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Best way to buy speaker cables and to evaluate them

I've been researching this for some time now. Some people recommend using the lending library at The Cable Company (5% charge will add up fast) to evaluate cables and others just buy used cables and resale them if they don't work out at a small loss or break even. Others recommend establishing a relationship with a local vendor and borrowing from them. Unfortunately I cant do this last one since I have no large dealers in my immediate area. 

Being a lifetime audiophile I know cables are a very controversial subject so please if you are in the camp of not believing they make a difference please don't respond. I have no real direct experience in comparing cables so I want an avenue to evaluate cables without the risk of being stuck with something that makes zero difference. I also understand some companies offer a money back guarantee on their cables and this is certainly an option. I was curious what most people do?

I'm just using a simple Belden 10 AWG blue jeans cable right now but am curious what people think of upgrading this cable to something better. The other cables in my system are of higher quality, Triode wire labs power cables, Zavfino Fusion Balanced interconnects, and DH Labs Silver Sonic USB cable. Cables I'm considering (New or used) are Zavfino OCC Silver Dart, Zenwave SCR-11, Acoustic Zen Absolute, Audience Front Row, and Cardas Clear.

What kind of improvements could I expect by going with one of these cables? I would love to get some better air and transparency or soundstage if possible. I'm pretty happy with the bass. Any recommendations on what route to take or with anything on my system is appreciated. My system is in my profile.

willywonka
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,435 posts
 

@bigtwin 

Wow. My condolences. What a shame.

i didn’t realize it, until you mentioned the claims of the cable companies. I don’t think I have ever read them. Ever. I have always read reviews of cables and other things but never actually the color glossies probably also true with components.

stuartk
4,012 posts
 

@willywonka 

What I do lack is direct observation and comparisons between various cables in my system

Then The Cable Co. (or ordering from smaller companies that offer return policies) is clearly the way to go. BTW, the Cable Co. borrow charge is credited to any subsequent purchase. 

triton20trx
86 posts
 

I used TMR extensively because of the 30 day return. I buy mostly used. Their sales people know the products and can steer you in the direction your after. 
Check out Viablue they punch way above their price point and will provide everything your system is producing up stream. 

scslite
34 posts
 

I would highly recommend World's Best Cable their Ultimate series comes in 12 all the way to 7 AWG.  They are on Amazon and they have a free 10 year replacement warranty.  They refund you the return shipping as well.  What have you got to lose?  Try em and if you don't like them absolutely risk free returns.  More cable companies should follow suit if they are confident about their claims.

soix
11,233 posts
 

Thanks for the recommendation. One of the other questions I wanted to ask when buying used cables is how do you tell if they are genuine or counterfeit?

I suppose that’s always a concern, but AZ is very liquid on the used market and I’ve never heard of anyone getting counterfeits for what that’s worth — my guess is they’re just not quite big enough for counterfeiters to be interested but who knows.  And if you buy from someone with a 100% positive track record that probability likely goes down to near zero.  Anyway, past these I’d also second the recommendation for the Silversmith Fidelium cables that get stellar reviews, aren’t horribly expensive, and you can return them less shipping so low risk.  Veritas cables are also worth a look for the same reasons.  Best of luck. 

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