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Cable Synergy???

When I count the number of cables that connect components in my system, I come up with 9 (either sets or singles). Right now, I have cables from 7 different manufacturers in my system:

-SME
-Zu
-Kimber
-Purist
-DH Labs
-Audio Art
-Acoustic Zen

I think that all of them are solid manufacturers, but I can't imagine that this is an 'ideal' or even a smart cable set up. It's just where I have ended up after really figuring out the different parts of my system and going through some pretty significant changes over the past two years. And, when I read that list, I think of some pretty different sonic characteristics. So, two questions:

1-How important is cable synergy? Do you have any experience going from a tangle to a cohesive cable 'loom'?

2-If so, where is a good starting point both in terms of manufacturers and in terms of runs that are the 'foundation'? I don't mind making an investment, but I also do think I'll break the bank on cables.

Thanks.
tjnindc
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Question #1 Synergy is important but in my opinion but not necessarily to be dedicated to any 1 manufacturer (2 or 3 maybe after all you have to listen and pay for it). Once I tried all cables from the same manufacturer (Nordost) and wasn't impressed enough to spend the bucks. I will admit I didn't make a real serious comparison only because I didn't have the time and wasn't willing to replace everything all at once. Personally I am willing to compare again but this time I would have to try many different combinations to see where I would benefit the most. I did get the Nordost Frey speaker cable for my system. A minor but good tweak for me.

Question #2 1 brand of a cable may sound horrible in a certain system but fantastic on another.

Question #3 from Tpreaves Great advice - But I will add that cables should be the final tweak to your system. Generally those cable 'tweaks' are minor compared to most components in my experience. To me if there is any little difference I would like to change in your system that is when I look to cables in my opinion.
calloway
874 posts
 
..you're asking the same questions all of us ask at some point in our ever changing system's life.i agree with 'Xti16' regarding cables being the 'final tweak'..i have had many different combinations of cables in my system over the last 20 years. for the moment...my i/cs and speaker cables are from the same company and my pcs are from another...my current set-up is , by far, the best i have put together.. it is rare that anyone becomes permanently happy with his/her system without wondering how things could be improved..that's the journey we all are on...'the cable company' is a great place to start if you are interested in trying out other cables to see if ' the enemy of good is better'...i have auditioned many cables from paul at TCC' and found the whole experience to be superb...good luck
narrod
1,064 posts
 
A new marketing strategy from cable manufacturers is the concept of the "loom" meaning all cables from the same manufacturer providing a synergy that can't be achieved by mixing and matching. Does it make an audible difference? I don't know but I am skeptical because of the built-in bias of any cable manufacturer.

Wendell
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