Interconnect cable upgrade disapointment

Thank you all for your comments. My set up is as follows: Classe CA 200 amp, Classe CP 35 preamp, Classe CDP .5 CD player, B&W 802 Matrix Series 3. Perhaps I should demo some higher level audioquest and a different line of cables. I will make a trip to my local dealer.

Thanks for your kind assistance.

Joe

Joe, your equipment is good. It's possible your dealer has another line of cables to try. It's very likely you will hear more difference trying a different brand. Also, cables have a "compounding" effect; the more changed the more you can move toward your desired sound - that is, if you like what the cables do.

Note well: It is definitely NOT necessary to spend inordinate amounts within the same cable line to achieve a much different sound. Different brands have sonically quite different "house" sounds. Many times the average priced cables of different brands will sound significantly different. This is why I suggest an alternative brand to compare.

I'm not a fan of using a CDP to run in wires with. Not at all. Something with moving parts, especially my main source? Nope. I use the cable box, or my 400 CDP unit, and alternate between the two.

I figure why waste the main source? there's only so many spins in there anyhow. ...and a signal is a signal. Cables is stupid. they've no idea where that signal is coming from and I am not about to tell them.

the last few hours, 30, or 50, or so, THEN, I'll use the main source... but not before. it's senseless.

BTW... attaining different is lots easier than getting 'better' when changing in or out ICs. Perhaps another brand entirely?

Good luck.

I've never used XLR interconnects, but I do remember auditioning the single-ended Topazes and Rubies from about 20 yrs ago, and the AQ Rubies were obviously better. Any chance there's less audible difference with balanced?

I would think something as modest as Kimber Hero would trounce Topaz.