2. cables
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Need help with cable mess

Hello forum members. I've been infected by the high end audio virus the past 2 years and in the process have accumulated a mishmash of cables in my always evolving system. In the beginning I ran a Simaudio Moon I-5 with all DH Labs silver cabling and it was just too bright. During the last two years I've switched to copper cables, added a DAC, changed to the Electrocompaniet ECI-3, changed speakers, more cable experimentation...blah, blah, blah.

So here's where I'm at now...

Theta Pearl transport
Bel Canto DAC 1.1 [via Kimber Illuminations D60]
Blue Circle BC 21 [via Cardas Golden Cross]
Blue Circle BC 22 [via Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II]
NHT SW3P sub [via Analysis Plus Sub Oval]
ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures [via Analysis Plus Oval 9 biwired]
Acoustic Zen Tsunami and Absolute Power Cords PCs

I also on occasion swap in Mapleshade Double Helix coax, Cardas Lightning L-15 coax, and DH Labs Silver Pulse interconnects.

After all this time of correcting for flaws by changing cables I'm wondering what I'm missing by not having a coordinated set of cables throughout my system. I've always fought a battle to tame a bright system, and in the process have ended up with a system that is very enjoyable and fun to listen to for extended sessions. However, there are those times that I miss the tinkling of triangles and lifelike top hats that my earlier, albeit lean system produced.

Recently I spoke with Rick Schultz [not the EVS guy] of Virtual Dynamics by phone and Randy Bradley of Bear Labs via e-mail. They both make very appealing cases for switching to their cables system wide. I've read many great things about each of their products and can see the benefit of having some cable coherency throughout. From my equipment list you can see that I definitely suffer from a sort of Frankenstein cable approach. However, I don't have a lot of money to spend. I'm considering getting 2 one meter runs each of the VD Reference ICs and Bear Labs Silver Reference in place of my GCs and HTs and comparing them. Since the Bear Labs are custom made for each order, I'm not sure if I will be able to have the cables simultaneously for a shoot out. The Virtual Dynamics have a 14 day trial period and the Bear Labs can be auditioned for 30 days.

My question to my fellow Agoners is this. Do you think I will realize a noticeable improvement using THESE brands? Will a coordinated cable run from ANY manufacturer be an improvement? Will replacing only 2 interconnects and not the rest of my cables and cords be representative of possible gains? I like the ease with which my system performs. I don't want to lose the midrange fullness, deep bass and naturalness of female vocals I'm hearing now. However, there are times when my system sounds a bit veiled and I was wondering if either of these brands of cables would preserve what I like about my system and at the same time bring some added life.

Thanks!
gunbei

Showing 3 responses by gunbei

gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Sugarbrie, thanks for your response. What you're saying makes a lot of sense to me.

A couple weeks ago I installed an Acoustic Zen Tsunami power cord on my BC22 and was very happy with it, so I decided to look into replacing all my Absolute Power Cords with better ones. After talking with Rick of Virtual Dynamics I guess I got sidetracked into the whole matching interconnect thing. Your response has made me realize that I should make sure my power cords and conditioning are in order before prancing off and spending more money on interconnects and speaker cables. I should take care of my room acoustics too for that matter.

Besides, who cares if I combine combat boots with a bikini as long as I like it. Heheh.
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Soix, we're on the same wavelength. I'm planning to switch out the Golden Cross for the DH Labs Silver Pulse and see what changes are realized. Also, I've been long considering swapping the GC for the AZ Silver Reference. You're right about one cable making a big difference. I've really noticed that with the digital cable running from my DAC.

Danner, yes piece by piece is fun and often fruitful. And wondering "what if" has kept me so immersed in this hobby the last two years. I promise to trust my ears more, and the marketing by manufacturers less.
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Thanks friends for pitching in and helping a confused audiophile. I've decided to make sure my power conditioning is taken care of first, then I'll look into a cable swap. I've already found that one Acoustic Zen Tsunami cord has mellowed my BC21. I'll cord the rest of my gear, then reassess my situation. Thanks again!
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