Im going to regret my cable question


Having read so many "do speaker cables matter" threads, reviews, etc., over the years I am going to open up this can of worms again. So here goes.

I would like some opinions on the pairing of my amp, speakers, and a possible upgrade of speaker cables. My kit consists of a Rotel Michi X3, S2 and Monitor Audio Gold 300 G5's.

Would anyone venture a suggestion on what might be a good fit, with a budget of no more than $1200 CND.

I currently have Audioquest Type 4 which are some years old by now. Im looking at AQ Rocket 33 or 44's but I am open to other brands.

Although I understand the "coat hangers work just as well" theory I would prefer only constructive suggestions from those who feel there is a benefit to cable upgrades please.

Cheers.

neversatisfied

These will almost certainly be a significant improvement over your current cables and are a screaming bargain at only $350 (retail price was $1200). And if they don’t work out for some reason you can turn around and sell them likely at a profit. I’ve used these for 20 years and have held up facing several others that have passed through my system. Read the reviews — no brainer IMHO.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650194860-acoustic-zen-satori-shotgun-biwired-speaker-cables/images/5562650/

My recommendation would be to try OCC cables from Audio Sensibility. Their Testament Single wire speaker cable where I would start to see if you hear any improvements. 

As far as improvements you seek, a cable swap or any component change—can’t be judged in isolation because the improvements (or lack thereof) are entirely system-dependent.

What makes cables so fascinating is how they act as conduits. They can’t add anything to the signal, but they can allow more of what’s already there to come through. When a new speaker cable reveals previously hidden nuances, it’s not because the cable is “adding” detail—it’s because it’s enabling the system to better preserve the subtleties already in the recording.

The right cable might reveal microdynamics with greater texture or let the harmonic decay of notes linger more naturally, creating a more lifelike presentation, atleast that’s been my experience. 

Save yourself some money while improving sound quality.  I recommend getting them unterminated (bare wire) if your amps and speakers can accommodate bare wire.   https://partsconnexion.com/bb-cable-duelund-dual-dca12ga-2x12awg-0-18-meter-piece/?searchid=528622

Better cables generally bring higher resolution... but that can be a problem. They can conduct some previously unheard distortion or detail which ends up making them sound worse. Or they can tip the tonal balance a little... for better or worse. Different components put together act differently, and sometimes simply don’t sound great. This last one, just not working as you would expect is very rare. I’ve had a number of encounters that have been negative... then with much better components they sounded fantastic.

I recommend Cardas. They are designed to be more forgiving and natural at the lower cost levels and get much more detailed and revealing at the higher cost levels. So I would recommend for your Rotel spend about 10% the cost of the component. Get the corresponding interconnect. I think this is by far the safest bet.

I, unlike lots of folks here tend to stay main stream with wires, known brand that are well established and have known sound characteristics. They know what they are doing and produce consistent sound quality across the spectrum. There are hundreds of interconnect companies out there. Because anyone with a heat gun and a set of wire cutters can make them. There are so many novise high end enthusiasts that are easily impressed by greater detail or bass, but are unfamiliar with the nuances of midrange and other aspects of actual music reproduction, so sounds good to them, but really isn’t achieving what is possible. Then they sell lots by word of mouth, and may not stay in business. It is a lot of work to make cable comparisons... I’ve spent hundreds of ours. Most folks don’t have the time or interest to do it, to be sure they do have optimal ones. Buying Cardas is a great way to get excellent results. When you get real audiophile equipment, then think Transparent, Shunyata, and Nordost. I acknowledge Audio Quest has some good power cords now, but historically I'm not so sure. But where you are at... Cardas. Along the way, if you become familiar with these brands you will be able to shop the verified used market and know what you are getting and not get lost in nearly infinite choices.

 

 

@neversatisfied - Take a look at Zavfino cables.

Excellent performance at a reasonable cost

Regards, Steve