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Do IC and Power Cables Really Make a Difference?

If you had asked me a few months ago I would have said either "very little" or "not really" not from experience but from a generally cynical attitude regarding all the hype that often infects this hobby. However, I have come to a new opinion based upon my recent experiences with cable substitution that imparted such positive benefits that I had to share.

My system includes:

VPI Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XH
Rotel RCD-971
Audio Research SP16
Audio Research 100.2
Harbeth Compact 7ES

I've had the system wired for several years as follows:

VPI Cable from the Scout to the SP16
Wireworld Eclipse from the SP16 to the 100.2
Wireworld Equinox III from the Rotel to the SP16
Naim NACA5 from the 100.2 to the Harbeth's
Stock Powercords for the SP16 and 100.2

And achieved very good results. However, after reading numerous posts extolling the virtues of Audience cables I decided to outfit the whole rig (except the VPI cable which I had custom made) with Audience wire. I began by replacing the IC's between amp and pre (Au24) and CD and pre (Conductor) and the speaker wires (Au24). I fired everything up and heard VERY slight differences in the sound--some of which I figured were in my head! As I listened further I began to feel that the new cables were slightly more musical, coherent and tonally correct than the previous set up. This was not a huge difference, rather very subtle. I doubt the casual listener would have heard it and I'm not even sure that I would have been able to tell the difference with a blind test. I attribute the small degree of change to the fact that the Wireworld cables were very good to begin with and that the Naim wire was no real slouch despite their inexpensive price tag. After about a month I took the next step of replacing the stock power cords with Audience Powercords. Holy Crap!! The system was markedly improved. The music emerges from a dead silent (blackness). Dynamics and speed are enhanced. Pace and timing are improved. Transparancy increased. This was not a minor change but rather a mindblowing one--akin to upgrading from an inexpensive integrated amp to full blown high end separates. And remember--I came into this very skeptical and fearful that I would be wasting my money. Bottom line: the Audience products and very good indeed and seem designed to work synergistically (in other words I don't think I enjoyed the full benefits of the IC's until I also put the powercords into the system). The powercords in particular were transformative. I don't know why or how they improve the sound but if you are on the fence about making the investment in aftermarket cords, are skeptical of their value or are looking for another excuse to upgrade your system (like you really need another excuse!) I cannot recommend these cables more highly. My system, which sounded good before, has reached another level altogether. I am particularly pleased with the additional openness, naturalness and dynamics that the cables provide. I just wish I had seen the light earlier.
dodgealum
ricred1
1,981 posts
 
reggy,

"Would you agree that there is a limit to spend on these power cables in respect to sanity regardless of how much money you have and the enhanced musical experience? "

I agree that 'for me" there is a limit on what I'll spend for every component, including cables. I would never suggest there should be a limit for someone else. I submit that everyone should have a home audition of cables/power cords. Individually we should use our ears/wallets to determine if the sonic benefits are worth the cost.

"Or are you the type of person who is no-cost objective to achieving that kind of performance you are ever so hoping for?"


I think I already answered this question, but just in-case let me make it clear. No, I establish a range that I'm willing to spend for every component!

"Can music sound great or "better" when the components are selectively and synergistically paired? Yes."


I agree:)

"Given everything is in order - DAC, preamp, amp, speakers can a $3000 cable make a substantial difference in comparison to the highest quality cables available using a bit of research <$300 - a "reasonably sane target price".

NO, -- probably not ever justified, music can sound great but it can't sound that great of an improvement over that kind of money spend on power cables."

This is where you and I have strong disagreement. I don't judge people or set limits on how they spend their money. If they want to spend $10K on a cable and/or power cord, who am I to judge them? 

Finally, I agree there is a law of diminishing returns, but it's different for everyone. Thanks for an honest discussion,
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 
Tested a pair of balanced Audience SX ICs in my system and thought they were excellent cables. At the end of the day I thought their price to benefit ratio was a bit steep (for me) but I could have gladly lived with them in my system.
reggy
56 posts
 
@ricred1 yes a discussion rather than an argument is what I usually have in mind. Usually to gather insight as I like to acquire before deciding on a purchase myself, but sometimes in the process I question others in their purchases and where the products stand in respective to price-performance is albeit productive in its own purpose. 

I am curious on the cables you have set on, would you mind listing the power cables you decided on giving your unique budget?
ricred1
1,981 posts
 
reggy,

USB cable- I've only compared Wireworld Platinum to Audioquest's Diamond USB in my system and I choose the Wireworld Platinum.


Power cables- I compared the following power cords in my system: Shunyata Alpha and Sigma, Wireworld Platinum and Silver Electra, Blue Circle, Audience, Panega, and Audioquest. I ended up purchasing three Audioquest Hurricane and two Tornado power cords. I recently sold my Tornado power cords and now I have all Audioquest Hurricanes.

XLR- I had Wireworld Platinum XLRs, but after hearing Audioquest Niagara XLRs in my system I sold them. Prior to the Platinum I tried Kimber Hero, Silver cables and Transparent Audio. I have one set of Niagara and one set of Audioquest Fire.


Speaker cables- After trying many speaker cables I settled on Clarus Crimson.


reggy
56 posts
 
It's nice to see someone who has experience in a wide variety of cables, I've ordered the Pangea recently, and I was wondering if you could compare that cable's sonics (hopefully they were pangea ac 14se mkii)  to the Wireworld Platinum, Blue Circle and Audience for example as best as you can. I'm really interested in those improvements or whether they are more synergistic for your system. Also, what speakers do you have that accompany them. 
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