2. cables
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Can hi-end cables benefit less expensive electronics?

Some time ago, there was a guy on a Polish hi-end forum claiming that in his case it was better to buy some hi-end power chord than investing in a more expensive CD player. Has anybody had an experience where they invested in an expensive cable and felt the investment justified without upgrading the unit utilising the cable? Overall, would there possibly be any point in buying some expensive cable to feed electronics nearly the cost of the cable itself? I'm currently using a KT88 amplifier with a Metronome CD8 (which is also used as DAC) plus Metronome DSS as the streamer (transport only). Speakers: Franco Serblin Accords. In my case, an upgrade in electronics would involve spending at least USD 15,000 to make it sensible. But I can also spend much less and buy a Transparent XL Digital cable to replace my DIY cable that I currently use, at a much smaller expense. Is a high-end digital cable in some cases able to make it a worthwhile investment in a setup which is not top hi-end? I can afford the Transparent XL digital cable, but not necessarily any upgrade to the electronics I own. Has anybody experienced an improvement with an expensive cable even if the rest of the system would rather call for a less expensive one? When I wrote to Transparent about it, they said I should get advice from my dealer. Cable naysayers please do not comment. Also I'm not looking for cheaper alternatives to the Transparent XL. Just fancying buying a cable that many people say is an excellent cable. Of course, I do not expect the same improvement with this cable as with a full DCS Vivaldi setup, but am I likely to get an improvement, considering that the system is balanced and nothing really bothers me in it? Or should I absolutely get a cheaper cable because the more expensive one is bound to make things worse? 

serblinfan
p05129
516 posts
 

Why would you ask if a cable would improve your system? Nobody has your system, or your room, so how can somebody know how your system will sound with a different cable? Only you can tell if a cable will make your system sound better.

Also, what’s expensive? $50? $500? $5000? I have never heard a $50 or $500 cable that made my system sound its best. The cables that made my system sound its best cost way more than $500 each. But if you do this auditioning of cables, you want to make sure you are keeping your equipment because the cable you buy today with your current gear might not be the best cable for your new gear.

Get the gear you want for the next few years, then audition cables once you break in your new equipment.
 

anotherbob's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
anotherbob
344 posts
 

My .02 cents…while my equipment is decidedly mid-fi (NAD C700 Integrated Streaming Amp) my room is well treated and I have a Furman Digital 8 power conditioner/surge protector and a hospital grade outlet.  On a whim I decided to try an inexpensive ($170.00 ish) Cullen Brand Gold Series power cord and immediately upon installing it I noticed a positive change in sound, more detailed and fuller sounding, which only became better after about 50 hours of break in use.  So while I can’t say anything directly to your question, I can say without question that a better than stock power cord made a big difference in my system.

lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman
383 posts
 

There’s nothing exist as high end cables

its high expensive scamming cables 

1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
511 posts
 

I get to use that old vintage line again.. You can’t make a silk purse out of a Sow's ear !

Cheers 

toddsyr's avatar
toddsyr
138 posts
 

My  vintage Harman Kardon system was not exactly cheap when I bought it back in 1990. It has served me well and I enjoy it immensely.  I did notice some improvement when I replaced the stock interconnects with the Audioquest Tower line. I noticed even more improvement when I went from Monster Cable to Morrow Audio SP6 speaker cables. Thèse things seem to give me a more accurate sound with a little more base, clarity etc.  Decent wire can probably enhance any system,  just don't get too crazy with it and use  common sense.

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