How to proceed?

Don’t worry about the iterations of the Absolute Copper. I had an old original version and the latest. Sounded identical to me. The jackets were different. 

@audphile1 

Don’t worry about the iterations of the Absolute Copper. I had an old original version and the latest. Sounded identical to me. The jackets were different

OK.

@stuartk following along with @audphile1 ’s point, something to be aware of about these different versions of cables, FWIW. Some familiar principals may apply.

Designers make changes to cables, interconnects. over time, and that can include metallurgy sources and dialectics used, connector types, solder, solder-on or crimping connecting methods used - and changes to the overall cable design itself, yielding varying results. Sometimes not always "better" results depending on who’s listening, and particular characteristics one might prefer either way. Some argue cables should not have a sound or think this is making use of "passive tone controls". Whatever the case, everything in (or out) of the signal path impacts the results, imo. Same goes for the internal wiring [and boards] inside of every component in the chain.

In my own research and ownership of different versions of interconnects, and buyers of some of the cables I resold to past 30+ years, there are a few older version "favorites" we hang on to and keep (hoard perhaps), liking them better. i.e. I’ve resold multiple pairs of much older TOTL Cardas Golden Cross to particular Pass Labs preamp/amp owners who may run brighter or more forward sounding speakers [and rooms]. i.e. hard floors or glass windows around, no curtains, etc.

I currently run an older/newer hybrid Cardas cable design myself, for similar reasons, and zero room treatments - a preference. In addition to component matching, I now think of it as we are also finding the right balance for each of our own systems, rooms, floors, walls, speakers, and our own individual ears.

@decooney

Thanks for your comments. Clearly, there is far more to the subject of cables than I’ve realized.

I’m surprised, to say the least, to learn of your preference for zero room treatments. How did you arrive at such an unorthodox perspective? Given the fact that I have so little flexibility in this regard, I’d be very curious to know if there are any rules of thumb I might be able to utilize in my space.

Hey @stuartk well I choose to place my system in the main family room, where we spend most of our time. Next to the kitchen and sound can be heard in both rooms. I’m not into weird objects and appendages all over the place or anything hanging, personally. With quite a bit of home theater furniture and various book shelves and items on shelves, curtains in the back near sliders, we do the best we can. It does okay as-is. "Good Enough" I guess. Being a regular spot, It makes my listening space my favorite place, and where I/we wanna be. It’s forced me to optimize my system in the best ways I can. I listen more this way too, which is more of a priority. The separate Man Cave space is used for other hobby stuff, is the other answer. :)

If you ever get a chance to see photos, take a look at the living rooms of some of the well known amp designers, and where they listen. Look around the room, you might tend to see multiple amps and multiple speakers. For some reason I don’t mind this type of added audio fixtures that can be swapped in/out sitting around. We all have our vices I guess.  Enjoy yours!  :)