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Where can I get educated about cables?

I'm still relatively new to this "hobby" compared to most of you it seems, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I've finally gotten to the point where I am considering purchasing cables, both for IC's and speakers, but I don't know where to begin.

Here's the deal- I read alot of reviews, talk to dealers, and read threads both here and on AA, and while everyone genuinely seems to want to help, I hear alot of talk about "impedance" and "capacitance", "six-nines', etc, when they talk about various cables. Now, I'm not an electrical engineer (I'm a commercial HVAC tech by trade), but I do know a little basic electronics, and am comfortable with a wiring diagram, so I am familiar with these terms.

Ultimately, I'd like to understand how to choose a cable, and why. I'd like to know how a cables characteristics will affect the sound with my equipment, and I'd like to know what cabling changes to make if I change a different part of my system somewhere down the road. Please don't misunderstand me- I do not believe I will find the perfect combination by simply using a magic formula of some sort. I'm just looking for information on the basics to get me headed in the right direction so I can make an informed decision, and hopefully save myself some grief (and cash) along the way.

Against my better judgement, but as an example, I'll tell you that I have a Sonic Frontiers Line1, a Bryston 4BST, and PSB Gold i's. I borrowed some different IC's from a local dealer, and heard the differences between them. BUT WHY? I wanna know why! Why did cable "XYZ" sound different than cable "ABC"? And what if I changed preamps? Then what? Or my amp? This could get really expensive trying cable after cable after cable, without knowing what to look for or having a frame of reference to start with.

Please, if anyone knows a source of info, a book, a site, or an actual person who can help me, let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, if you have experience with my particular COMPLETE setup, not just the individual pieces, your input would probably benefit me here as well.

Thanks for your time.


subcoolman
david_d
83 posts
 
Hi, Subcoolman!
I understand that you are so eager to learn and find out about cables, and thats fine. Continue so. But don't expect that when you learn "why" cables sound different in a setup you will be able to foresee how they will sound in a XY setup. That is a thing that even much more experienced persons cannot perform with accuracy. What they can do (based on listening experience) is to have a good sense for the "sonic character" of cables. The best way is to gather experience by hearing as much cables in as mutch different setups as you can. But don't be in a rush. Trust your ears. It will come in time...
Cheers!
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Subcoolman, your request is somewhat like the one from the man who asks: "how do I learn play the piano, and, oh, by the way, I need to learn it by tomorrow". With cables it is further complicated by the constant changes in equipment, rooms, personal tastes and cables themseleves. If you just want to get an immeadiate handle on popular options for your system, you may find the cable company helpfull. More than that and you'll have to slog through the "papers" and figure out whats true and whats bovine fodder. Better yet experiment for yourself. I admire your curiousity. Good luck.
dwhitt
347 posts
 
don't get hooked too much on interconnects or speaker cable, i have been a part of audio mania for over forty years and althogh interconnects and speaker cable play as much a part of the full musical system as any particular piece of equipment....go to a good high end store near you...and ask to use what you think you can afford over the weekend...typically twenty percent is a good range for pay out on connects,etc.....there are great companies out there and don't get caught up trying to listen to them all...your local store will have good connects,such as transparent, audiogest,etc. listen over the weekend ,they work well and sound good,buy them and forget the big hunt........listen to the music......dubwhitt@msn.com
buscis2's avatar
buscis2
468 posts
 
Subcoolman, I found some interesting and informative information on the LAT website. It was really the first exposure I had to the "inside" of the cable manufacturing industry. I believe the section is called "Cable Hype".

Lou (the owner) of LAT unravels some of the industry workings and provides you with some insight as to raw materials, manufacturing processees and theoretical design concepts. It may be worth your while to take a look. By no means will you become a cable expert by reading this info, but I feel it is presented with less of a "sales" slant, and at the least, will allow you to start "scratching the surface" of cable design.

Happy reading!
tweak1
3,666 posts
 
You've already gotten good advice about cables. Now let's move on. Do you want a really good sounding "system", then get on with your life and enjoy it, or do you want to play? Your components are excellent by themselves. Whether they work as a team is hard to say. Cables, power conditioning, vibration control, and room teatment (or lack there of) will make or break your system. www.audiotweakers.com
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