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Best interconnects & speaker cable? I don't get it

I don't know if there is a question here but I'm posting this to see if there is something I'm missing or overlooking in this observation. To the point, I've read many posts arguing the benefits of one or more conductors over others and I almost understand some discussions regarding, at least, comparisons of wire gauge for speakers. Maybe it relates to my less than well developed ability to discern subtlities in sound quality but I really can't hear much, if any, difference between interconnects or speaker cables.

As an example, I was recently experimenting with an amplifier selector (Niles DPS-1) which can accommodate a max of 14AWG speaker wire. In doing so I had to disconnect my existing cables which are "high end" 12 gauge per leg bi-wires. In making this comment I realize that just because my old wires are big and expensive does not necessarily mean they are the best match for my system or even any good. But...even though I think I am able to hear some small difference between them, to say that I think one is better than the other would be a stretch.

It seems to me that there are factors that would logically lend to the issue of quality, the primary of which would be conductor resistance and/or impedance. However, for transmission of line level signals, I can't see impedance as a significant factor.

All that being said, I believe that some listeners with acutely honed abilities can actually hear these differences and, in a way, I am somewhat glad that I don't; It makes wire choices much easier and way less expensive.

My current system consists of Shanling S-100 CD player, CALSigma 2 DAC, Rogue Audio Sphinx and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers with various interconnect and speaker wires.
128x128broadstone
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"03-12-14: Tbg
Audiolabyrinth, please don't think I'm unhappy with where I am. I don't want to get off the merry-go-round. I am still thrilled with realism and I have met some great people. I must also say that I don't understand people who have no passions. Year ago I had three passions-audio, racing catamarans, and seeing the world. I don't live near the ocean anymore and I've seen most of the world other than Antarctica.

Last night I discovered that some amps are enormously improved being on Star Sound Tech. Sistrum Apprentic platforms. Others are not."

You really need to get to Antarctica. If you've never heard naturally cryoed cables before, you are in for a real treat.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,905 posts
 
No matter which side of the fence you reside on, one thing you've got to admit is there is a lot of love in this hobby.
Some of these discussions set an example of how easy it is to be civil.

That's why I enjoy this site.

All the best,
Nonoise
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ TBG, Oh No, when I said that, what happened to me in your post, it was the few times I listened to systems that I thought audio could not go to that kind of performance, then after that, I was ruined!, there gos all my money!, then I related to you about after this exsposure, I cannot go back, nothing to do with being unhappy, I suppose you misunderstood what I was tring to say, happens all the time with me, LOl!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
oops!, I meant for my last post to be for Zd542, Not TBG, very funny, I did not see the zd542 above the TBG, my mistake.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
I agree with you, Nonoise. Regardless of sometimes vastly differing opinions, most arguments are well taken and, to use your description, consistently civil. It's refreshing and provides some comfort for those of us who may be somewhat less knowledgeable in certain aspects of the hobby, to participate in these discussions.

Getting back to the topic, the one point I'm taking away from this discussion is that, if I continue this quest, sooner or later I'll possibly have honed my listening skills enough to identify differences in speaker wire and how that ability will help me tune my system. Although I'm quite happy with my system the way it is and it possibly is the best I can expect with my combined components, I won't let that stand in my way of chasing the ghost.
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