chrisr: Ok buddy, LOL!!!.
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
- ...
- 67 posts total
Happy your happy, kennymacc... Cable topic always engenders controversy...maybe the purpose for the posts? My history experimenting with audio cable began in 1980 by doubling up lamp cord from my Electrocompaniet Ampliwire II amp to my Snell loudspeakers. Yep, deeper, tighter bass and the rest of it. Soon came Transparent Audio's $350 interconnect MIT cable replacing Vampire wire between the preamp and the amp...a high risk jaw dropping event! (one review by HP) In the late 90's, nearby Final Note was a dealer for Audio Matiere, amazing French tube gear, Audible Illusions, and later MSB and other lesser-known brands. Over time, I befriended Rick Taylor and we spent long hours evaluating gear plus his own cable designs, which competed with big boy cables of the day. Rick also went deep in modifying gear and was highly skilled in the application of Marigo V.T.S. Tuning Dots. Today, addressing interior resonances inside high end components has become commonplace. Rick wrote this well over 20 years ago: The Audiophile Voice | MARIGO AUDIO LAB It's apparent that many divisions linger over cables. My recent thinking has been around preferred FLAVORS of sound per individual listener. Example, I'm a hopeless conehead, having long experienced some of the best varieties of loudspeakers designs, short of MBL and a few other radical approaches. My simplified two channel system in a dedicated small room includes tube power, DIY mains and a curated 12" direct-servo sub. Exacting placement, DSP, room tuning, and the more recent BACCH plug-in crosstalk cancellation has taken the system to unimaginable heights. Now more to the point. Flavors. Thurston, a passionate music lover and audiophile friend for the last dozen years, sadly (for me,) has moved back to his home in Virginia. He was like having a 1980's box-store start up close by. By having well-heeled, gear changing friends back home, Thurston was able to experiment with dozens of high-end brands, electronics, speakers, turntables, dacs and, yes, various cable companies during the time of our close friendship. He had three systems going...an HT surround in varieties of combinations. A nearfield basement system sporting masonry, a wood stove and digital sources and monitors of all designs. Finally, his huge primary space, very very different from my small, dedicated studio. His cable inventory was not for the shy and retiring, though it did NOT include the truly crazy money stuff, but some of their little brothers. As it played out, he and I discovered we shared many similar audio experiences and many of the same likes of flavors. Recently, I have elected a Cardas loom with a couple of exceptions, Luminous from my pro dac to my sub and amplifier. My theory is that, like Thurston, George Cardas and I ALSO share similar flavors in sound. One can take this theory much, much further in attempting to explain how the same source of music can be fully appreciated in such differing systems. I truly believe there are many paths, no right - wrongs. I've never attended an audio show, yet, having over 200 rooms, sort of validates my theory around so many discerning flavors leading to great sound. Finally, for the newbie. I wholeheartedly agree with starting out with Belden or Blue Jeans or other reputable, well-built designed cable. Chosen carefully, these will yield a high percentage of the costly stuff, allowing mid-fi or better to perform very well. Do seek out, maybe befriend, other music lovers. You will find generous and helpful people for the most part, willing to share. Many of us have some favorite wire in our "arsenal" that can be borrowed and sometimes purchased. Okay, that's about it. Those curious can find a variety of my posts touching on associated topics. For the passionate, there is much to learn, experiment and enjoy in persuit of great sound. Mentors are invaluable. Thanks for the read. More Peace, Pin (bold print for old eyes)
|
...afterthought. My Luminous Audio Synchestra interconnects are terminated with Bullet Plugs from Eichmann Technology, Australia. The Cardas Clear Sky loudspeaker cables were returned to Cardas...upgraded to bi-wired at the loudspeaker terminals. In addition, all 12 terminations were further upgraded to compression-die-forging by Cardas. Cardas Clear High Speed USB cable for the DAC. My time evaluating cables taught me the value of great terminations. Onwards! Pin |
@vthokie83 any particular designs you'll be making you can share? Built my own RCA and speaker cables so im curious what length others go to. |
- 67 posts total