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Upgrading Speaker Cables: Wireworld Silver Eclipse or Transparent Audio Ultra?

More than 15 years ago, I bought a set of speaker cables to accompany my then brand new Revel Ultima Studios and Krell FPB amplifiers.  While I continue to adore the sound of my system, I know there have been a lot of advancements in cable technology this century.  Consequently, I believe that a [relatively] low cost upgrade would be a purchase of new speaker cables.  (I have no intent to replace either my speakers or my amplifiers at this time.)  I live in an area that is several hundred miles distant from any high end dealer, so doing a sonic audition of cables is infeasible; moreover, I could not duplicate my combination of other sources, amplifiers, interconnect cables, and power cords -- as well, of course, of my room environment.

All that being said, I have done tons of reading about speaker cables these past few months.  The result of my efforts has been to narrow down my two upgrade choices (both bi-wired) to Transparent Audio's Ultras and Wireworld Cable's Silver Eclipse.  Coincidentally, their respective MSRPs are between $50 of each other.

Ideally, I would love to read responses from other Audiogon members who have actually auditioned one cable against the other.  That is likely to be nigh unto impossible because I have been unable to identify a single dealer who carries both lines.  Consequently, I would be delighted to receive anyone's thoughts about the pluses and minuses of each individual cable.

Many thanks to all who provide their much appreciated insights!
128x128jmeyers

Showing 5 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@auxinput  You've posted here enough to realize what a canard the old silver is bright line is eh?

@b4icu  Of course, size is not all that matters with cables.  Purity of conductors, nature of dielectric, cable geometry, connector quality all matter. 

What we do with our systems is all about the system.  Finding that synergy of components and cables and footers and equipment stands also the nature of our listening space, all and more make up our system.  Working toward that audiophile utopian experience is what our quest as audiophiles is all about.  How much like the real thing can I experience from my system?
Agree with others here that borrowing a few pairs of cables from a place like the Cable Company might help you find the speaker cables that bring the music closer to you in your system.  Happy hunting! 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@b4icu "Purity: Did you know, that the copper wire industry STD. for copper purity for electric use, is 99.98%. That’s the worst!
All purity you may add (none was proven beyond the claim it is!) can improve that by 0.02%.
There is no way that would make any sonic difference."

Would you be able to hear a difference if there was one? Would you be able to realize the natural decay of a brushed cymbal into the soundspace? Would you hear the wood versus the plastic tipped drumstick? How about the natural layering of sound from a live symphony orchestra recording?

Where do those musically relevant nuances live? Cable-wise they are revealed or obscured in the "Purity of conductors, nature of dielectric, cable geometry, connector quality"

Can you hear those nuances that bring listeners closer to the performance? Probably not as you are likely a prisoner of your education which locks you in an empirical box, a mathematical prison.
Most of us here at AG have long realized that there are things we do as tweaks with our systems that have a sonic impact far surpassing what our educations would deem possible. So what has become of us? We have, over years of dedicated listening, enabled our ear brain system to "hear" those nuances that inform our appreciation for the details in which the true musical experience lives.
Can you break out of your prison? Do you want to be free?
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@auxinput  "It is largely system dependent, but they all add a level of brightness and sterileness."  Might the more appropriate adjectives be detail and openness?
An example of this is my SACD player's owner's manual.  The manual that accompanies the Marantz SA-KI Ruby discusses the two output filters that the user may choose between using the substantial metal remote.  The default Filter 1 is described as "Very precise soundstage and smooth tonal balance."  Agreed.  Filter 2 is described as "Neutral tonal balance - slightly brighter than “Filter1"  No! Not Really.
Since the filters can be flipped on the fly you can readily analyze the differences between them.  Filter 2 is NOT "brighter" than Filter 1, it is more "detailed and dynamic".  I say that because the revealed detail is realized across the frequency spectrum, most especially the bass.  More detailed pluck of the string on an acoustic guitar, more air and breath to a flute etc. The dynamic ebb and flow of music is more natural and satisfying with Filter 2. The music pulses and at times surprises with its jump. (in all fairness, a prime benefit of the "Ruby")

All of this is of course system dependent!  That is my objection to your characterization of silver as "bright".  In some systems, metal dome tweeters? perhaps.  I hear more detail and dynamics here.
Thanks for weighing in.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@dweller   Thanks.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@b4icu  You may have misinterpreted my intent.  I am not questioning your hearing acuity.  I am wondering if you would allow yourself to hear differences that do not align with your rather narrow construct based on your education.  Thanks for sharing your perspective!
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