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A Different Solution for Cables

In the past, I have contributed to topics on the forum about building your own cables and tweaking cables. I would like to revisit another cable theme that I have talked about in the past, one that has not received much interest since it is on the fringe. The subject is series cabling. By this I mean piggy-backing cables -- 2 cables only -- to improve SQ. I started experimenting with series cabling by chance, frustrated after successive purchases from well-known companies fell short of anticipated results. The most common shortcoming was thin sound with deficient harmonics.

I ended up experimenting over a period of years, mainly with PCs and interconnects in series. I have come up with improved SQ -- not subtle --- by trial and error. My most recent success came as a total surprise -- using interconnects in series from BSG QOL to Lyngdorf RP-1 before the pre-amp. I know that some audiophiles insist that making the signal path unnecessarily longer has to degrade SQ. The truth is that the contrary has often been the case with my system. The latest results are quite stunning. There must be a scientific explanation for this but I am not the kind who worries much about theories. I am more interested in the music. As long as the sound improves I am happy.

You might want to try experimenting with this if you have some spare PCs or interconnects in the audio closet. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results. Have any others out there done something similar that they would like to share while risking a few slings and arrows on the forum?
sabai

Showing 9 responses by sabai

sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
kclone,

This means attaching one PC or interconnect to another before plugging the ends into components. With PCs this means using a burn-in adapter to make the connection. I use only cryo-ed adapters. Interconnects need no adapter, of course.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
bdp24,

I have experienced something similar with sound stage being constricted and harmonics disappearing. That kind of piggy-back does not last long in my system. As I say, this takes a lot of trial and error. Have you actually experimented with series cabling? I would be interested in knowing the details.

steakster,

Glad to hear there are others doing the same thing I am doing. I knew I could not be the only one out there. As noted above, yes, the worst can also be brought out if the combination is a bad one. I just combined 2 XLR interconnects -- one with thin sound, the other with good harmonics. The result has really surprised me -- an opening of the sound stage with full harmonics and great detail. Like changing a component.

In like your analogy to blending spices when cooking. This is very much a matter of creating the right blend and discovering what blends well with what. Often, simply reversing 2 cables can make a huge difference. The difference may not always be pleasant, but there are many permutations to be tried out along the way before the best reveals itself.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
bdp24,

I would be interested in knowing what results you get. But in my experience there are XLRs out there that will give much better results than Mogami.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
gshepardbuster,

I would only be using cryo-ed connectors. I have found that non-cryo-ed connectors can degrade SQ.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
gnostalgick,

One way to find out is to reverse the wires and listen for significant changes in SQ.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
schubert,

What kind of switching are you referring to? I have never used ZU cables. What kinds of things happen when you use them in series?
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
firedrums,

And a cable with other characteristics besides frequency.

bdp24,

I have not seen this video of Paul's. I have not been able to find it yet. Do you have a link?. Paul's company makes some great products. I have his DS DAC and PerfectWave transport and will be upgrading to the new DMP transport eventually. But Paul seems to live in another world at times. One example was his intransigence regarding tube pre-amps -- until Bascom King came along. How could one hold out for so long? This is a mystery to me. And now he wants to use Mogami interconnects? You have to be kidding. I wonder where he has been living for the past 10 years. In a PS Audio cocoon?
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
alanholvey,

I never had success with wiring my speakers in series, so I find this really interesting. It shows how much can be accomplished in different systems using series wiring.
sabai OP
2,027 posts
 
The Mogami ICs will not do justice to your amps, IMO. I would try a Cerious or Shunyata product, if I were you. If you experiment with series cabling you may get even better results.
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