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Next upgrade: cables. But which ones first?

Please help with guidance regarding cable upgrade. I’m a total cable novice. So far I’ve focused on upgrading components and I think the next move should be cables. But where to start?

I have B&W 804S speakers, McIntosh MC275 amp, Lamm LL2D pre, Rotel RCD1072 cd player, a Squeezebox Touch, and I plan on getting a DAC in about a year. I have two 10 AWG dedicated power lines with hospital grade outlets, and the system makes no hiss, no hum. All power cords are stock (none shielded), speaker cables are magnet wire (DIY anti cables), and ICs are Nordost cheapest RCAs.

I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade speaker cables first, or power cords first. While ICs are still cheap, I guess they are a small step above the speaker and power cords. I also realize this is yet another form of source first vs. speakers first debate. Yet I need to decide what would make a larger sonic impact for about $1000. I could buy used in the US or DIY, but I’m overseas so getting a bunch of cables and trying is not an option.

Thank you!
lewinskih01
inna
7,434 posts
 
I read it here somewhere that generally it is not recommended. I myself did not compare, all my power cords are 5ft. I think, the idea was that shorter cords don't have enough "time" to filter the current. Probably depends on particular cords and applications.
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Great feed back. Thanks to all!

I'm leaning towards power cords to get started. For the time being it will be one power cord, actually. I can go for a $350 PC. So I could buy 2 Oyaide connectors and still have about $150 for 3 to 5 feet of conductors/shielding/etc, or could buy a used cable.

Several Lamm preamp and Mc amp owners I've gotten in touch with have had very good results with Purist power cords, but they were using really expensive ones, like Dominus, which is 10 AWG and well beyond my budget. Looking at used Purist PCs closer to my budget, like Venustas, I see they are only 14 AWG...which kind of leads me to wonder if their entry level is good for these applications. Thoughts?

Keep it coming!
dcrugby
96 posts
 
i personally have never been impressed by a 14 awg cable on an amp, but maybe the venusta is special, i know people love that brand.

the cables i've ended up liking on amps are all 10 and lower. my favorite one i have for amps is a 10 awg solid silver, crazy power delivery.
inna
7,434 posts
 
You may want to get Custom Power Cord Top Gun 4ft. new that is now here at the auction first. It is not going to be expensive and it is a great cable though quite stiff. I use it myself with both my cd player and integrated amplifier. Purist Proteaus, Dominus and some newer ones should be better but more or much more expensive. Let your LAMM get acquainted with this cable, it might like it.
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