2. cables
  3. 1167587007

What cable would you choose?

Naim CD5i, Arcam AVP-700 (direct stereo mode, pre-amp to be upgraged soon, but will keep the Arcam for HT), Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp, Usher CP-6381 speakers.

I'm currently using two pairs of Outlaw PCA's for IC's and Monster M1.4's for speakers cables. I also have on hand and have tried in every conceivable combination the following IC's: Chord silver siren, cobra, cobra III, Chrysalis (the original Cobra and Chrysalis have the Naim Din to RCA which is supposed to provided better performance)and Eichmann eXpress-4.

As it turns out the cheapest cables I own (Outlaws) wound up sounding better than anything else I had on hand.

I know that some of these are very popular components and many others own them, so I was hoping to hear your findings and get your recommendations.

I'm not one to spend a fortune on cables, but I do realize there are big differences. I'm looking for the best reasonably priced cables I can find.

The one name that seems to keep coming up when I read about affordable cables is Audio Art (Think they're either the same or very similar to DH Labs).

Anyow, I would be greatful if some of you could find the time to share your experiences.

Thanks.
jack_dotson
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
hello jack, i have the usher 6381's and they are not lean in the bass so i don't think cables will fix this. for what it's worth i use audio art ic-3 interconnects and either straley (reality) speaker cables or audio art sc-5 speaker cables and i don't have a bass problem. my amp is the usher r-1.5 with a belles 21a preamp and onix x-cd88 cdp.
get in contact with capt. humble at audio circles, he has had usher 6381's now 6391's with odyssey amps and preamps.
he might be able to give you a hand.
marvin
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Mboldda1, the bass is very tight an accurate and it has good extension. However, I had the Belles 350A Reference in before this amp and it shows just how good the bass can be. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to keep the Belles due to funding restraints.

I also need to get another pre-amp as most of my issues are probably going to be resolved right there, but that's yet another issue.

I'll check in over at the AC forum as well, but I'm seriously considering giving the Audio Art cables a try. I've also read very good things about the Reality cables, but I have to admit that I'm having a hard time getting past the looks.

Thanks so much for the input.
springbok10
711 posts
 
I have been very happy with the Audio Art IC-3 i/cs and probably the best speaker cable in your price range that I've tried is the MAS Signature Hybrid.
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
straley does have outer coverings for his speaker cables now, but he does say that they effect the sound.
marvin
More to discover