Poll about cable
- Thread starter jaxwired
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matthewpiano
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2007
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I believe that interconnects and speaker cable both have equal importance and that they can make or break a system.
I used to be a cable sceptic but doing A/B comparisons between different cables has shown me that the differences can be quite considerable.
To me, what is the point in using quality interconnect to ensure the full signal reaches the amplifier and then limiting it with poor speaker cable?
But then quality speaker cables can't put back what has already been lost through using poor interconnects.
What I do think, however, is that quality cables aren't a cure for a poorly balanced system. They can only make the best of a set-up that is pretty well matched. I have a firm belief in the importance of synergy and, to me, that has a much bigger effect than cables.
I used to be a cable sceptic but doing A/B comparisons between different cables has shown me that the differences can be quite considerable.
To me, what is the point in using quality interconnect to ensure the full signal reaches the amplifier and then limiting it with poor speaker cable?
But then quality speaker cables can't put back what has already been lost through using poor interconnects.
What I do think, however, is that quality cables aren't a cure for a poorly balanced system. They can only make the best of a set-up that is pretty well matched. I have a firm belief in the importance of synergy and, to me, that has a much bigger effect than cables.
Whilst both are very important I think my experience over the years has suggested that speaker cable is a touch more important. Perhaps it's something to do with the fact that it carries a bigger current over a longer distance.
I had a demo done the other week with a pair of Sterling Black Mamba cables - these ones here - http://www.usedhifishop.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=589
They were compared with some thick stuff that was from Maplins, can't remember the spec but I think it was 70 odd strands or something. Anyway, there was definitley a difference to my ears, the biggest thing I noticed seemed to be on fast transients - like with a firmly struck snare drum. Just seemed to be sort of better defined with the Mambas. Don't understand why this would be but I was quite impressed. Sadly they don't fit the terminals on my NAD amp otherwise I would have had a pair. I have no experience of interconnects other than the cheap ones the dealer threw in for free when I bought my system.
Arthur.
They were compared with some thick stuff that was from Maplins, can't remember the spec but I think it was 70 odd strands or something. Anyway, there was definitley a difference to my ears, the biggest thing I noticed seemed to be on fast transients - like with a firmly struck snare drum. Just seemed to be sort of better defined with the Mambas. Don't understand why this would be but I was quite impressed. Sadly they don't fit the terminals on my NAD amp otherwise I would have had a pair. I have no experience of interconnects other than the cheap ones the dealer threw in for free when I bought my system.
Arthur.
Both are important. Decent speaker cable is important as it normally covers longer distances than interconnects, whilst the entirety of the cable is not surrounded by other electrical equipment like interconnects are, it is open to interference across it's large surface area. Or sum'ing like that.
IMHO it is not a clear-cut answer one way or the other. It all depends on your starting point. Since the upgrades will not deliver improvements in linear function but rather diminishing function, it all depends where on the concave curve you are with your interconnects/speaker cables already. I hope that makes sense
Its all about synergy to me, and it is the weakest link in the chain where the greater gains will be had.
So many variables to factor in so no clear cut answer from me!
So many variables to factor in so no clear cut answer from me!
Have to agree with chainrock; it depends on where you're starting from and what your kit is. If you have bog standard supplied cables, any upgrade will make a difference if you have any degree of discerning hearing. After that it depends on your partnering, perceived increase in quality, diminishing returns etc. And if it makes the last Kings of Leon album sound any good, you know you're onto a winner 🙂
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