2. cables
  3. 187737-183254

Cable upgrades

Happy Holidays to all!

I’m reconfiguring my system and am interested in upgrading my interconnects and possibly my speaker cables, and I was wondering if you could make some recommendations.

I was running Audio Sensibility Impact SE XLR between my Benchmark DAC3 HGC (as a DAC/pre) and my Benchmark AHB2 power amp.  The amp is running bi-wired Kimber Cable 8TC (I think that’s the model #) to a pair of ATC SCM40 tower speakers.  In this setup the bass is tight and the mids are clean - overall I’m quite happy - but sometimes I feel, for my ears, I’d love a bit more openness / brightness in the higher end.

My questions are: would improved XLR interconnects help to open up the top end a bit, without being harsh, and perhaps increase the dimensionality of the soundstage?  Or would I be better off starting with upgrading the speaker cables?  I’ve been looking at the Cardas Parsec level of cable, and could perhaps stretch to the Clear line, pending your recommendations.

Also, one other question: pending the possible move to 2 AHB2s (in mono-block configuration), do both XLR interconnects have to be the same length?  If not, would it cause any timing issues between, say, a 2' XLR and a 6'?

I’d appreciate any guidance.  Many thanks in advance.

Best, JAMES

jimboman
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,241 posts
 

Sorry for your troubles James. But I still thinking it’s worth sending the cables to cardas. If you get them authenticated you can sell them. If they’re counterfeit they will be destroyed and you can relay the communication from cardas to the seller. You can decide on the next steps then. Worth the $25 fee. 
https://www.cardas.com/counterfeit

decooney
1,905 posts
 

...and IF you decide to send them in to Cardas for validation and certification, and they check out to be the genuine article, imo its worth it to at least inquire about the new termination process, and/or getting that done should you decide to keep -or- resale the cables. 

jimboman OP
63 posts
 

I reached out to the seller, explaining the situation, and requesting a refund.

🤞

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,241 posts
 

@jimboman that is a step in the right direction. I applaud your initial approach to just fall on a sword but in this case I’m glad we were able to convince you.
If you used regular PayPal Goods and Services, you may be able to file a claim with PayPal if you can’t work it out with the seller first. Hopefully this gets resolved.

jimboman OP
63 posts
 

Hi @audphile1  Unfortunately, it was a cash transaction.

Just heard back from the seller.  He does not want to offer a refund.  He figures I just don't like the cable, so I can simply resell it.  I told him that the problem is the cable doesn't work as it should.  And therefore, I can't resell it, in good faith.

I also suggested that if I send it to Cardas and they determine it's faulty or fake, then I'd have to pursue a fraud claim.  Although, that's probably not gonna bear much fruit.  So I asked him again for a refund, and offered to cover the cost of return shipping.  We'll see what he comes back with.  My guess is he won't comply.

I'd send it to Cardas, as many have suggested, but my gut is that it's not counterfeit, but rather, old, and perhaps damaged in some way.  And by the time I pay for shipping, validation, re-termination (assuming it's okay...which doesn't make sense, given its sonic signature), shipping back, duty/taxes/brokerage fees etc -- just so I can resell it -- it's doubtful if it would be worth my time.

Best, JAMES.

More to discover