2. cables
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Upgraded my cables and they transformed my system!!!

My old cables were, and my new cables are a mix of three or four different brands of cables that synergized beautifully together to produce an outstanding sound in my system. Recently, I felt that there was room for improvement in my audio system’s cabling, so I decided it was time to upgrade. I’m still in love with my old superb speaker cables (Revel Salon 2 speakers), (JPS Labs Superconductor 3 speaker cables), and my incredible ethernet cables (Shunyata Sigma), so I felt no need to replace them. Here’s a list of the upgrades that I made:

Ayre Acoustc QX-5 Twenty DAC: Old cable= ATC, 2M, power cable (excellent for digital exclusively). Replaced with= JPS Labs Aluminata 1.5M power cable (transformational).

Hegel H590 Integrated Amp: Old cable= Audioquest Tornado power cable, High Current, 15A, 1 meter. Replaced with= Audioquest Hurricane, High Current, 1M, 15A

Audioquest Niagara 3000 Power Conditioner: Old cable= Audioquest Thunder power cable, High Current, 15A, 2M. Replaced with= Audioquest Hurricane, High Current, 15A, 2M.

Interconnects: Old cable= Audioquest Earth, 1M, XLR. Replaced with= Audioquest Pegasus, 1M, XLR (transformational).

Note: My budget limit was $1500 or less for each cable (new or used), which I achieved.

 

I'm not one of our more well-heeled audiophiles, and the $1500 or below (new or used) for each cable was the absolute limit to my financial capabilities for my new cables.  However, at the $1500 or below price point for a new or used power cord or pair of interconnects, you can purchase a level of quality which, IMHO, is so incredibly high with such a high level of proficiency, one would have to question the necessity to spend more.    

With the new cables in place, the sound quality of my system, which sounded simply outstanding before the upgrades, has been improved dramatically by leaps and bounds, and my new interconnects are not even close to being fully broken-in yet!!! Of course, I expected this kind of improvement in sound quality once the new cables were installed, and the improvement will continue to get better and better over time as the interconnects continue to further burn-in. Now, I should be good to go for the foreseeable future.

For those of you who still persist in believing that non-stock, upgraded, aftermarket cabling is "Snake-oil"...............you have no idea.

Happy listening

 

kennymacc
rubicon15
102 posts
 

English 101, when anyone makes a comment regarding any matter on this site, it is “their opinion.” You do not have to state what is naturally implied when making a comment or expressing your opinion. Personally, I have not interpreted any comments as being “absolute fact.” Being condescending or rude is one thing. Expressing your opinion in a non judgmental manner should be expected on a forum like Agon. 

maholl50
65 posts
 

I just switched from Cardas iridium RCA interconnects to Zafino Arcadia OCC XLR from an Eversol DMP-6 to Musical Fidelity 6si > Harbeth 30.2XD and was immediately blown away by the improvement in overall sound quality. I was hoping the XLR connection would be better but I’m more than happy with these interconnects.

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
492 posts
 

@maholl50 if you need another set: Arcadia

ace17
23 posts
 

Like the previous poster, I just switched from Cardas: Parsec to Clear [digital SPDIF].  And I upgraded my analog interconnects to Cardas Clear [RCA] as well. So, my magical bias tells me that I have better stereo imaging, more detail, and more [and tighter] bass.  I even found improvements, especially in the bass, from changing my $3 Lowe's wall outlet to the Powerport from PS Audio...

As discussed almost ad infinitum on this site, most of what we post here is our opinion...or, I would say, our opinions about our perceptions.  Either we actually do hear a difference when switching out equipment, or we think we do ~ this seems to be the crux of the controversy.  But I started out with what I might term "reverse confirmation bias":  I REALLY hoped that I would not hear audible improvements when upgrading cables. Who really wants to spend the money?  I was oh-so-careful with the packaging, because in the back of my mind was "I'm going to return this for a refund when I don't hear a difference".  But I couldn't lie to myself...whether it was the CD player upgrade which cost 4x what my current one had [my first foray into sonic upgrades] or my Synergistic research interconnects [in a different system than the aforementioned Cardas cables], I have often, but not always, found that spending more money meant sonic improvements..or, occasionally, a move in the wrong direction...sometimes a cable or component just doesn't work well in the system you plug it into...or, it's overpriced junk~ yes, it happens.

So, you psychology majors [I have a psych degree, so don't bother me with the ignorance argument], I'm glad that you're happy with your zip wire and red/white interconnects!  But stop with the supercilious allegations, and let us hear what we hear...or, as you believe, what we think we hear. Save your money, enjoy your systems, and leave the rest of us alone.

emergingsoul
1,167 posts
 

Quality cables are important but keep in mind I think they all colour the sound and yeah you may notice a change but is the change for the better.

I find audio quest extremely annoying with all their cherry Banana product names. I do have their HDMI cables which are supposedly very good. All the other stuff is just so damn confusing and complicated. 

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