Anyone Tried Cable Rolling?


Here's a switch for you:

Since installing some more revealing cables and amplification in my system, my CD playback sounds generally fantastic. In contrast, my vinyl playback sounds more dynamic, faster, and very detailed and immediate. But it actually lets me hear more of the recording and record-wear issues than I'm accustomed to hearing, making some recordings sound harsher than I'd like.

I thought about installing a tube preamp, but didn't want to soften the bass or add other colorations now that I've achieved this level of resolution (tube lovers will disagree -- fine, whatever!).

I was trying to decide whether using a tube phono stage or tube linestage would produce the desires effect, and then thought about putting something in the tape loop so I could switch it in or out at the touch of a button.

Then it hit me. Over the years I've been amazed at the differences in resolution and presentation I've witnessed by simply changing out interconnects. And wha-da-ya-know, I just happend to have a stock of "vintage" personal favorites lying around in a box or three.

So hooking one of my past favorites up (2-ft pr. of Petersen Emeralds) I was amazed to hear the exact sonic signature of that cable when I switched it in. The mids got real pretty, highs rolled slightly and the bass was good, but not quite as articulate and impactful as with them switched out. Heck, it was almost as though I had added an active tube stage (close, anyway).

I really like this option, and I still have a few other cables to try that may yield even better results. So now, if I want to hear every wart of record playback, I can run it direct; then for worn records or poor recordings I can punch in my choice of "buffer" cables to tone it down a bit. I like it. I like it alot. Not to mention that this idea has saved me from the expense (and possible tribulations) of buying some more tube gear -- at least for now!

Has anyone else tried this?
plato
Guys, thanks for the comments! It does actually work well.

Kurt, the surface noise is very acceptably low, but I can hear groove wear in some older records that have been played a lot. That's a little different, and changing the cartridge won't fix that. Also, many of my pop recordings have been recorded a touch on the bright side, so being able to tone that down just a litte is a nice feature.

Cheers!
Plato,

Since you are now picking up on the phono surface noise, have you considered switching out your phono cartridge?

Some cartridges pick up more surface noise than others.

Some cartridges, like the Koetsu's, Transfiguration, etc.. are dead quiet.

Some cartridges like the Shelter's pick up a little more, but are still pretty quiet.

Some like the Benz Micro Glider pick up still more. Not bad mind you, but more than the other two.

(You did not list what cartridge you are using, so I listed the few that I have personal knowledge of.)

Just a thought. Good Luck in your search!
Frank you've come up with a simple, effective, & best of all free tweak (since you already had that cable on hand). Like I always say; the simplest ideas are usually the best!
Actually Plato, I think you've a very clever idea. And if I didn't already have the most expensive (Purist) cables I'll ever be able to afford throughout my system, I might just try it -- and God forbid something else would sound better!!
Post removed 
Tvad,

Nsgarch was just having some fun with his comment. I had a Behringer 8024 UltraCurve Pro EQ in my system once. I could never get that system to sound "right" or anywhere near natural with the Behringer in it. It was a bad sounding piece, in my opinion although I know they've improved a bit since then. They would have had to improve it immensely for me to like it full range.

So, I would probably not use a Behringer full range although I might consider it for bass duty only. I am not looking for a radical change, only a subtle one, and only on LP, not CD (which is great).

My idea will let you hear the exact sonic signature of any cable in the tape loop, which can be useful in more ways than one...
Post removed 
Well Nsgarch, I suppose that putting a high-quality EQ in the tape loop makes more sense than some of the lengths audiophiles go to to achieve the sound they're looking for... Thanks for the suggestion. :)
And next, you might want to try a high quality equalizer in the tape loop. But you'll have to turn in your badge and gun.