HAVE CABLES EVER TAKEN YOUR SYSTEM FROM SOUNDING JUST OK TO SOUNDING GREAT? Experiences ?

No, except speaker cables (Audience FrontRow on both systems). 

I found some gear are immune to RCA and XLR magic. 

On my headphone gear the cables made a massive difference. However, there was actual math behind the headphone cables from RAAL-Requisite.

In my experience, the improvements, if any, were very subtle at best. But noticeable on my test tracks. Or I at least thought I heard a difference. But since I don't recall doing a blind A/B with previous cables I'm not 100% sure it wasn't me just "wanting" to hear a difference and thinking I did.

I can't say that I have, but then again, I don't buy super-expensive cables, either. 

Yes. Search my name

Rick Shultz magnet power cords really made a big difference in my system

@pindac  I just added another set of ETI rca connectors to my second set of interconnects and it’s pretty incredible the amount of information they let thru compared to the Furutech 102r NCF connectors they replace. And they’re cheaper than the NCF’s. 
 

I started with replacing Furutech rhodium spades on my knock off Vahalla speaker cables with some ETI Link ( copper ) banana plugs and was so surprised I replaced the other Furutech spades with ETI Brio ( rhodium ). Then decided to change out the NCF plugs on one pair of diy silver ic’s with the ETI Link rca’s and then just yesterday the second pair of ic’s with ETI Brio rca’s. I kept chasing better power conditioning hoping to get the cleanest and clearest signal but not until these ETI connectors have I heard such clarity. And all the while quite musical too. 

Highly recommended.

Yes.  But only the good stuff.  And to the pedantic non-believing head exploding recalcitrant wankers.  Be quiet and allow us our bliss.  Thank.

Like @riie Cardas has made a great improvement on my system. First a Cardas Clear rev1  betweeeh my amp and preamp. Then recently tried a Cardas Beyond XL power cord for my Pass lab class A . Impressed with the organic sound Cardas produces. Some prefer a more detailed cable like Nordost. Also auditioned an Audience speaker cable at a store recently and it was excellent. That's why there is ample cable companies  to choose from. 

in my experience, cables have an effect (good and bad) in my system. i also believe in cable synergy.

They do have a profound impact and changes the tone/musicality of music

I have settled with audioquest, Transparent and Nordost as they are easily avaible to me and had a effect that i like, i am quite sure others out there may even be better but having budget constraints do pose a show stopper

@t_ramey I have been looking at the ETI Connectors in both RCA and XLR.

They share a similar material and build type of some others Branded Connectors I know off and have been listening to systems where they are in use.

My experiences of Cables in use with the Manufacturers Connectors and the same Cables in use with alternate connectors has made  a very good impression when a already very good Cable can add a furthering of the good impression made when attached to a different connector, in my world the end result justifies the additional cost being incurred.

A Profound effect on myself took place when similar to the above was experienced, but Low Eddy Connectors were used on both Cable and Chassis. The Signal Wire used in the SEAC SL 5000 Cable is PC CCC and this was compared as standard and with the Low Eddy introduction. 

Due to needing to be invasive and expose the electronics or Warranty Concerns. Swapping out Connectors attached to a Chassis might be a bit too much for the average person interested in Rolling Cables, or the next Option of Rolling Connector Types to be used on a Cable.

Are Cables coming with a Warranty? Are Connectors supplied with a Warranty?

Buying used Cable is proving to be a safe method if the supplier is able to be trusted.

Buying Connectors used is a little more risky as counterfeits do turn up on the Market, it is best if able to buy direct from the Producer.    

I’ve had some good cables recently take things up a notch but it wasn’t until I changed connectors that I was pretty wowed. ETI Research banana, spade, and now rca plugs have all allowed more information to come through and taken out some gritty or grungy sound that was there before from cheap connectors but also some decent ones from Furutech. Highly recommended.

I’ve never had a cable take my system from just OK to great. That kind of leap has always come from upgrading core components like better speakers, cleaner power, or proper room treatment. Cables can fine-tune things, maybe tighten the bass a bit or smooth out the highs, but if a system sounds just OK to begin with, no cable is going to work miracles.

I’ve tried some high-end cables out of curiosity. They weren’t total snake oil, but the differences were subtle at best. More like chasing the last one percent than making a real transformation. In my experience, good cables matter once everything else is already dialed in, but they don’t turn a mediocre system into something amazing.

That said, if someone’s had a true wow moment from a cable swap, I’d be interested to hear about it. Just hasn’t happened for me.

DNM Reson ICs clearly made things more coherent which to me was better.  

Wouldn’t say “just ok to great” but have been happily reacquainting with Cardas cables:

• Clear Reflection from DAC to pre
• Golden Reference from pre to amps
• Golden Cross from amps to speakers

 CABLE ~ Experiences ? 

Hearing is believing! Power cords’ sound comparison. This is change of only one PC.  Alex/Wavetouch

13:27 Wavetouch v2 PC ($250)  vs.  4:08 JPS digital PC ($700).

This are the following cables brand on their lower level that are good, Telllurium cables, Nordost, Audioquest , Kimber, Eva, I have not heard Zavfino and Veritas cables but they are getting review on this site.

There are many good cables now for less than 1k or $500 for ic. Cables can really make a difference if you can find the right match to your system. Usedcable.com has a lot to audition, with different level and prices.

Fairly recently bought a bi-wire 4’ pair Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval 9 to run to my Usher Mini Diamond 2s from a pair of Merrill Audio Veritas monos. It was a significant difference in drive, control and headroom. 

A Grover Huffman PC I put on my then EAR 834P was a big step up in dimensionality.

Going bi-wire on 3 different models of Usher speakers throughout the years, made a significant difference. The music just bloomed.

@pindac i never said it was. No harm no foul. Take care. 

@calvinj This is not a Product Plug, but on both RCA Phono and XLR the WBT and Eizz Connectors are very well made and each type does demand a respectable asking price when purchasing as a separate connector. 

@knownothing you welcome to a free trial of our cables.  I want feedback to how you think they sound in your system @sealegs the offer is open to you as well

@knownothing @pindac if you ever wanna try IC’s , usb cables or speaker cables pm and I will allow you to demo our Infigo cables free of charge you only pay shipping back. 

@westcoastaudiophile see post of you are welcome to this as well 

@cbrez tha is for sharing your experiences. I fully disclose my industry affiliation to everyone I talk to I work with Infigo cables and I literally ended up doing so because of years of trying over 50 brands of cables and I was the ear for the Infigo Audio cabling. We have a lot of cable deniers. I’m glad you shared your experiences. I chose to approach selling cabling different from everyone else by allowing free trials of our interconnect and usb cabling. I’m glad you found something that works. But we give free demos and if you ever wanna try pm me. 

I won't put too much into this Thread, because what I am to suggest is able to found in quite a few other Posts from myself within this Forum.

The use of PC Triple C Wire as the Signal Wire in a Cable has been for myself Transformative in relation to how they have allowed the well established System to Present at its best.

Others who have adopted my usage of PC Triple C as a result of my introduction have been even further investigative, without going too in to it, one change introduced has been to use Low Eddy RCA Connectors on a Cable Termination and on the Chassis. 

Low Eddy has changed my outlook on how a Cable can work, there is a very very Good Cable with a Termination from the Cable Producer or a Swap Out to a Low Mass Connector. A Low Eddy Connection used on a Cable as above will produce a Cable never wanted to be changed back to what was before, extend the Low Eddy  connection to the Chassis and it is difficult to understand what is occurring, especially with PC Triple C Wire as the Signal Wire. 

"have you ever made a cable change that opened up your system to new heights.” 

switching phono cable to balanced Phasemation CC-1200R was pretty big improvements, for MM and MC carts. 

as speaker cable in my 15ft long cable setup, Kimber Kable 12TC is the best! 

Another recent experience that maybe just took my system sound from pretty good to considerably better was adding Anticables Level 7.3 RCA interconnects between my DAC and amp.  I have used a lot of different RCA cables in this application and this one improved a lot of things related to soundstage, reducing sibilants on hot recordings, and better defined and textured bass.  I can play my system at higher volumes with less fatigue, and a lot of “Wow” moments.  This product is really additive on other cable improvements upstream, and not sure it would be as profound without those happening first, but a big positive improvement nevertheless.

I have been reading and hearing about Anticables for years, but never tried them.  At least their top of the line interconnects are excellent and reasonably priced for the performance level.  So good in fact I am considering a set for my analog front end.  I think the KLE connectors have a lot to do with the performance.

kn

@dean_palmer thats the best answer I’ve heard in a long time.  When you take all those principles into account. Do your research. Do a lot of trial and error and employ actual scientific principles you can create something that allows the most free flowing uninterrupted pathway and signal from your electronics to your speakers. 

@ps yes I did disclose. Those that know me follow my threads.  A lot of folks have met me in person and some I’ve known for years on Audiogon.  If you don’t like my threads or posts you can ignore them. I initially was not affiliated with any brand.  I am now with Infigo  but I’m still an audiophile and I like to know what others in the hobby think and feel. I’m not worried about crediblity etc.  it only became an issue with you because I told you I could ask and start forums in CAPS if I choose to. Once again if this thread bothers you don’t have to post here.  I was not affiliated with any brands my first 15 years posting and now the last 5 I am.  I run a successful non audio related for the 23 years. I do a little audio related stuff on the side.  Those that care to meet me in person can at the SWAF in Dallas or AXPONA in Chicago. Take care buddy. Now let’s stay on message about the thread not me. Happy listening.  

@OP:  @calvinj

Mr. Calvin Johnson, did you initially disclose, prior to starting this (and your other) threads, that you peddle a line of cables? If not, do you not think that full-disclosure is essential to establish your credibility, and avoiding even the slightest appearance of less than ethical behavior?

Simple answer, no.

Yes I’ve heard differences and sometimes improvements but nothing earth shattering.

The biggest difference I've heard was with the addition of Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables.

I noticed a very nice improvement when I went to using Cerious Technologies Graphene Lumniscate speaker cables. The music details were clear and had a bigger soundstage. I also noticed a nice improvement in sound when I went with a full lume of Veritas XLR cables in my system. Cables do make a difference, but everyone has their preferences and it’s system dependent.

I just added a second turntable. Since the new premium turntable cable was back ordered I used a cheapo just to get it running. I have to say when the new one came in and installed, the difference was incredible. I wasn’t expecting such a discernible difference. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend considering a cable upgrade to your shopping list. TD124/SME M9R, VPI Classic HW/10” Fatboy

@jafreeman thats why at Infigo we allow people to try before you buy most of the time. It’s exactly why I started the demo program. I feel like a purchase like this you ought to be able to try it out most of the time.  Your system.  Your environment. Makes sense to me. 

Once the ganfet amps came in the door cabling in general became much more of an audible factor for me.

@roxy54

I'm certain the devil is much more fun than me ;-) 

We are told our gear and cable make good antennas for RFI: cellular towers, home wi-fi, home security cameras, digital TV, two-way radios, police radios,  powerful airport transponders--all make up the "fog" that occupies and clouds your music-signal pathways.  Good cables provide better shielding.  Better copper, such as OCC, has fewer grain boundaries and inclusions that distort the signal.  Believe what you want because you are told so, but there is no knowledge in this area without first-hand  experience.  

@dean_palmer 

Are you really the Devil?

Cables are not a "belief"... their functions are supported by electrical principals and physics. This must be one of the top arguments of all time, but if we throw out the extreme stupidity involved with using "lamp cord" at the low end and then cables that cost thousands at the high end, we enter a realm of reality of where there are clear benefits given by the best conductors, shielding, terminations, solder, soldering process, etc. Will any of this make an audible difference, probably not in most cases. Is there a difference??? Yes, it is there, and I think of it this way, if I use the best possible gear that I can afford, I'm pretty sure that is a component I really do not need to worry about in my system. People will argue this to the death.

A step up in sound quality each time I pull out the credit card to buy a new cable.

BUT! …. I don’t buy new cables unless I’ve heard them in my system, and they had time to break in, and I clearly hear a difference going back and forth with my current cables.

Always use favorite heard many times music tracks and listen for more details and a relaxing (non ear fatigue) presentation

It also depends on what your going to and where you going from 

@bugredmachine Read for a few years before even posting and based many of my trials on recommendations found here (and then was able to source a lot on Agon).  

@calvinj  Excellent cables added for sure but nothing beats a great (treated or untreated) room. Many like drinking and touting their own Koolaid and that’s just the way it is.  

No. And goodness knows I’ve tried a lot of ‘em.  10% improvement in some areas in the best case scenarios. If that. And ROI? Minimal. If that.

Original posting question: 

Yes, cables were my last frontier. In short I was not a big believer in power cables but am now. Synergistic Research are predominant in my system now on the power side.

My system page lists all the cables I have tried in the last 3 years and I took it seriously to punctuate what my system was capable of. There were many setbacks and sideways moves. No full loom for me. I ended up after plenty of permutations on what I believe is 90% or better unless I spent much more farther up the brand levels.

I read a huge amount of reviews including by members here and sought mostly used cables recommended by you folks. Had many eye opening moments but once I got the taste of what was possible I kept going and am very happy.

Ready for sharing my system with others now.

@mitch2 great points.  It also depends how much a match they are to your system. I have had some of my customers at Infigo Audio tell me about a substantial jump in the level of their system after they tried our stuff. But sometimes it’s a matching thing. 

@mitch2 great points.  It also depends how much a match they are to your system. I have had some of my customers at Infigo Audio tell me about a substantial jump in the level of their system after they tried our stuff. But sometimes it’s a matching thing. 

My experience remains that cables do not totally transform a system (i.e., from bad to great) but, at least in my recent experience, they can certainly add that final touch that changes the sound from "something's still missing" to "nailed it!"  

I have been comparing eight different sets of interconnects in a system that requires two pairs at 2M and one pair at 0.5M, all balanced - XLR. 

I have zeroed in on a set of Belden tinned copper cables, a set of Gotham copper cables, or a set of Cardas Golden Reference ICs. 

The Gotham cables are quite sweet sounding, the Belden cables are also sweet sounding and have a hard-to-resist richness and musicality, and the Cardas GR cables have great tone, depth, and punch, while sounding just a bit more rounded/smooth than the others.  I was surprised my reference Furutech u-P2.1 cables don't seem to be making the final cut, and I am also surprised to be finding it hard to put away the Belden 8402 tinned copper cables.

@jas_in_phila1 different systems need different things. Glad you found something you like. 

@big_greg sometimes it’s a system matching issue and synergy. Your system probably needed that cable change.  I see that all  the time. 

@gordon thanks for your response.