Cable upgrade


I was contemplating a cable change as I recently purchased new speakers, Focal Sopra 1’s. I am running McIntosh MC275’s (mono-blocked). I currently have Goertz MI 2 Veracity cables. I wonder if anyone has experience with Nordost Frey2’s in a similar type system, i.e. tube amps? As the Goertz’s are also of a ’flat wire’ build type, they might be somewhat analogous and carry similar characteristics, with the Nordost doing so at a higher level?

I made a huge jump in speaker capabilities and wonder if I should also upgrade to a higher-level speaker cable also. The dealer listened to my system after we set the speakers, and he stated knowing what he knows about the Focal’s, he felt I was leaving something on the table as to the highs with my current cables. He felt the highs sounded ’ truncated’ and not as open/airy. Yes, I know he’s probably trying to upsell, but he’s been pretty honest in my dealings with him.

I have read many threads here regarding the Frey2's, and they appear to be well liked.

 

TIA

tonydec

Showing 7 responses by tonydec

Thank you for the replies. Yes, I am running the speakers in before next purchase for sure. I did like the Veracities with my other speakers, the Focal’s are for sure more articulate so I worry they might sound too bright with a cable that’s just as revealing. I've had Audioquest CV-4's, and demo'd Rockets and the Veracity.  The Veracity won out sounding a touch wider in sound stage with tighter bass.  I’m sure he’d let me try the Nordost’s, it’s about an hour drive each way with tolls but probably well worth the time.

I was hoping someone had heard the combo or close to it to help me decide. Thanks again, keep your ideas coming. I think I’m just going through "itchitis," these speakers sound good, can I make them better? : )

I've been listening an average of about 6 hours a day to facilitate them burning in.  I detected a change in the soundstage today, seemed to flatten out so I moved them around a tad.  Have a nice deep soundstage with better focus with a slight toe in.  I'll see how that settles in the next week or so before making any changes again if needed.  Amazing how much difference small increments can make.  I have the "Get Better Sound" book to help me along.  

As many recommended, cable change will wait until I'm satisfied that speakers are run in and stabilized.

I've been listening a couple of weeks now, and I am happy with the Focal's and their "progress" so far.

I replaced the Veracity's with the AQ's I had just to see if I could detect any changes.  Seemed to even out the sound somewhat and exhibit a blacker background.  The Veracity's were a better match with my old speakers, so I'm assuming better system synergy with the AQ's and the Focals.  My interconnects are all AQ King Cobra XLR's, so IF I decide to make any changes, it'll probably be up the AQ line as at this point they seem like a better match with my gear.  Another plus is the AQ dealer is only about 15-20 minutes away so demoing different cables will be much easier overall.  As we know, just because one cable sounds great doesn't mean a better one will.  I experienced that with another system, a lessor line AQ actually sounded better to my ear on my CD player then the King Cobra's did.  

Am I thinking correctly here?  I'll check in again in about a week as speakers continue to burn in.  

Speakers are progressing nicely; pretty confident I am almost there. I had to reduce the toe in by a little bit and it made an improvement. When I started this, I was making changes in inches, and as I got closer it’s down to 1/4" changes which leads me to believe I am pretty much there.  After a week or 2, I will demo some upgrade cables and see if it will be worth it.  

To update, I feel the speakers may be just about there as I have not noticed any glaring differences in their sound lately. I have again made some changes placement wise. I found 2 positions that seem agreeable to my ear. One has slightly better bass, the other a slightly deeper sound stage. I have all the measurements written down so now I’ll go back and forth between the 2 and see which I prefer the most.

I am still considering a cable upgrade at some point.  As an example I have been told that AQ Robin Hood have a good bass reponse, the William Tell even better, so if I go that way I'm thinking I can use the speaker position that gives a better soundstage and the cable upgrade may produce the bass that the second placement did so best of both worlds?  Then again, it may lead to have to totally change speaker positions dependent on cable response.  What a hobby!

Pretty satisfied with my speaker placement at this point.  Now to contemplate cables or not.   

Thank You.  The King Cobras have been pretty good bang for the buck for me and seem to work for my ear.