Do Costly XLR Cables Make A Difference?
Serious question here. I currently own a rather good XLR cable that goes between the amp and DAC. I’m considering a better XLR cable to improve things, basically all the good aspects of sound reproduction such as deeper and more defined bass, better separation and detail across the frequency spectrum and an airier and more 3-dimensional sound in the midrange and treble. Will a different XLR cable supposedly one that’s costlier bring me to that direction?
My current XLR cable costs about $2k actual price paid.
I’m looking at an alternative pair up to about $2k perhaps $3k tops if it is proven that the cable is able to bring a noticeable or worthwhile if not significant difference. I am actually looking at the Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 and Gold Eclipse 8 XLR.
Any experience would be appreciated.
my short answer to op’s question is yes but it depends on how good the system is (as always) -- i also feel rca interconnect sonic differences are more easily heard than balanced... this probably due to the fact the proper balanced design is more self-isolating to the transmitted signal, allows less deleterious impact from external interference but in either case, one need not spend megabucks to obtain top top notch sonics | |
have said this in many cable threads for dedicated audiophiles who sometimes change their equipment, it is good to treat a selection of cables as tools in a tool kit for final tuning, as they can and do subtly alter the sonic presentation, in terms of frequency response, perceived speed, openness, imaging qualities -- this is due to physics, different cables of different materials, construction, connectors, represent different electrical properties (r-l-c) and isolation from the surrounding elements cost of cables is another matter, there is much marketing b-s, especially regarding hyper expensive cables... so long as the cables are well made, with quality materials and terminations, it is smart to know what cables do what sonically, one can use cables to get the synergistic effect desired at any given time in my case, i have been at this for many years, swap equipment quite a bit so for interconnects i have beldens cardas zu discovery cerious to smooth/warm the sound, kimbers nordosts nbs to liven things up up top, vampire and other shielded silver cables to get more vast open imaging with a subtle sheen, straightwire wireworld mogami and midgrade audioquest to start things pretty neutral when a new component is inserted, go from there, and so on... there are those who say cables shouldn’t used a tone controls, in theory yes, but as a practical matter, experienced hobbyists do this regularly | |
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