds warmer with a fuller midrange in comparison. The tonal quality and delivery in nuance between the two XLR interconnects is different too, surprisingly.

It appears that I have made a right choice in investing in the Silver Eclipse 8 XLR interconnects rather than speaker cables. A 4m pair Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables is too costly for me so I’ve decided to stick with what I have since it all sound balanced and great at the moment.

jdub39
486 posts
 

@ryder 

Congrats on the Silver 8's , I only compared them to the Eclipse 8's  and found them to be just what I was after. Give them 200hrs to show there stuff , it was at that point I decided I was keeping them. They just allow musicality to flow with an uncanny ease and openness with great organization. 

ryder OP
1,682 posts
 

@jdub39 Thanks for the response. That’s useful to know and it’s fortunate I picked the Silver Eclipse 8 over Eclipse 8. I wanted some silver content in the conductors and it looks like I’ve made the right choice.

ryder OP
1,682 posts
 

@jdub39 , the Silver Eclipse 8s are good! It’s about 100 hours only now and the sound has improved tremendously, more open with better clarity and detail. The slight dark and muffled sound in the midrange and upper bass are now gone. I can’t wait to get to 200 hours.

Once it's all over I'll swap to the Acrolink XLR again to reconfirm my impressions. 

jdub39
486 posts
 

@ryder  , Sounds about right!

More to discover