Audioquest vs Mogami XLR Audio connector cables


I had recently purchased a McIntosh MC152 amp and I used my 6 year old Mogami XLR cables to connect it to my preamp. I decided since there was a 1/2 off on Audioquest Columbia cables to give them a test. I always thought Mogami cables were of good quality and was not sure what to expect with the Audioquest cables that were pure copper as well. 

In short there was a more open sound...more clarity with the Audioquest cables in a very good way. Little details were heard better and I have to say I am happy with my choice. I know some say there are no differences, others claim they all sound different, but with my setup, there was an improvement. If I did not like them, I would have returned them. I still have 60 days to decide if I want to keep them but they are staying. 

revelationsound

I don’t think the actual argument is that all cables sound the same. It’s something that has been parroted so many times that it has become a complete thought. The actual statement is that all cables that measure the same in terms of resistance, inductance and capacitance sound the same. The scientific folks claim that these 3 parameters are all there is, while the subjective people believe there is more than that to it. But it has been proven that large differences in those electrical characteristics can dramatically affect frequency response. Just as one example, high inductance can roll off the highs at audio frequencies.

When I replaced 3’ Canare star quad XLR with Neutrik connectors with a pair of Cardas Parsec XLR, I was stunned by the improvement. I doubt there was anything "wrong" with the Canare cables, which would be one possible explanation. Cables are between Benchmark HPA4 and AHB2. Had the same reaction replacing a slightly longer pair of Canare (lots of Markertek and B&H Photo Canare XLR here - bands, recording) with Audioquest Panther, from Pass XP-10 to Pass XA30.5. (Sold the Panthers long ago, hence the temporary use of the Canare with the Benchmark stuff.) I still have an RCA pair of Panthers, from a phono preamp to the HPA4.

After the Audioquest cables broke in, they sound very similar to the Mogami cables. The difference is the Audioquest has a slightly more open clear sound which provides a little bigger sound stage as well.