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Interconnects be as neutral as possible?

I'm thinking about replacing my generic cables (both ICs and speaker cables). I assume realistcally the components of a system (without cables) have its aggregate sonic signature (bright, warm etc.). Should I get neutral ICs first so the system's sonic signature is not affected. Then I can buy speaker cables last to tailor the sound of the system to my personal preference. Does this approach (thinking) make sense? Thanks for any opinions. Mike C
myc49
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
You just have to get started, and decide what cables are right for your system. Simple as that. Audition first, and then buy. It doesn't matter if most people think the ones you try are "neutral", or not. It's an overused expression, and no cable is without its inherent signature, and neither is a SOTA system, for that matter. Just get started, and be happy, cause there are no shortcuts.
tml2
234 posts
 
The Cable Company is a good place to start.Tell them what your system is made up of and they will recommened a cable.Do 1 at a time.Dont do both IC and speakers at the sime time.Your best cable should go from source to pre amp.THe Cable Company will let you try them out which is nice.Happy hunting.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Your logic makes sense but you'll surely never know until you experiment. Stereophile has recommended & described the Synergistic Research Resolution Reference MKII & Designers Reference interconnects as very neutral. You may or may not value their opinions (many 'philes are on both sides of that fence) but I have them & like them. Long break-in though, if you purchase new. It took mine about 2-300 hours to settle down (I finally ran them on a dummy load for a month - then they were fine). Even the dlr's broken-in demo's fluctuated for quite awhile. I would try to install new IC's first, then spkr. cables, then the AC cords. There are just so many variables; this is more art than science.
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