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

I needed a longer pair of cables and stumbled upon the latest version of Kimber 8PRs. Varied thickness multi strand solid core, great connectors, etc. Brilliant cable sounding great. Underpriced and looks cool.  

I’ve been a cable-aficionado for a long time.   In my experience, ’better’ speaker cables had an impact in my system, but the least impact in the overall SQ.  

OP

. . . but if we accept that “better” cables make a difference then that’s the improvement I’m looking for.

Not trying to be difficult but shouldn’t even that sort of upgrade improve things in general?

Improve things in general?   Improve things how?  Dynamics, tone, timbre, a fuller midrange, extension in the HF, extension in the LF, a blacker background, less distortion in the vocals . . . ?   

After many years of tweaking, my observations for improvement to the SQ in my system are in this order: (1) power conditioning (2) power cords (3) digital IC’s (4) analog IC’s (5) speaker cables.

OP

In the end I still think they will all pretty much be the same. I don’t really cater to the whole “wow, that totally changed my system” theory. I still think a lot of what we hear is based on the dollar sign.

You’ve established your confirmation bias.   Why waste money on something that you’ll regret?

Instead, treat yourself to a wonderful canoe camping trip in La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve in Québec. It’s spectacular!  A worthy investment for peace of mind. 

You kind of nailed it steakster. As much as I had the craving to add new cables I have really returned to my long held opinion that anything above and beyond my Type 4’s will really not change things. It’s not like I’m using coat hangers now.

Days of searching for any crumb of empirical data on line to support my desire to upgrade has only brought me back to my old way of thinking. In fact the only evidence I find is that there is little to no difference. At least not to human ears. Specially my 63 year old ones.

Thanks to all of you for your input. It was appreciated. I’ll put the cash towards a new stylus/cartridge on my Rega.

I am up grading my home theater/music system, and trying WBC Cables, on reviews I have read.  They come in different wire sizes, so I am buying the 7 AWG wire size.  I have them in hand, and the quality and build looks to be very good.  Can’t wait to hear them.  Bought on Amazon of all places.

I only use McIntosh type audio cables.  They are well designed and have the lowest resistance to flow of all cables I’ve used.