Budget cable chaos??? Is River Cable the new star?


Sometimes, I wonder that some audiophiles waste more time trying to determine what "budget" speaker cable to buy, than a cables costing 5 to 10 times as much. I include myself in that inglorious lot

Budget cables keep popping up on Audiogon almost daily. And, "The Cable Company" has few to none to loan out for audition in your system.

Let's see to date: there is Anti-Cable Reference, Clearday, Clearview, JW Cryo, Canare, etc, etc.... Now, I have uncovered a new budget cable company called RIVER CABLE an internet company. Their speaker cable looks well made and attractive to display, AND PRICING is ridiculously inexpensive. They basically offer three models: the entry level "Starflex". Flexgyny 6 and Flexgyny 8 (top of their line) The few reviews I found, claim that the latter two speaker cables are very good for the money, but sound distant in the midrange. The Flex 6 model I was informed is a better choice for longer cable runs because of the extra copper used. Not sure what that means or is even accurate. I have garnered that copper based speaker cables tend to sound warmer,and often more musical than the more analytical and cool silver based cables

So again begging the patience of the membership, has anyone auditioned or owned these RIVER CABLE speaker cables, and if so, how do they rank in sound quality with the others in the ongoing "budget buffet"???. I think the industry should put a moratorium on the number of so-called "budget cables" issued each year. There would probably be less buyers's remorse,and suicides among audiophiles

NOTE: Please, don't just respond by saying: "you will have to JUST try them to see what works in your system" Oh, bollocks!!! as the Brits say. The Audio business is not a consortium of roving Renaissance Faires tossing cables to the crowds for personal use. Get Real!! Thanks, Jim

sunnyjim

Showing 6 responses by jtcf

I auditioned the Flex 8.I think they were 14 ft.long.They sounded absolutely dead in my system.Slow somehow,no dynamics.I had 150 watt ss amps at the time and hoped that the heavy gage copper would work well in a long run but it definitely did not.Also had a difficult time getting a refund after sending them back and ended up filing a dispute with my credit card company.
Others seem to like them just fine and they have gotten good reviews.My experience was not a good one though.
Sunny, if you want to try copper ribbons check out the Goertz M1 cables.I had some in previous system and really liked them.They had a natural,organic sound to them.I ordered both copper and silver and sent the silver back for a prompt refund.I was planning on giving them another try but I auditioned ClearDay first and am totally happy with them and the rest of my cabling,so hopefully I am done now.Unless that evil upgrade bug strikes again:D
I noticed they have a restocking fee now,so you might want to ask about that if you decide to try them.Best of luck to you in your search!
Tls49 makes some excellent points.My experience with Nordost cables echos his.Experimenting with the cdp and ic first makes sense.
I used the Goretz with two different ss amps with no problems,but apparently more research would be required on compatibility.Just what you need!It is indeed frustrating finding affordable cables.
Zd542 may be right.There could be another component or cable that isn't a good match in your current system.I suffered through that for a couple of years when my cdp bit the dust.Had to audition,return,buy,and sell for quite a while to get things right again.Wish you the best of luck in your search!
Sunnyjim that is just too depressing.IMO you would be very happy with a tubed amp.At the very least a tubed preamp.I know,nobody asked me but I've been where you are and tubes will give you the "musicality" inexpensively.Just trying to help.So long for now.