Need advice on speaker cables

Thanks for the responses. Nordost SPM was under consideration even before I started this thread. I am using an older pair of XLOs now circa 1996. I don't know the model, but the cables are thick and are of the green/lavender variety (the shrinkwrap around the terminated ends is solid green or lavender, while both jackets around the wire are green with one having a lavender stripe on it).

I'll be looking into the Goertz and Acoustic Zen as well as Paul Speltz which seems to have gotten a lot of attention on the forum.

Clio09;

Your comment about Paul Speltz cables is on the money. You may be able to trim your budget by about 95% and get the sound you want.

No kidding. These ugly bastards sound awesome!

Danlib1,

I'm looking very closely at the Anti Cables. Heck, with the money back guarantee I'd be an idiot not to see if they would work in my system. I pretty much know what I'll get with Nordost SPMs and I can easily live with them. However, if I can save some dollars in the process with the Anti Cables or Goertz's then I"ll be able to buy more stuff I don't need later on :) In any event I have read some posts concerning proper positioning of the Speltz cables. Can you comment on this. They seem to be very sensitive to positioning and not very flexible due to their solid copper design. The Goertz's seem to be lower maintenance. I also like the flat design ala Nordost.

The V12 is a tad dark sounding. I could imagine the Virtual Dynamic Nite II's sounding splendid with the Cary's. I've owned both products, but never had them working together. So take my comments with a pinch of salt, but buy the VD's now.

Rooze

Actually, the Speltz cables, though a solid core cable, can be shaped- carefully- to fit most applications. I've found the following points to be important:

1. Elevate the cables, about an inch off carpet.

2. Run the cables side-by-side, with a distance of an inch or two between them.

3. The spades are fairly thin...dont bend them around too much.

4. Let the cables run in a day or so, but there's no need for crazy break-in times or procedures.

5. When you listen, try not to think about how inexpensive they are :)

6. Do the neatest installation and cable routing you can, then give yourself some time to get used to looking at them. They're not pretty, but beauty isn't everything is it?

Enjoy. You may find these cables to be not just a bargain, but an absolute reference in some respects. Of course system synergies remain an important factor, but these cables may just be the ticket for you.

Good luck!