Clearly cables can sound different, some of the differences are predictable by their construction and the materials used. But 'good' or 'bad' I don't know. Just different for sure and it all depends on their synergy with your components and your sonic expectations. That's it folks. Inexpensive v expensive, as far as I'm concerned that is either in your ears or between your ears and does not make what you hear predicitible. If I can I'd rather spend my money on stuff which is clearly more audible such as better amps, preamps, cartridges, speakers, etc. But, that's just me for sure, and I admit I'm not a major tweak freak. :-)
Are cable “upgrades” just as likely to make your system sound worse?
Many of us with highly resolving systems have found that speakers cables and interconnect cables can improve the sound quality of our systems. But are they also just as likely to do the opposite?
A few months ago, I “upgraded” to a renowned speaker cable, and immediately noticed more detail and resolution. I was so pleased I also “upgraded” the interconnects. But with more time I realized that the trade-off for more detail was a thinner sound with diminished tonal richness. Thus began a maddening series of attempts to fix the problem – different speaker cables, different DAC, different streamer, and now even a 30 trial of a new amplifier to try to overcome the thinness and find a more natural tone. It finally occurred to me to replace the out-of-sight-out-of-mind interconnects (with my original interconnects), and immediately the problem was blessedly solved.
Have others experienced this frustration? What recommendations do you have to avoid such fiascos?