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I'd like some recommendations for speaker cables

I understand this is a touchy subject.  My intent is NOT to have this result in that typical cable discussion. All opinions welcome.

As an update, in a previous thread I was asking for upgrade recommendations.  I ended up trading for a Hana Umami blue.  It's great and I appreciate the advice.

I've since bought a set of long (25') XLRs to run between my amp and pre-amp, which has enabled me to move my component rack behind the listening position closer to the media.  It was between the speakers.  Now, the only thing between the speakers is my amp, and it's at floor level.  This has made a huge difference in the soundstage, the accuracy and the location of things in the sound space.  Great improvement.

The XLRs I was using to run between my amp and pre-amp were entry level high end cables.  I replaced them with normal Mic cable.  Well, high end mic cable.  And the high end mic cable is way better than the audiophile high end brand cable.  I'll go as far to say the audiophile cable is awful.  I've since ordered another pair of XLRs, from a different manufacturer, to replace them.

I also replaced my speaker cables with mogami 3103 that I terminated myself.  They sound "darker" and less detailed then the cable I was using, which I'm unsure of the manufacturer of my previous cable.  I plan to re-terminate my previous cable in bananas to compare some more.  My previous cable was, maybe, too bright.  Don't get me wrong, the Momagi is good, just not what I think I prefer.

My main question is, If I'm looking for detail and a "brighter" sound, what speaker cables would you recommend I try?  

Also, do most dealers let you try cables?  It's not ridiculous to think I could work with a dealer to try to hone in on what I like, right?

dothebluecolts
renosteve
40 posts
 

I would stay away from the Cable Company, I spent 3 weeks answering their questions with no results and gave up. Total waste of time.

jsalerno277
490 posts
 

Excellent system.  Your AR and PS Audio electronics are tuned towards rich musicality.   On the other hand Maigco’s house sound is generally tuned to detailed clarity.  However, while I shy away from their M and S lines because of this, the A5 does present rich musicality, and is my favorite of their products, when paired properly with electronics, as you have done. That said, be careful of what you ask for - bright speaker cables. I always recommend going with the most neutral speaker cable I can find, and do not attempt to tune with cables.  IMHO it’s not a good idea.  I will recommend as I always do - WyWires Platinum series.  25 feet will be dear. Their webpage states their 35% off the Platinum series is still on.  ThIs is one of the most neutral in frequency response and timbre I have heard, providing excellent micro and macro dynamics, stage width/depth, and imaging.   If you can afford it (above my means) the Diamond sounds similar but gives more of everything.  Read published review as well.  The CEO, Alex, is very helpful and just a nice person.   Go to www.wywires.com.  

 

052rc
78 posts
 

Like some of the other poster said, try The Cable Company. They'll send you a box full of cables in your price range to demo. Listen to them and pick the ones that sound best. You can't ask for a better way to do it. 

Post removed 
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,833 posts
 

With. System consisting of Audio Research and Magico you should stick with established cable manufacturers - Nordost, Kimber, Audioquest, Audience, Synergistic, Shunyata, Transparent. 
For Ref 150 feeding Magico A5 you should be looking at cables ranging from $2500 - $5000 retail. That’s why I recommend used Audience FrontRow - they’re well balanced, have a natural tone and are very transparent without being bright. They retail for close to $5k now if I’m not mistaken. 
Nordost Tyr 2 will be more aggressive and forward. I was also surprised how small the images were in the soundstage when compared to FrontRow. 
You can try different cables from the cable company as well but bottom line is don’t go cheap with the equipment you have.

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