2. cables
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My system....what and how will cabling impact?

Stereo Equipment


I know that not proving enough info is troubling so here is my complete list for my system.

All in around 100k.


Wilson Audio Sasha DAW

D’Agostino Integrated Amp

Clear Audio Ovation w/ 9” tracer tone arm

Clear Audio Concerto V2 MC cartridge

DCS Bartok DAC

VTL 6.5 phono pre amp (used w less then 50 hours of use)

HRS RXR Maple rack w/ isolation shelves

Transparent Music link and music wave cabling.



The room is strangely laid out. First, high cathedral ceilings with several peaks for sounds to bounce around. Second not too wide from speaker fronts to my ears but long. Approximately 25’ X 50’. From speaker fronts to my ears maybe 15. Speakers are positioned close to back wall and I am sitting on a sofa that places me about 2 feet in front of the front wall which is comprised of windows.


Now onto my first impressions. It sounds fantastic. Very warm, melodic, clean, rich and juicy are a few adjectives that come to mind. The TT sounds as good or perhaps at times better than the DAC. The soundstage is fairly wide given the limited space between my ears and the speakers.


Now onto my question. I have spent around $2,000 for cabling. I am figuring that those are what many of you would consider basic cabling. I see folks spending much much more for cabling. What does investing in high end cabling buy you? How does it effect the final outcome? Will the sound be richer and more realistic? What high end cables are recommended for the system I have? How much should one expect to spend for cables for the system I have assembled?


Thanks for your input.


lawmnsuu
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
You already have fairly decent cables. Not freebie patch cords anyway. What you do not have that will be a huge improvement is vibration control. I don't count the rack. It is after all just a rack. What matters far more is what's between the shelf (or floor) and the component.

For much less than you would need to spend on better cables you could put your speakers on Townshend Podiums. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/townshend-audio-podiums-the-full-review  These will be a huge improvement. Your speakers will disappear, the sound will become much more clear and detailed. Probably best of all, a huge amount of acoustic problems you probably think are room related will disappear. Because right now your speakers are transmitting vibration straight into the floor, causing the whole room to vibrate. On Podiums only the acoustic energy goes into the room. Huge improvement.

Then Pods under your components, another huge improvement. I would do all this before even thinking of spending more money on wire.
lwin's avatar
lwin
566 posts
 
You have a nice system and you will get a ton of recommendations from people who would love to spend your money. If you have a brick and mortar within a decent drive work with them : not call the Cable Company. Use your ears. I have borrowed from the Cable Company for years and they are a very valuable resource .

mrklas
441 posts
 
10% as a budget for cables is something I've heard - take it with a grain of salt as 3 months for an engagement ring is also a marketing slogan....

Are you using balanced connections where possible?  I noticed a big difference from Transparent Music Link RCAs to Balanced connections - there is a few db in signal strength gained.

Regarding high end versus quality - I'm currently evaluating upgrading speaker cables.  My amp is a McIntosh MC 302 and my speakers are Sonus faber Olympica Nova Vs:

Incumbent - Blue Jean Cables Canare 4S11
Replaced Audioquest Rocket 33s. 

Auditioned
Kimber Kable 12 TCs - No go...overall sound seemed to was 'compressed' and when it wasn't high's were harsh and the bass was muddled.  

Kimber Kable Bifocal XLs - Still evaluating and the cost is a consideration - Good dynamics and range but not sure if they are worth the money.  I

Next auditions may be Nordost or Transparent Supers.  

Good luck and share your experience
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
10% is old school old. 

When I look over that component list again, quite honestly that is some good stuff, but you have no idea how much performance you have just laying there on the table waiting for springs to set it free.
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