Why are you going for just 90 %? You can outperform those so called "super cables" with DIY cables at a fraction of their cost! I did extensive tests and comparisons with different DIY designs. My reference was Kimber's top of the line KS-1036 and KS-1236 (balanced). I sold them all! Let me know if you are interested and I will email you instructions plus listening notes.
Looking For 90% of the performane of the super expensive cables for much less money
I currently have a system which consists of Vandersteen 5A's, THor Audio TP-150 tubed monoblocks, Thor Line Stage and Thor phono stage, Marantz SACD player SA-114 and will take delivery of the VPI Prime Scout with a Sumiko EVOS 3 Cartridge. I am currently using LAT International Speaker Cables, Power Cords and Interconnects. (They are no longer in business). I am in immediate need of turntable cables and would like to update my new speaker cables and interconnects. Not willing to spend thousands on this upgrade. Seeking to capture as much of the "magic" that the super expensive cables deliver but at a more realistic price point. I understand that I have really good quality equipment, but at this stage of my life cannot allocate mega dollars towards cables.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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I have never been a big believer in cables. To make a long story as short as possible, a friend loaned me a pair of Kimber Kable KCAG XLR cables (MSRP $1K/Meter). I replaced my cables (approx. msrp $250/m) and I noticed a huge difference. It was an “Oh !@#$” moment. I then tried another set of cables and had acquired along the way and the Kimber’s were better. For grins, I then put in a pair of Monoprice interconnects ($16 for the pair) and I heard NO difference! The $16 Monoprice sounded exactly like the $1K Kimber. I had a friend come over, did a blind test with three of the cables. He pick the KK and Monoprice over the other cables, but could not hear a difference in the KK and Monoprice. Maybe some with extremely discerning hears could hear a difference and maybe the system would make a difference. But, I proved to myself that cables do make a difference and the most expensive may not be better. I suggest, before anyone poo poos my findings, order a pair of Monoprice (what’s $16?) and test them. What you DON’T get with $16 cables is bragging rights – or, maybe you do. I used the interconnects between an Audio Research Ref 5 SE preamp and Pass Labs XA30.8 amp driving a pair of Sonus Faber Amatis. |
TL:DR, but for high quality, high value cables go to SignalCable.www.signalcable.com |
ben77059 For grins, I then put in a pair of Monoprice interconnects ($16 for the pair) and I heard NO difference! The $16 Monoprice sounded exactly like the $1K Kimber. I had a friend come over, did a blind test with three of the cables. He pick the KK and Monoprice over the other cables, but could not hear a difference in the KK and Monoprice. >>>Well, you sure convinced me. |
- 307 posts total