Do you consider cables to be a "component" of your system?


Meaning, do you think that cabling (AC/InterConnects/SpeakerWire) should be considered a component that is integral to your system?

I have probably as much money in cabling and fuses as I do in most of my components (if not more).

Please, please, PLEASE don't tell me that cables don't make a difference. I disagree and there's nothing you can say or do that will change my mind, so save it for another thread, please.

I just wondered if you had to recommend a set up to someone (who wanted a nice stereo), would you consider cabling to be essential in your build price and your recommendations? If so, would you consider the cost of the cables to be on par with the cost of a component?

 

 

128x128coralkong
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@erik_squires They are terrible choices for tone controls.

They are but if your system is bright, for example, the last thing you want to do is add a bright cable into the mix. 

There is a lot of focus on an umbilical cable used for connecting devices.

These are essential and when the correct ones are discovered, are Capable of creating a impression that seemingly is a benefit to system.

These are only one proportion of the Signal Path, and there are other considerations that can create an impression that rises above the impression the Cable can make.

There is the Visual element that can be easily identified and the element that requires a more invasive approach.

The Cables Connectors either RCA or XLR can be looked at, Low Mass with Pure Copper Pins, is in my mind, the most desirable metal to be used for the Connectors Pins. Searching the Web can find connectors with OCC Pins in use.

The RCA or XLR Connectors on the Chassis are, in my mind, best if Low Mass, Low Eddy and with Pure Copper Pins . Searching the Web can find connectors with OCC Pins in use.

There are Copper and Silver Wires today produced as OCC and there are later Generation Design Wires such as PC Triple C.

Wires from the three above, used on the circuits signal path will be quite capable of offering a presentation that will really show off a well thought out selection for a Umbilical Cable and its assembly, especially if the Connectors used on both Cable and Chassis are used that are a high performance spec'.

These methods are not usually seen as a discussion, but when the experience of such changes are encountered, the impact of these is quite mind boggling and a real head scratcher.

Trying to describe how a couple of small changes has made such a forceful impression, where betterment is undoubtedly present, is not a subject I excel at, but luckily I converse with some who can make it known quite comprehensibly in a layman's wording. I have no dispute about the descriptions on offer, it certainly matches the impression made at the time of demonstration.      

I do consider them to be a part of my system. But my room is a much bigger part of my system. In my opinion, one really cannot know what cable choices to make until one has stabilized the room factor. Some cannot change their rooms, but if they can, they should do the room first before trying to fix problems with cables. 

yes, as i do the room, the rack, power supply and so on ... it all matters

but experience tells you what aspects matter more vs less... so as not to let the tail be wagging the dog... just like in life, smart folks know what is really important, and don’t sweat the little stuff unnecessarily, or let worries about such get out of proportion

Will your system function without cables?  No.  So they are components.

Will your amplifier function without a fuse?  No.  So it's a sub-component.

Will your speakers function without special footers,  Yes.  So they are tweaks.

I always upgrade speakers (every 2 or 3 cycles) first, then components, then cables, interconnects, power cords last. This reflects the typical degree of effect on tne sound. Occationally an interconnect or cable will have a large outsized effect… but not typically.

 

So, over time the interconnects would typically represent 10 - 20% the value of the component. I usually try enough different brands to make sure they sound the best. So, at this point my speakers cost $32K - cables $5K, average component cost $20K, interconnects $3K, and average power cord $1.2K.

I have tried a variety of interconnects. For instance, a $17K interconnect on a $17K component. The difference was subtle but important. I was not remotely tempted because a $34K component would have netted a huge improvement in sound … while tne same investment in interconnect was minuscule in comparison.

Yes, I do but I need to hear the system first before I put the final tune on it.