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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
krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
119 posts
 

Nothing to think about if you have the money for the best: Cerious Technologies Lumniscate. I have the full loom 

zimwig's avatar
zimwig
76 posts
 

Allnic 5000zl incredibly neutral and quiet.  You can buy direct from US distributor

Kevalin Audio. 

paulcreed
583 posts
 

I’ve found you have to spend a little extra and climb the ladder of the big name brands to get good performance. I’ve enjoyed Straightwire Crescendo 2 and 3 speaker wire and interconnects. If you can find or don’t mind brands that are older or not as big name check out Clarity Cable/Z Cable or Von Gaylord Return of the Legend 7000, Avon Gaylord is a little more tipped up than Clarity Cable which is very transparent.

mike4597's avatar
mike4597
312 posts
 

+1 on Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables.  I had used BlueJeans Cable, Audioquest Rocket 88, and some custom Mogami cables, and they all sounded “fine;” but not remarkable.  Although a cable skeptic, the reviews and user input on the Fideliums, along with Jeff’s return policy, prompted me to five the Fideliums a try.  The results were stunning: expanded soundstage in three dimensions, better tonal qualities of the instruments, greatly improved midrange and highs, and FAR MORE of “the performers are in my room” sense.  The Fideliums really “opened up” my system.  Even my non-audiophile but music-loving wife said there was a major improvement.  This led me to also purchase a set of Fidelium XLR interconnects to connect my DAC to my Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp; there was another noticeable improvement, this time over a pair of mid-level Morrow interconnects—level 4 or 5, which I am now using with satisfaction in my second system.

benstelz
60 posts
 

I just purchased a set of Aperta SE from Veritas Cables after being highly impressed with their Nexum A digital cable (it beat my Snake River Boomslang which I love, and cost less in the process). Unfortunately even though they shipped quickly I didn't have time to connect the Aperta SE speaker cables before I had to leave town on business. Initial thoughts are positive given the robust built quality. I am hopeful based on that and my experience with their AES cable but we'll see.

They offer a 30 day in home trial period, so I felt a lot more comfortable taking a chance on it. I don't think I would buy anything without that option now. Whether returning to a dealer or direct to the builder like Veritas and many other small brands. 

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