Speaker cables comparison chart:: Much Needed

Elisabeth, I doubt that I will go out and buy new speakers after I find what you term the "right speaker cable" I have been doing audio for 40 years, and I am not a fool
Your comments is similar to a friend's who once chastized me for buying a Phase Linear 400 power amp because he thought it would THEN COMPEL me to buy new speakers in a never ending spiral of buying. Did not happen!! I sold my beloved ESS-7 speakers to buy a Eurail pass, packed my bags, locked up the house, and travelled for 6 weeks in Europe.

If you need to know, when I returned and shook off the dust, I bought 4 large Advent speakers to create the infamous "stacked" double Advent system. And, Wow, did that sound awesome driven by Phase 400 amp....a fortuitous purchase

I don't think finding the appropriate cable, whether interconnect or speaker cable, (or even component), is lapsing into audio nervosa, but I do think it is plenty dumb to just plug in any old wire, and IMAGINE or PRETEND you are in hog heaven. I have a half of a utility drawer of IC's ranging in price from $50 to $700, and in age from 1988 to 2009, but I am not going to start collect speaker cables.

From what I read, Trnasparent Music Link Super is probably the ticket, or even the new Nordost LS Red Dawn. I have to use a use a 12 ft pair to accomodate the living set-up, and also avoid a nuclear war with the wife. So, I would say those pricey wires are eliminated; so, the other options I indicated before are under serious consideration.

KK's 12TC is overpriced for a 12 ft pair, and those lengths are not just gathering dust on audio show floor waiting to be discounted and moved out. Pairs of KK's 8TC often abound on Audiogon, but may be because long term owners are opting for the 12TC model, or greener sonic pastures with other brands. Nevertheless, they are an option, but my instincts tell me the Acoustic Zen Adagios will call for a one or two steps up the speaker cable ladder.

Lastly, I ask before, and I would like to know, unless classified by the NSA, what components, cables and ICs make up Elizabeth's audio system. BTW, I am an Audiophile but was cured of "audio nervosa" by Trappist monks who prescribed strong drink and Sunday NFL football. Thanks, Jim

To Elizabeth, Thank you for explaining the make up of your audio system. I am sure it is a righteous sounding rig

To Sgsglx: If anything, you may have rekindled my interested in Mapleshade Audio speaker cable. There online photos and description of the speaker cables suck. If you should come back to the my thread. can you provide me a brief description of the overall quality of sound of the Golden Helix cable, esepcially regarding musicality or drawing one into the music. I am familiar with the sound of the Soliloquy speakers.....Audiogon keeps "promising" to restore the old system of off line communications which worked beautifully in their previous format I would not ask any member to divulge his home e-mail address on line. Thanks again to all, Jimbo

Sabai, No need to qualify your opinion, stirring up the pot is one of the functions of the discussion forum So stir with gusto!!!

To Ssglx, Thanks for the follow and brief description of the Mapleshade's Golden Helix speaker cable; I think I might go for "Plus' version of the GH which is only $70 more. My system tends toward brightness so anything that will reduce or cancel any edge will be welcomed.

BTW, you did comment on the GH cable's musicality factor which is possibly the most important aspect of speaker cables which has such a direct effect on the sound. Of course there is the X factor, the speaker cables's synergy with not only other system cables, but the components in the system. Thanks Jim

Jmcgrogan2, Thanks for the tip about the GH plus; I think my system tends to sound tiped up. But, I will keep this in mind if I decide to buy. The price is reasonable and Mapleshade has a 30 day return policy