Differences between cable sound.


Posting for a friend just getting into 2 channel. He's buying a phono pre and I suggested getting a better interconnect. Since he's low on cash the suggestion was made to get some copper cables from Blue Jean for starters. Now he's starting to do some reading and came back with"I read that silver are so much better". I tried telling him not better but different. In general terms, what do you folks think is the difference between the sound of copper, silver and gold in interconnects?

Thanks, Boss302
boss302

Showing 1 response by onemug

I feel like silver needs a defender here and of course, it's just IMO:

Use the right insulation (teflon or ?) and geometry and silver is the best.

Silver is a better conductor than copper, copper is better that gold. (fact not opinion). I'd describe it as an honest cable (done right). If you have a system that you would like to tame some brightness in, silver may not be the best choice but not because it's bright, it just hides less.

A good silver cable will cost A LOT more. I'd put it near the top of the diminishing return scale...money usually better spent elsewhere.

fwiw, I use silver interconnects and speaker wires everywhere now (CJ preamps, Pass amps, SET amps, Magnepans etc). The biggest surprise came when I had a vintage Marantz 18 receiver (very early ss) and needed some speaker wire to hook it up. I had an extra 8' set of silver/teflon but didn't want to use an "honest" cable on old ss. I did and the result was a sweeter sound. I still haven't figured that one out but I don't argue with my ears. I learned long ago it's fruitless, they win every time.