Interconnects/Cables of your choice, and why?


This can include the following: 

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- Balanced interconnects 

- RCA interconnects 

- TOSLINK Cables 

- SPDIF (Coax) Cables

- Ethernet Cables 

- USB Cables (USB-A)

- USB Type C (data-line cables)

-  HDMI Cables 

 

I’ll share what I use too, later on. Once this discussion post receives some responses. Let’s talk about cables for knowledge transfer and making the right purchasing decisions. Sometimes it's just fluff, other times it's the real deal.

 

thesummit

@thesummit, a few years ago during the pandemic, and we all can recall how much fun that was, I was able to take the time to put together a system that gave me the sound signature that I still enjoy to this day. It starts at the wall outlet with an AudioQuest power cable designed by Garth Powell for a AQ Niagara power conditioner that I plug the linear power supplies for my Chord TT2 DAC, Mscaler, and a ROON Nucleus music streamer, into. 
On the streaming side it starts with an unassuming L-Com CAT6 Ethernet cable from my router, and then things venture into the realm of boutique interconnects.

I picked every interconnect and cable because of their synergy with the components that I use and for their sound quality to my ears only. 
 

@roadcykler 

I choose cables based on cost and that they are aesthetically pleasing to my eyes because cables make no objective difference with the sound that comes out of your speakers. Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of electricity would know that. 

Are you from ASR or a fringe member of audioholics?

Cables definitely play a role beyond aesthetics and cost.  Aspects like shielding, impedance, and build quality can subtly or greatly influence signal integrity, especially in resolving systems. Dismissing them outright misses the nuance; yet doesn't undermine the credibility of this discussion. 

 

@adasdad 

 a few years ago during the pandemic, and we all can recall how much fun that was, I was able to take the time to put together a system that gave me the sound signature that I still enjoy to this day. It starts at the wall outlet with an AudioQuest power cable designed by Garth Powell for a AQ Niagara power conditioner that I plug the linear power supplies for my Chord TT2 DAC, Mscaler, and a ROON Nucleus music streamer, into. 
On the streaming side it starts with an unassuming L-Com CAT6 Ethernet cable from my router, and then things venture into the realm of boutique interconnects.

I picked every interconnect and cable because of their synergy with the components that I use and for their sound quality to my ears only. 

Makes sense. I suppose the only benefit of Covid was working from home and being able to tune our systems better; especially at night. People obviously weren't going out much, even after lockdown. Lockdown was fine. I survived it. Still a terrible time; my Dad got Covid and it was gone the next day after testing a few times. I never got it, thankfully. Bet your system sounds great, and you should be proud.

I started buying "specialty" audio gear in the mid to late eighties. It was immediately obvious that different cable sounded different.
For twelve of the subsequent years, I was in retail. During that time, I had the opportunity to experience a number of different brands with a wide variety of equipment. 
None of what I say invalidates your opinion. I don’t have your gear/ears/room/taste etc. But I have considerable experience over time.
I subscribe to the "loom" approach to cabling: source your cables from the same manufacturer so as not to compound the inevitable imperfections. 
Til recently, I was a "tube guy," and my cable of choice was Nordost. Open, fast, and clean with minimal editorializing. I had pieces from Heimdall2 to Valhalla2. (I didn’t even want to hear Odin.)
When I switched to Hypex class D amplification, I experienced a lack of synergy with the Nordost.
Long story short, my loom is now Furutech. Perhaps not as "airy" as Nordost, but neither would I say it lacks air. Rich, "musical," timbrally accurate, quiet background,  etc. 
Pro tip: if you can get the manufactured-in-Japan product at a reasonable price, probably used, I highly recommend them. On the other hand, their DPS-4.1, DAS-4.1, and DSS-4.1 products can be had in DIY form for a large percentage of the performance at a small fraction of the price of the MIJ line. You can also buy them pre-made from authorized resellers. Have fun!

P.S. It's telling how many boutique cable companies use Furutech terminations.

 

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