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

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.  

You ask 50 people what is the best XXX component and you will get 60 different answers. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you listen too. Do you want to change cables if you play jazz after just playing rock?

Getting many different responses, which you will, will make your decision more complicated. There are only a few cable manufacturers that sell cables in your price range. Ignore the ultra cheap like blue Jean cables and others because they are lifeless.

IMO, start with speaker cables. There are companies and dealers out there that give you 30 days to decide if you want them or not. So bring in multiple cables (I’ve brought in 6 or more cables when I did my auditioning) and use them in your system to come up with a cable that sounds best to you, not to me, not to anybody on the web, but to you using your system. After picking a brand and model, buy their interconnects, same brand and model, and you will have system synergy.

In looking again at your system I am not so certain that your amp has enough power for your speakers. I couldnt find specs on your speakers, but they look they would favor current.

To compare my experience with steaksters, I found power conditioning to be a detriment in some areas and helpful in others. One step forward one back scenario. But I have good power and live in a rural area. Of all cables I found digital power cords and I/Cs the most impactful. Then speaker cables, followed by power cords. But in none of these situations did I find that cables werent good investments and bordered on component level status. 

If you are looking for empirical data I think you should choose a new hobby. So instead of deciding before listening and confirming your personal bias, perhaps try rsstehno's advice and try multiple cables at once. 

Be careful with cartridge compliance with your Rega arm. 

Enjoy!