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Cable upgrade

I was contemplating a cable change as I recently purchased new speakers, Focal Sopra 1’s. I am running McIntosh MC275’s (mono-blocked). I currently have Goertz MI 2 Veracity cables. I wonder if anyone has experience with Nordost Frey2’s in a similar type system, i.e. tube amps? As the Goertz’s are also of a ’flat wire’ build type, they might be somewhat analogous and carry similar characteristics, with the Nordost doing so at a higher level?

I made a huge jump in speaker capabilities and wonder if I should also upgrade to a higher-level speaker cable also. The dealer listened to my system after we set the speakers, and he stated knowing what he knows about the Focal’s, he felt I was leaving something on the table as to the highs with my current cables. He felt the highs sounded ’ truncated’ and not as open/airy. Yes, I know he’s probably trying to upsell, but he’s been pretty honest in my dealings with him.

I have read many threads here regarding the Frey2's, and they appear to be well liked.

 

TIA

tonydec
tonydec OP
23 posts
 

I've been listening a couple of weeks now, and I am happy with the Focal's and their "progress" so far.

I replaced the Veracity's with the AQ's I had just to see if I could detect any changes.  Seemed to even out the sound somewhat and exhibit a blacker background.  The Veracity's were a better match with my old speakers, so I'm assuming better system synergy with the AQ's and the Focals.  My interconnects are all AQ King Cobra XLR's, so IF I decide to make any changes, it'll probably be up the AQ line as at this point they seem like a better match with my gear.  Another plus is the AQ dealer is only about 15-20 minutes away so demoing different cables will be much easier overall.  As we know, just because one cable sounds great doesn't mean a better one will.  I experienced that with another system, a lessor line AQ actually sounded better to my ear on my CD player then the King Cobra's did.  

Am I thinking correctly here?  I'll check in again in about a week as speakers continue to burn in.  

soix
8,644 posts
 

Am I thinking correctly here? 

Yes you are, because you’re using your own ears, your own tastes, and your own system.  Keep going with that.  Higher price doesn’t always mean a better fit.  Sometimes less is more, especially with cables.  I’m just glad you’re happy with what you’re hearing.  Congrats!

tonydec OP
23 posts
 

Speakers are progressing nicely; pretty confident I am almost there. I had to reduce the toe in by a little bit and it made an improvement. When I started this, I was making changes in inches, and as I got closer it’s down to 1/4" changes which leads me to believe I am pretty much there.  After a week or 2, I will demo some upgrade cables and see if it will be worth it.  

adg101
1,057 posts
 

I own Frey 2 speaker cables and I am very happy with them. Prior speaker cable was WyWires Silver Series which are wonderful cables for the money. The Frey 2’s are very revealing, and will pull things out of a recording you may have never heard. I go back and forth on amps from a Pass X250 to a Cary V12i and both amps, the Frey’s are wonderful. Speakers are Wilson W/P 6’s. Agree to get to know your new speakers first but I wouldn’t write off the Frey 2’s down the road. The Frey 2 IC’s are great too.

ghdprentice
6,358 posts
 

OP,

A lot of audio equipment will flip flop in sound quality around 120 - 180 hours. Just an fyi. After 200 hours things tend to settle down and slowly improve. Some equipment leveling out at 300 - 400 hours. My Audio research equipment reached its final state at around 1,000. Most speakers, for me stabilized by 250 hours. But I have not experience with a whole gamut of different speakers.

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