Trying to avoid having to try a dozen different speaker cables, if that is even possible.



I could use some advice around speaker cables.

I appreciate your positive input.

I am using my Marantz CD player drive into a Schitt Iggy DAC.

My preamp is a Mac C52 which pairs nicely with a pair of Pass Labs 250.5 power amps.

One amp powers my front ADS L2030’s and the other amp powers a pair of ADS L910’s on the sides.
I happen to side the ADS sound, and have this orientation as it provides me a more “surround” experience.

I am aware of the benefits in sound using good quality interconnects so I am using AudioQuest cables of the mid-range level like Yukon.

I am also using good quality power cords. Shunyata. All ones that are medium range in price.

Where I am lacking is in the speaker cables, I believe.

I was using home made cables using 10 gauge copper wire made by Knukonceptz.
I realize that this is my weakest link in my system.

I am trying to avoid the changeout swap-uhm-out technique if I can, and hope to move into cable that will simple work fine on first try. Yes, I have rolled tubes, and tried this and tried that, and I spent a lot of money doing this to get to where I am today.

I do understand that good speaker cables and interconnects do make quite a difference.

I had a long conversation with a well known cable company that told me to dump my homemade cables.

I do not disagree. But, he also recommended a bunch of different cables for me, and so I’d like to hear from those in the know about how to proceed. Please keep this informational. It is appreciated.

Here are some of the manufacturers mentioned to me.

Synergistic Research
Cardas
Analysis Plus
Shunyata
Audioquest
Kimber Kable
Audience
Nordost

I was asked what kind of music I listen to. Well, primarily rock, but also jazz and classical.

Regardless of the style of music, I simply want to heard what was recorded. All of it.

I am aware that cheaper systems can mask instruments/performances hidden deep in a recording, or the blanket over the system sound from poor cables. My gear is good and they all play nicely together.

I am simply looking for detail and 3D imaging. This is why I have the Pass Labs vs a Mac 452.

The Pass Labs projects the sound out into the room creating a more 3D experience.

I want the same thing from my speaker cables.

I’d need a pair of 10’ and a pair of 18’ cables. I would want banana to spade.

My budget is $2,000-$3,000 for the 4 cables. I am also aware of diminishing returns.

Do I even need to be spending this much on speaker cables?

I do not want or need the best cables known to man. I want cables that are the best bang for the buck in my price range.

Also, I am not opposed to buying used cables from a company like usedcable.com but I’d appreciate your opinion on buying used cables vs new. It was also recommended to keep both sets of cables made by the same manufacturer for sonic consistency.

Any help is truly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

What cables would you recommend and where from?






johnnystereobuyer

Showing 8 responses by johnnystereobuyer

Thanks for all the input. Interestingly, I do have a pair of ML Summit X as well as a pair of Montis, but side by side, the L2030's sound better....
at least to my ears. I also forgot to mention I also use a SVS or ML sub with the rig.

Any input around the Morrow SP-7 vs the Synergistic Research Foundation?

Again, thanks for the assist. It is appreciated.
Hi. The Schitt Iggy DAC blows away the built-in DAC in the Mac.

Then again, it is 2K used.

As a follow up, I spoke with Morrow Cables.

A 3 meter SP-5 runs 535 a pair.
A 3 meter SP-6 runs 824 a pair.
A 3 meter SP-7 runs 1236 a pair.

Anyone have experience with these?

Or should I be looking more at Synergistic Research Foundation series?

Or the Cardas Cygnus?


THX!
Yep, ADS are pretty awesome. I have owned pretty much all models of them at one time. The 30 series to my ear is the best.  L1230, L1530, and L2030, which are really quite rare. I bought a pair in mint condition.

So, I spoke with Jason at the Cable Company.

On Monday, he is going to send me 3 sets of cable on loan to try.

Shunyata Venom

S.R. Foundation

Cardas SKY

I welcome opinions around all 3 of these.

They all run about $1,000 a pair. Same ballpark.
Thanks to all for the posts. ADS L2030's were the biggest speakers made by them in the 80's. They weigh about 190lbs each. They are well balanced in terms of highs, mids, and bass. I want my ears to be sonic fingers digging deep into mixes.
I have experience as both engineer and producer, and I am able to hear/perceive the smallest details and things that disappear in most mixes.

I want cables that present the most detail with a 3D soundstage. My interconnects are primarily all mid priced Audioquest.
I was hoping to avoid any snark. I have not heard the cables I mentioned. Some here have. In that I value their opinion, there is no reason why I cannot and/or should not ask. I fully understand that no one can tell me what I like. If I knew what that was, then I would have no reason to have posted this, or have asked other's opinions.

And thanks for the direction regarding the Cable Company. My impression was similar to yours. I have the option to move in a different direction before I make any commitment prior to Monday. I thank you for the input rdk777.
No popcorn. This is not audio drama theater. It is simply a guy trying to gather information from other experienced individuals regarding an important link to his system. I appreciate the input so far, and really wish to stay away from others with a personal agenda other than mine.

I understand that some posts and/or posters may wish to carry this thread in another direction, but I ask politely to not do this.

I am trying to weed through the hype, and the shills, and gather information designed to benefit me and my decision regarding speaker cables.

Many thanks in advance to those sincerely trying to provide me their personal input.
Thanks to all for the positive input. Make no mistake, any products mentioned and all links provided, I have since looked at or read.

Information is King
Communication is Queen
and without those two...
You Ain't got Jack