Input requested

First, thanks for the replys Joe and Sean (especially since I could have been damaging my equipment!). It turns out I had the Zobel's factory installed, so if Sean's correct, then I should not have damaged my amp. Still, I took the Goertz out for the time being and returned to my AudioTruth Midnight speaker cables. I am too tired to listen critically, but I will say the sound is fuller though less controlled on the softer passages (when contrasted against the Goertz). Too late to play loud and assess the more dynamic passages.

I'll give them both a good listen tomorrow and get back on the results. It will be interesting if the issue is a power or cable one, rather than the limitations of the 805 - a myraid of concerns flow either way :-(

Best,

Following up....

After switching out the Goertz MI2 biwire with the AudioTruth Midnight (four solid copper stands per, biwired), here are my initial conclusions:

a) my breakup problem has been attenuated somewhat with the AudioTruth, though not entirely.

b) the Goretz is a flatter sounding cable when contrasted against the AudioTruth which is rounder and fuller.

c) the Goertz has less air when contrasted against the AudioTruth. For example, cymbals are tight and light with the Goertz whereas the AudioTruth offers a splashier and airier sound.

My working hypothesis going forward is I need more power to address the breakup problem and I need to work with a different speaker cable to get the sound I am looking for. On the speaker cable, I like the Goertz's focus and crispness, and quite honestly, am not obsessed that my cymbals don't splash and air and tweak my right nipple :-) So I need to find a better design than the AudioTruth to deliver the focus of the Goertz without the associated flatness.

I also feel compelled to wonder aloud the objective issues which lead to these subjective differences. First, there is no doubting the Goertz's superior ability to deliver the signal it is fed to the load. It is a measurable fact. But why doesn't that deliver a superior experienced sound? I wonder if the Goertz's objective measurements are on an actual load or a resistive load, for as the inducive impedance increases at the higher frequencies, the capacitive impedance goes down; thus, the Goertz itself would offer a more attractive path for the signal than the speaker, which would result in some loss of high frequency signal to the speaker. Sean, I would be curious to hear your response to this hypothesis.

As for tube microphonics, Dave, you may be right. I am new to tubes and have much to learn.

Thanks to all who have offered input. Joe especially.

Best,

Sean writes: "If the MI-2's are linear in power transfer, primarily due to very low inductance, and maintain a consistent series resistance to beyond 100 KHz, which is better than ANY other cable on the market, how could it be detrimental to the treble response that you are encountering?"

Because the measurements you cite come from a purely resistive load; when one considers the complex load of the speaker in series with the cables (which is exactly what the amp sees in an actual application), one can use their understanding of how such circuits work and form working hypothesis.

Sean writes: "In effect, the higher inductance of the speaker cable introduces high frequency roll-off. This will in turn introduce poorer transient response, increased phase shifts, smearing and distortions within the audible upper treble region."

Once again, I agree with a purely resistive load! (btw, it is exactly this argument and supporting data you put forward which led to my purchase) But it is nothing more than introductory electronics to understand that capacitance across a complex load will shunt the higher frequency components through it - especially if the series load is inductive (which a speaker is). So, again, the working hypothesis remains....

Of course, your hypothesis would be: within the audible frequency range, there is no attenuation of the signal into the *complex* load. Therefore, what I am hearing is *greater* control of the tweeter which is giving my ears what the signal actualy is (thus, the "air" that I hear is nothing more than sloppy control of the driver).

Now we're exploring which hypothesis explains observed and which is the better explaination is now open to objective inquiry. If you, or anyone else in the forum, have done such measurements, then that would prove invaluable in my understanding of this confusing topic.

As an aside, I am hardly trying to provoke or challenge you, Sean. There are enough flamefests which take place without a relative newbee adding to fray. Instead, I'm trying to understand and have framed the discussion in the most constructive way I know how.

Best,

Lee

a.k.a.