How Important Are System Cable Upgrades and Where to Start?


My limited experience indicates that the order of most to least important is:

Room Treatment: Room selection/ Audio furniture (vinyl playback)/ Equipment placement /absorbers/diffusers

Component upgrade

Component power supply

Power Source conditioning &/or dedicated circuit

Power Cable

Interconnect

Speaker cable

 

The exact order of the first five items likely vary a good bit depending on the room, starting components and quality of power.

What are your priorities?

Are your priorities based upon trial and error, or the logic of your thinking?

 

vonhelmholtz

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

I think it depends on where you are and your timeframe. If your system is all brand new in a new location… that is one thing, if you have an existing system… something else.

I do a system upgrade every 5 - 10 years. I change speakers typically every 10 - 15 years. So, I start with components. I would never start with interconnects or cables… this stuff is highly component / system dependent. I upgrade to the very best and compatible components and listen a lot. Get to know the sound of my upgraded system. Definitely take your time. Nuances mater. 

You have a great power conditioner. I can’t remember if you put in direct lines. These always help… so, whenever you get around to it.

Then, if speakers are new… speaker cables (these can be huge if you have significantly changed your system.. Then power cord for amp. Then interconnects, then the rest of the power cords. At this point your system should be performing really well and time for detailed room treatments.

I would never do components last… it can negate all the work you just did.

@lalitk 

I have always started from a stable and optimized system. Well, since 1980. As advice to the OP… optimize your system first… yes. As general advice no. It all depends on where you are.