Im going to regret my cable question


Having read so many "do speaker cables matter" threads, reviews, etc., over the years I am going to open up this can of worms again. So here goes.

I would like some opinions on the pairing of my amp, speakers, and a possible upgrade of speaker cables. My kit consists of a Rotel Michi X3, S2 and Monitor Audio Gold 300 G5's.

Would anyone venture a suggestion on what might be a good fit, with a budget of no more than $1200 CND.

I currently have Audioquest Type 4 which are some years old by now. Im looking at AQ Rocket 33 or 44's but I am open to other brands.

Although I understand the "coat hangers work just as well" theory I would prefer only constructive suggestions from those who feel there is a benefit to cable upgrades please.

Cheers.

neversatisfied

 

as @sns says: 

Asking for advice on which cable to purchase. Same old thing, a million recommendations, how does one choose from this chaos! My advice is audition cables from dealers, lending library at Cable Company, this what I did for many years, wanted to get overarching idea of what cables can and can’t do. 

Instead of trying to settle on one choice out of many suggestions, why don’t you use your ears? Order a few different options from The Cable Co., listen to them and see what appeals to you.This has been my go-to strategy for all cable upgrades for quite a while, now.  

I mentioned Cardas because I also wanted to warm up my system a bit. I have the Clear Sky x4 and they did exactly that. No loss of detail or transparency. Just a really "meaty" sound. Thicker, not duller. 

I had Rocket 44's at one time. My experience & opinion would be if you want to mellow out your sound they are a good choice. All the information is still there but are a very un-fatiguing  cable. A pleasant cable. That was my experience.

I think Audio Advice (not sure) still sells them in bulk. You could make your own for less cost. 

@moshif I mentioned Cardas because I also wanted to warm up my system a bit. I have the Clear Sky x4 and they did exactly that. No loss of detail or transparency. Just a really "meaty" sound. Thicker, not duller. 

@ghdprentice I recommend Cardas. They are designed to be more forgiving and natural at the lower cost levels and get much more detailed and revealing at the higher cost levels

@inna Nordost may sound thin, Cardas may sound bloated in midrange and upper bass.

@neversatisfied I will try to audition them first. Cardas is also in the running but I don’t know if I can audition both side by side. The shop I’m dealing with might not carry Cardas.

 

If you plan to try Cardas, be sure to demo different models in the product line.  The conductors, quantities, dielectrics change a bit throughout the line and each brings a different set of characteristics to the sound by design. Cardas offers tech support.  

It’s more than likely going to be between the Cardas and AQ. If AQ, it will be the Rocket 44. I think the one brand which came up the most was Cardas so that deserves a listen. In the end I still think they will all pretty much be the same. I don’t really cater to the whole “wow, that totally changed my system” theory. I still think a lot of what we hear is based on the dollar sign.

Having said that I do think that once one makes the step from box store RCA’s to pretty much any quality built cable that there is a gain to be had. My idea to upgrade is mostly based on gauge of the wire, Rocket 44 being heavier than my 20 year old Type 4. The fact that Cardas was a name which keeps coming up suggests that I at least have to have a listen to them if I can.

This is where I stand for now, at least until I get into the shop to a/b some stuff. Who knows, perhaps I will be surprised.

Cheers to all for the much appreciated suggestions.


http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#differences