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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
mattw73
190 posts
 

For some budget type speaker cables that are crisp & detail I would recommend The Worlds Best cable 9 gauge premium versions. They are very flexible for their gauge size & look beautiful in their wrap with nice connectors. I paid a little over $200 for them. 

I found them to be extremely lively. Too much for me personally but if you have a dark system & wanted to open it up I would recommend to give these a try. At the time I tried them I was wanting to replace a pair of Rocket 44's. The WBC really showed off how soft & laid back the AQ's were. I eventually just went back to a pair of copper cables I bought from Japan in the 90's & put new connectors on them. They just have a plain rubber type jacket with koetsu stamped in a couple spots..but he was a TT dealer. 

Those Worlds Best come with a life time return policy lol. I returned them after a couple months no issues. 

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jrareform's avatar
jrareform
180 posts
 

I've been extremely happy with Shunyata Venom X cables.  These are way above the entry venoms and are more in line with the old sigma or a baby alpha.  Retail for $2000, I bought my set for $1100 from a dealer.  They beat every other cable tested on realism although admittedly I did not try many cables in their price range.  They just have an openness and flow to them that other cables do not have, combined with very clean transparency.  If you can get a pair, they are a bargain around $1000

jrareform's avatar
jrareform
180 posts
 

For those that happen to be reading and wanting a lower priced cable option, the Analysis Plus black oval, 12 awg are super good and you can get them for around $300 used for a decent length pair.  They crush a standard mogami wire set imho

joeycastillo
265 posts
 

OP

in my opinion, I have been thru this road before. For my listening taste, the cable I have chosen are made by Transparent and Nordost. 

to me cables are like tone controls. they seem to tweak the sound. the only problem is that this road is expensive as you need to switch cables around to find what you hear as a good synergy. I used UsedCables.com as a source or your local dealer

good luck

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