If you're planning on upgrading the amp and/or preamp anytime soon I'd personally skip this step and focus on getting the components right. However, if that's not going to happen for a while and you're just looking to find a way to live happier with this setup you might stretch your budget a bit and try the Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference. The original version (i.e. not the Reference II) would probably work best since they're quite a bit more laid back in the treble and richer and fuller in the mids and bass. And they're probably a little cheaper than the Matrix Reference II if you can find them. Looks like they can be had for $250 - $300 used, and if they don't work you can probably sell them fairly easily for little or no loss. Best of luck.
Preamp-power amp interconnectors advice
I have a Nakamichi CA-7A preamp that feeds into the power amp section of a Luxman R-117 receiver. In this setup, highs and upper midrange are a bit bright while lower midrange and bass are not as strong as I would like them to be.
The CA-7A and Luxman are now connected with an Atlas Equator MK II cables that are considered “neutral”. If I use silver cables instead, the sound is very harsh and bass/lower midrange almost disappear. This leads me to suggestion that a cable that is a bit on the “dark” side, or the one with bass/lower midrange sonic signature, might be the best for this setup.
Any recommendations on such a cable with the price around $100-150 used?
Thank you,
The CA-7A and Luxman are now connected with an Atlas Equator MK II cables that are considered “neutral”. If I use silver cables instead, the sound is very harsh and bass/lower midrange almost disappear. This leads me to suggestion that a cable that is a bit on the “dark” side, or the one with bass/lower midrange sonic signature, might be the best for this setup.
Any recommendations on such a cable with the price around $100-150 used?
Thank you,