Balanced cables

Thanks Atmasphere    ...that's exactly the information I was looking for.  I'm hearing a metallic sound that's driving me nuts (mids/highs)...and am looking for the culprit.  I tried everything including removing the drivers from my Vandersteen's ...Richard said they were fine.  My Ayre dealer thought it was the silver in the cables, but you nullified that idea. ...thinking it just may be my ears.....  

I have an all Ayre system (with Vandersteen speakers). I’m hearing a kind of metallic sound from the system which I’d like to pin down. As I stated above, its totally balanced from cartridge/CD player through the amp. I even removed the tweeter and mid from the boxes, sent them to Vandersteen who deemed them in excellent health. A while back I tried different XLR cables which had a minimal effect on the total sound....but that was awhile ago (Wireworld top of the line). I’m sure my hearing has changed (I’m a violinist and sit next to the piccolo) and just thinking about change. My amp is about 14/15 feet from the preamp, and no one has that length to try without a firm purchase.......still thinking. Re: Cardas......no luck with that brand. Colleen Cardas told me that it probably needed more time to break in (months?)....although I haven’t heard their newest offerings.

gdnrbob.....who is Ralph?

Slaw....I hear the "metallic" sound from all sources.   I tried many mats and insist my bare Classic platter is best for me.

Re: Cryo'd metal......pro musicians I know cryo'd their trumpets, trombones, sax's etc.  to find (what they tell me) is a more "pure" sound.

Shadorne.....thanks, but I sent the mid and trweeter drivers to Vandersteen who tested and deemed them fine.