In all cable R&D and testing that I have done, solid core conductors have beat stranded every single time. I second the recommendation to look at Audioquest because of it's use of solid-core conductors. They are not expensive cables if you look at the Rocket 44 or Rocket 88 line (though you can definitely get really expensive if you want). The Rocket 44/88 line uses solid-core conductors with different gauges (17/18/20/21awg) which allows both low frequency and high frequency signals to be transferred very well. You can bi-wire if you want, or do a double-run to increase the overall gauge. One option is to look at the "no frills" option at Audio Advisor (the "premium" option uses Pangea terminations). It is significantly less than the normal retail. They have several lower end lines of Audioquest in bulk and just cut/terminate based on your preferences. Or you can order "bare wire" end and terminate with your preferences (i.e. Furutech rhodium spades from Sonic Craft).
Help needed for a skeptic!
I admit I am a cable skeptic and think spending $6k on a set of interconnects is loonie!
I have a set of YG Anat 3’s driven by Chord amps. I am using a Krell Foundation pre-amp. It is driven by a Chord DSX-1000. I have good hardware. I have been reluctant to spend too much on wire do to mu meeter going off every time I look. I am using balanced interconnects. Mostly Straightwire. My question is what would those who post suggest for speaker wire. I do Bi-Amp my YG’s Right now I am using some Nordost flat cable knock offs. My sound is great but I think a little compressed for my equipment. If one were to try an upgrade on speaker wire under $1000 to bi-amp what are your suggestions?
I have a set of YG Anat 3’s driven by Chord amps. I am using a Krell Foundation pre-amp. It is driven by a Chord DSX-1000. I have good hardware. I have been reluctant to spend too much on wire do to mu meeter going off every time I look. I am using balanced interconnects. Mostly Straightwire. My question is what would those who post suggest for speaker wire. I do Bi-Amp my YG’s Right now I am using some Nordost flat cable knock offs. My sound is great but I think a little compressed for my equipment. If one were to try an upgrade on speaker wire under $1000 to bi-amp what are your suggestions?
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For additional data, I have an Emotiva XPR-1 amp that powers two subwoofers. I have been using the Beldon 10awg stranded speaker wire (available from Blue Jean Cable). I just recently converted to using some very old Audioquest Midnight 10awg cable. The increase in bass strength, power and quality was absolutely outstanding! http://www.audioquest.com/archives/speaker_cables/spiraled_hyperlitz/images/midnight_c.jpg The Audioquest Midnight is all solid-core conductor design that 17awg, 19awg and 21awg conductors (3 x 17awg for bass). |
@cleeds - listening tests. I have used both solid-core as well as stranded conductors in both power cords and interconnects. The stranded conductors have a brighter sound that is more "solid state". The solid-core conductors just have a more "solid" sound (no pun intended). The sound is fuller and just more natural. I have even used extremely high end Furutech OCC copper for stranded wire. It doesn't make a difference. |