I need cables for my 2 channel system


Hi all,

I find the cable discussion very confusing, and it's pretty tough to separate the snake oil from the substance. Here is my current system:

  • MacBook Pro (late 2016 - USB-C) --- <Generic Cheap USB Cable>
  • Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ --- <Monoprice Premium XLR> 
  • Rotel RC-1590 Preamp --- <Monoprice Premium XLR> (Runs to Headphone setup on Out2)
  • Rotel RB-1582mk --- <Monoprice Access Series 14 Gauge AWG CL2 Rated 2 Speaker Cable> 
  • B&W 805 D3
Notes
  • Considering getting an SBooster power upgrade for Mytek, but they aren't currently available (open to other options)
  • 805s will be replaced with 802 D3 at some point this year
  • Considering a different amp, if the Rotel doesn't pair well with the 802D3
  • I only listen to digital streaming music with this setup - usually Tidal
  • Occasionally use a Yamaha WXC-50 to AirPlay to the Mytek

Happy to hear any advice about the system, but in particular cabling. I am not looking to break the bank, but if there is substantial improvement to be had for a few hundred dollars, I'd love to hear suggestions. I am not, however, looking super expensive cables and cords. As for sound, I do love the sound of the 805 (and 802 when I've heard it), so I'm not looking to make some radical change to the sound signature. Just more of the awesome I already hear. Thanks!
mayoradamwest

Showing 1 response by lous

My 2 cents. I agree generally with those who say that the best cable for connecting device X to Z is brand S. IOW, one cable very well may not mate well with your gear. I recently went through cables some of which costing north of $600, and below between several components in my system. I slightly preferred Signal Cables which are Copper clad in silver. I have heard the "diode" chatter on line, but it sounded the best in my system. The differences seemed small, but I just upgraded my 801M&W Matrix V.2 with heavily modified crossovers to stock Thiel CS-7's. I was wondering how the Cardis Golden References might sound. With the Thiels the difference was no longer nominal. If you want high quality at a reasonable price, I would seriously consider Signal Cable's Silver Resolution cables. It was actually LAT International's silver/copper cables, where they sent both through a die that pressed them together which made me realize that I generally find that the combination sounds better than either on its own. LAT closed its doors for retirement, and I have honestly only made my own from their hookup wire, so I have never done a toe to toe between them and Signal. Bluejeans is said to be hitting above its weight class, and while I am not wild about their silver cables DHLabs copper ICs are said to be a good bang for the buck. All that said, results in your system, and even between different components may vary! Good luck!