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Neutral cables for hi-resolution, imaging system?

I'm stuck with a bit of a conundrum here and don't know exactly how to proceed, so I post here in hopes of some discussion to show some possibilities for what I seek.

Firstly, my system built to deliver detail and resolution and an accurate image, with as neutral a tone as possible. So my system is primarily concerned with imaging and detail, tone secondly (not to be ignored, by any means, however). I am running a VPI Scout w/ Dynavector 20x-h, Creek CD-50 MkII, Classe CAP-150 (only the amp section is utilized), Mod Squad Passive Deluxe Line Preamp and Phono Drive, and Apogee Centaur Majors. I am using Symo biwire speaker cables, Nordost Red Dawn ICs from the CDP to the preamp to the amp, and the VPI has Zu Xaus from the TT to the preamp.

My quandry lies with the CD line sound; the analog VPI sounds just fine in this system. With a good CD recording, I can hear incredible low-level detail, the dynamics are very explosive and the imaging is phenomenal. Only the very busiest, chaotic recordings make the instruments start to lose their individual focus and alloted space. But, the trade off is that the tone is just a wee bit lean. The middle (and also somewhat the low) frequencies sound ever so slightly stunted. It isn't that bad at all really, it errs just a hair on the lean side of neutral to me.

I'm starting with the premise that the equipment I now have is fine for the job but that the cables could possibly be better matched. I am willing to experiment with the slots taken up by the Red Dawn ICs and the Symo speaker cable. But I don't know if there is a cable out there that will move the system a hair towards the middle to set the tone squarely neutral without sacrificing the detail and imaging to which I am addicted. Moving up the food chain to more expensive products would be fine, unless the cable is obviously and inappropriately outclassing my system. I'm perplexed as to what product could still give me everything the Red Dawns provide and also slightly fill out the middle tone. I'm not willing to give up much, if any, of the detail and imaging that the Red Dawns offer. If I can't get a well-balanced tone without giving up image, then I can be happy with my current set up. It seems to me that the speaker cables may be the easiest to replace, but I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to speaker cable qualities. Warmer tone (no matter how little) always comes at the expense of clarity and detail, in my experience. Does anyone with similar speakers and system tastes (other Apogee, Quad or Martin Logan owners, possibly) have an opinion? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
geojap
leica_man
153 posts
 
I have a full compliment of Synergistic Research's new Tesla Accelerator interconnects and speaker wire (bi-wire version). In a word they are the most holographic cables I have ever owned. I was a long time SR fan that switched to Nordost Valhalla's as I was looking for more detail and speed. Later I missed my SR Designer Reference cables warmth but on balance preferred my Nordost cables. Enter the Accelerator's at less then 1/3rd the price of my Nordost they blew them away in terms of speed, air and detail and back was the warmth, layering and low frequency slam of my old Designer Reference X2 interconnects but to a much greater degree then what I remember and at half the price and girth of my old Designers Reference cables.

I can't recommend these new cables more highly nor can I imagine better performance or value.
listener57
730 posts
 
For the system attributes you seek, don't forget to try different speaker footers which might do the trick, ridiculously cheaply, since your desired sound is almost within reach.
Herbiesaudiolab.com plain Big Fat Black Dots (ninety day home trial) between your speaker bottoms, and a smooth undersurface, either wood floor, or Home Depot marble tiles on carpet. I use under my floor-standing speakers having longer ribbon tweeters, and transmission line bass, with excellent results. Also, there is a range of footers to be tried under any component.
To enable what you seek, reasonable cost wiring which transmits beautifully for me with my Mod Squad Phono Drive/Line Drive (great value in a classic design) is Realitycables.com IC at $225 with OFC RCA connector option (twenty day home trial). The full benefit is achieved when simultaneously using $225 Reality speaker cables (twenty day home trial).
There is an audible synergy when this design philosophy passes along the signal from point to point.
Of course, all the parameters you specify could be satisfied by balancing effects from more than one company, at different price points.
With enough time for a thorough home listening trial you can reach your goal.
geojap OP
42 posts
 
Thanks very much for the recommendations. All the interconnects seem very good, and in my initial research yesterday, the Synergistic Research Tesla series seems to be the most intriguing. The price point is doable for me and the cost/benefit ratio seems very promising. I wonder why no other company has taken the step to actively shield the cable as they have.

I do have my CD and turntable sources isolated with Vibrapods and the turntable also under a thick butcher block. I have a 50 year old house with oak floors, so I understand and have seen the benefits of isolation here. I don't have the amps or speakers isolated, however. So that will be one of my next steps to take.

Thanks again for the recommendations.
unsound
7,341 posts
 
IMHO, the Alpha-Core Goertz MI series of speaker cables should be on anyone who's seek "neutral cables" list. Alpha-Core offers a generous 30 day free trial period, and can recommend the appropriate ones for your system. Oh, and they're pretty inexpensive in comparison to many others. Do use the Alpha-Core RC Networks (zobels).
bobf
207 posts
 
The best cables I have heard in my system in regards to imaging,3 dimensionality and every other aspect
are the Gabriel Gold Revelations.Although these may not be a household name item(they should be)These cables brought a more natural character to the music(I use Martin Logan Prodigy's)
than any other cable I have heard in 30 years.I know there a lot of other folks out there that feel the same way.
I have yet to ever see a pair re-sold on Audiogon and I know that hundreds have been sold.
There is no website yet for this product yet,however,I know of some major players out there that own,want to promote,invest and distribute these world class cables.
The cables are auctioned on Agon at times or you can reach the designer through his Audiogon user name (which is sts)
Check out the amazing comments on his cables scattered thru his feedback.
I was using Stealth Indras and the Gabriel Golds simply outpeformed them which is no small feat.In my opinion if the designer could make these faster and was not overwhelmed with the success it would bring him, these cables
would be on everyone's A-List.
You may may want to keep your eye out for these.
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