2. cables
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cables are they worth it?

I own a mid-fi system:
CEC TL51x $1500
Wadia 12 $500
VPI Scout $1200
Lyra Dorian $800
Rotel Pre and power $1000
Clearaudio basic $300
Impulse speakers $3000
Wireworld atlantis 5 $500

Total about $8300 my gut feeling tells me spending more then $200 per interconnect would be a waste of money. Soon my phono pre, pre and power will hopefully be replaced my an intergrated. Meaning I need 2 interconnects. Right now I own a Cardas Hexlink 5C and a Cardas Golden Five.
I asked an "expert" on what interconnects I should use and he recommened JPS Labs Superconductor 3 or Synergistic Research Tricon. Both cost around $800 each for 1 meter. Isn't that way overkill for my system?
The same for powercords would it be a waste to spend more then $50 on them, none of my power outlets are grounded.

Sure I would like to believe that expensive cables have a positive influence that is why I bought the Cardas some time ago. But I am really not sure if they are better teh a $50 wallmart cable.

Ps I live in the Netherlands.
mordante
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I don't know your speakers but, other than the Rotel, the balance of your system is considerably better than mid-fi.
When it comes to cables it is very personal. Some people claim to hear huge differences. Others claim to hear subtle differences with concentrated listening. Others claim to hear no difference. You really need to listen and decide for yourself if they are worth the cost. Don't buy based on a review or the opinion of someone else. I think there are differences but I don't believe anyone who claims to hear orgasmic differences between cables. I believe they are deluding themselves to justify the expenditure in their own mind. Just one man's opinion.
gregm
3,395 posts
 
Don't think of designer cables as "
better teh a $50 wallmart cable.
Rather, think of it as wire that's better adapted to the requirements of sound reproduction... IOW, here, more expensive is only better selectively.

Anyway, JPS is an interesting wire. However, at the cost, I would hesitate (unless funds are plentiful) and probably opt for solid-core cable instead, for interconnects. There are plenty of alternatives; one cheap alternative is DNM.
Post removed 
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Let's not go to Walmart for cables. It is against our religion as audiophools. Home Depot for DIY is respectable even Rat Shack would be better.
That said your amp isn't in the same class as the rest of your gear. The amp is the heart of a system , it is the engine of your system, save your money get that amp first, you can buy used Signal Cable for now it is very inexpensive and good enough.
I bet You will see that a good integrated or monoblocks with a pre are much better, and don't be scared off by tubes. Obviuosly mono blocks and the peamps in particular are expensive but man they can be incredible, I found Nirvana with Opera Consonance Cyber 800s which are tubed monoblocks 75-80 wpc and a used AES-3 pre also tube but only two. The AES-3 cost me 350 or less used what a steal I wish I could find a phono stage as good. Either an integrated or a better power amp will take you a big step forward heading to Nirvana.
BTW I like Cardas too but once it is in the chain you get the effect downstream so don't worry about that.
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