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Speaker Cables Upgrade - Which Ones?

I'm upgrading my speaker cable for my Harbeth C7es-3 speakers. My power amp would be Pass Labs XA30.5.

Not sure it it matters but my pre-amp could be one of these: Audio Research LS 26, Ref 3, CJ ET 3, Leben CS28, Pass Labs XP10.

I'm looking for tight, dynamic bass, neutral/slight warm and medium to full body mid range and extended/smooth treble.

What cables would you recommend? My budget would be around 1k - new or used. What about Audience 24e, Cardas, Auditorium 23, Purist Audio, Acoustic Zen Sologram II? How do they compare in terms of 'sound'?

I appreciate your feedbacks.
r0817
jperry
2,430 posts
 
Per Alan Shaw:

Harbeth speakers do not need fancy cable. Anything available that is reasonably thick will work OK. 5A electrical flex will get you going. Simple, un-cool standard flex is all you need. Avoid exotic cables with strange electrical characteristics.

You will note that despite numerous requests over the years Harbeth does not 'make' fancy speaker cable. I've been told that we could 'charge what we like - if it has the Harbeth name on it people with queue up for it at any price'. So why haven't we offered it? We just don't believe in it.
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I was very impressed by Tellurium Q black speaker cables. A ten foot length cost $500, and their claim to fame is in their clarity. I did feel I could hear lyrics better. Not easy to find, but it looks like 300 ohm antenna cable--thin and flat. I would still use it but I need 8 meters of cable now and I ordered River Cable. We will see.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Get exotic cables, anything else would be garbage!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,265 posts
 
Alan Shaw is not an audiophile, not by any stretch. And yet, somehow he manages to design some pretty darn good speakers.
thesaint519
162 posts
 
Transparent Audio, because that brand would allow you to grow up the line and get cash toward your upgrade. Secondly, once you get to the Reference level, your cables are tuned to match the impedance of your gear. There is no other company I know that customizes cabling to fit your needs. Finally, they sound heavenly.
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