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Need Opinions for Different Cable Manufacturers/Cable Designs

I have a McIntosh 200wpc receiver [MAC7200] and Focal Sopra 3 speakers - and am using low-grade cables. I'm looking to vastly improve my system with a complete cable upgrade. I like a warm sound with lots of clarity and detail and naturalness. I have been reviewing tons of literature and am intrigued by Cu/Ag and Cu/Ag/Au combinations. I will probably buy used, and look at offerings in the midrange to lower high-end range of products. Cannot afford the best each manufacturer has to offer. Looking to spend up to $2,000 for 3m speaker cables and up to $700 each for RCA and XLR cables. Again, I hope to buy used.

 

I am interested in opinions on the following manufacturers:

AUDIENCE

DH LABS

PURIST AUDIO DESIGN

SILNOTE

SNAKE RIVER

Please feel free to offer your opinions on these and any other recommendations you may have. I really appreciate your time and advice!! Thanks!

kinarow1
sls883
225 posts
 

I've played with a number of interconnects.  The DH Labs Air Matrix are nice.  I'm currently using some out-of-production silver interconnects that I bought used on eBay.  I tried other silver cables that I didn't love, but I like these.

The cables that I won't likely change are the Fidelium speaker cables by Silversmith Audio.  

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,403 posts
 

I use some Purist, DH, and Snake cables. I would seriously consider Snake. Outstanding customer service where they will properly burn-in the cables for you. Slower way to get them but plenty worth the wait. I have their boomslang AES between CD transport and dac and it has a non fatiguing clarity and naturalness that easily beats DH imo.

dwest1023
204 posts
 

I have Mac 352 and I also like my music warm. I use acoustic zen absolute cable and it put me at end game. Warm natural and detail. Does wonders for bass too! 

 

fastfreight
769 posts
 

Kubala Sosna Elation would be amazing.  They are much fuller than the Audience Au24SX I previously had and extrmely resolving.  Also easily bests the Silnote for me.

ghdprentice
6,912 posts
 

The Focal / MAC sounds like a great combo. I have heard them individually but not together. I would definitely recommend the best DHLabs you can afford in each category. I wouldn’t be too focused on the exact material components. In inexpensive cables the material determines the sound… but in better quality ones the overall design and construction dominates. Within DHLabs, I recommend the highest level you can afford. They sound better the higher tier… they have chosen the appropriate materials.

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