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 2 responses by soix

Ah, I get it now.  So, you want an "improvement" in your cables.  What exact aspects of sound reproduction are you looking to improve upon versus your current cables?  If you can't answer this specifically, I think you may be putting the cart before the horse. 

IMO you shouldn't even be contemplating wires or whether Rotel electronics are compatible with B&W 802s (a complete mismatch BTW).  If Magnolia is your current frame of reference you haven't even scratched the surface of awesome sound, and you really need to get out and hear other systems.  As I mentioned earlier, search out and visit other true high-end dealers in your area (you definitely have some around there), even if that means driving an hour or so.  That will start to give you a better perspective of what you like and what you're missing, and then you can identify what your next logical step should be.  I'm on the other coast and have no idea where your good dealers are, but as I mentioned earlier I'm pretty sure Silverline Audio is in your area and at the very least you should go there and hear what Alan has set up.  I'm confident that it would be a very valuable experience and one I certainly wish I could take advantage of.  

Sorry to be preachy here, but I'm really just trying to save you some time and money. 

When it comes to interconnects, cables, and PCs, there's really very little reason to not just buy used and flip as necessary.  You'll save a ton over buying new, so I just don't see the value of something like the Cable Co. because used wires are such a better value and so easy and cheap to ship. 

Ok, so, here's what I'd do.  Read reviews of cables and find the ones that you think possess the qualities you'd like to improve upon in your system.  Be a little patient and wait for them to become available at a good price here and go for it.  Short of that, I can wholeheartedly recommend Acoustic Zen cables as a great place to start.  Why?  Because they offer a solid glimpse into high-end cables at a very good value used.  Specifically, buy some used Silver Reference interconnects (series 1 or 2) and either Satori or Hologram speaker cables (whichever you can afford), and just start there.  I've tried lots of wires over the years, and I just find these to be a good tipping point between budget and expensive wires while being relatively affordable and easy to sell used.  

As for B&W, look, I hear that you like the sound and that's great.  BUT, there are a BOATLOAD of other options out there, and given where you live you really need to get out there and hear more speakers.  I'll give you four examples right off the top of my head.  I've heard Joseph Audio, ProAc, Silverline, and Vandersteen speakers directly against B&W speakers and there is nothing -- and I mean NOTHING (at least to my ears) -- the B&Ws did better than any of them, and the others imaged and soundstaged so much better than the B&Ws it was silly.  My point is this, get out and hear more speakers.  You live in a great area to go hear stuff, so go do it -- even if you need to travel a few miles (I think Silverline is not far from you at all, and Alan Yun is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet in high-end audio)!  If you still think B&Ws are the ones for you, great.  But at least you have a good frame of reference for making that decision.

All that said, you're in a good place now to start seeing what better wires can bring to a system, so go for it.  Just dive in and buy used and you can experiment at very, very little cost or risk.  And by all means keep us posted on what you find, and enjoy the journey!  The more you try, the more you learn.