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Speaker Cable Upgrade... Advice Please

My current cables are Cardas Cross.  My speakers are Wilson Sophia 2.  I just changed electronics from Audio Research tubes, PS Audio DAC, and Whest Phonostage to the Devialet Expert 220 Pro.  The sound is a bit more bright and forward than with the previous gear.  I am happy overall, but I would like to tame it a little.  I am considering an upgrade to the next price category in speaker cables.  $2-3k retail new for a 2.5 meter pair.  Any suggestions for a cable that will work well with my gear?  Any thoughts on Nordost in that price range?  Perhaps Heimdall 2?

The brands that have peaked my interest are Purist, Verastarr, Nordost, and Cardas.

thanks!
Mark
marktomaras

Showing 2 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
The Cardas cables you are using have a sonic signature; laid-back, warm, and a roll-off in the highs. If the presentation of your system is now forward and extended, the new component is the culprit.
Swapping cables randomly, especially a revealing cable like Nordost is not the answer. It's entirely possible that the new component has a more forward presentation than your ARC system.
Are you sure the Devialet has been fully run-in?

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
I have found the Audience PowerChord and PS Audio PC’s to have a smooth and realistic top-end. They both present a laid-back image with excellent soundstaging. You can gain more detail as you move up the PowerChord line.
The Cardas Golden cables will have rolled-off highs, with a presentation that is more forward. The Clear line is more open, transparent and with good detail and texture.

Budget cables; Pangea, nice smooth top-end and laid-back, but not a detailed cable. Cullen is very smooth on top, with good soundstaging. Signal Cable, transparent but very extended and detailed.
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