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Interconnect cable upgrade disapointment

I have recently upgraded my Audioquest Topaz XLR interconnects from my amp to preamp and from my preamp to my CD player with Audioquest Cobra XLRs. I was expecting to hear a substantial difference based on the significant price difference between these cables but I hardly noticed any difference at all. If I need to break in the interconnects to have an apples to apples comparison I would appreciate tips on how to do so. Currently, I have a CD playing on repeat. How long will the break in period take and can I expect to observe a substantial difference? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
papajoe
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I use to be a dealer for them years ago, was not taken with them in those days, liked Siltech and Van den Hul and Kimber better. Mapleshade is very good at a reasonable price if you can deal with the fragile construction.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
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.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
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.
slikric3000
638 posts
 
Here is a trick that I don't think anyone has mentioned to my knowledge around here. It will only work if you still have the old cables and that is burn them in and live with them for whatever time ( 6 months should be plenty ) and then switch back to the old cables. I found this way to be more revealing. Like when I switched my Cardas NR's down to Monsters, big difference and very noticeable.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
See if you can borrow a cable cooker. I can't get over the improvement from my Hagerman FryKleaner (the pro model, not the little one). Even cables that have been in use for years will surprise you with the way they sound after 72 hours on this thing. I've also wired a harness to cook tonearm cables -- which NEVER break in because of the minuscule signal they carry -- with pretty spectacular results. Dave
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