2. cables
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Good, Neutral, Reasonably Priced Cables?

After wading through mountains of claims, technical jargon etc. I'm hoping to hear from some folks who have had experience with good, neutral, reasonably priced cables. I have to recable my entire system after switching from Naim and want to get it right without going nuts! Here is what I'm looking for and the gear that I have:

Looking for something reasonably priced-i.e. used IC's around $100-150. Used speaker cable around $300-400 for 10ft pair.

Not looking for tone controls. I don't want to try to balance colorations in my system. I'd like cables that add/substract as little from the signal as possible.

Looking for something easily obtainable on the used market i.e. that I can find the whole set up I need without waiting for months and months. I guess this would limit you to some of the more popular brands. Without trying to lead you, here are some I've been considering:

Kimber Hero/Silver Streak
Analysis Plus Copper Oval/Oval 9
Cardas Twinlink/Neutral Reference (Pricey)
Wireworld Polaris/Equinox

Here is my gear:

VPI Scout/JMW9/ATML170
Audio Research SP16
Audio Research 100.2
Rotel RCD 971
Harbeth Compact 7

I would really appreciate your help on this. Thanks, as always.
dodgealum

Showing 5 responses by albertporter

albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Personally I like this response by Darrylhifi.

Rumor has it the original poster who wanted to recable his entire system without going nuts has committed suicide.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Robert, regarding your post containing the following:

Marketing ploy: Our cables float in water. So far, that marketing approach has not worked for us...LOL!

Is this directed at Purist Audio? They are the only company I know using fluid. In spite of how they look, the conductors in Purist do not come in contact with the liquid (I do their photography).

Regarding this entire subject and all the technical data posted (by everyone). I enjoy specifications as much as the next guy. However, it is not infrequent that a Yamaha or Denon's technical specifications "prove" them to be superior in the (all important) distortion and signal to noise specifications. Much superior to a VTL 750, Audio Research VT200 or (at signal level) an Aesthetix Callisto.

Problem is, the audiophile gear keeps kicking the cheap stuffs ass when it comes down to listening to the music.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Psychic, I will soon be on a plane to Sweden. Probably no posts until first of October.

The job begins Sept 7th and much of the reason for that thread was to announce Audiogon's commitment to European audio shows. Also explains my slow (or non) response to questions or offers on my Audiogon ads during that time.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Darrylhifi, is that typo maggots or magnets?

Sean
That's why I've said "don't blame the cables" if you don't like what you hear. While you can shoot the messenger, that doesn't change the message. Sean

Does this mean that if I prefer my system with Purist Audio or Elrod rather than Goertz that all my equipment should be changed out rather than continue to listen to what is working? I have excellent gear, doubt it needs a band aid.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
There is no tension Sean, your comments are a welcome addition to Audiogon. I always stop and read your posts when I see your name.

I am not much on tech specs, more of a gear for the sake of music guy. When a combination works (for whatever reason) I am delighted to be that much closer to the music. Perhaps some day there will be a way to measure all this and we can build a perfect system as easy as buying a fast computer.
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