Need advice on speaker cables

Thanks for the responses. Nordost SPM was under consideration even before I started this thread. I am using an older pair of XLOs now circa 1996. I don't know the model, but the cables are thick and are of the green/lavender variety (the shrinkwrap around the terminated ends is solid green or lavender, while both jackets around the wire are green with one having a lavender stripe on it).

I'll be looking into the Goertz and Acoustic Zen as well as Paul Speltz which seems to have gotten a lot of attention on the forum.

Danlib1,

I'm looking very closely at the Anti Cables. Heck, with the money back guarantee I'd be an idiot not to see if they would work in my system. I pretty much know what I'll get with Nordost SPMs and I can easily live with them. However, if I can save some dollars in the process with the Anti Cables or Goertz's then I"ll be able to buy more stuff I don't need later on :) In any event I have read some posts concerning proper positioning of the Speltz cables. Can you comment on this. They seem to be very sensitive to positioning and not very flexible due to their solid copper design. The Goertz's seem to be lower maintenance. I also like the flat design ala Nordost.

Danlib1,

It's the first two items on your checklist that worry me. I realize its not a big thing to accomplish, but I have cats and they would have a field day hurdling the set up (I live in an open room loft, lots of space but little separation). I'm sure there is a work around but I just need to think it through a bit more. The price or the looks aren't important. I'm looking for a open and very musical sound to compliment my gear.

Rooze,

I don't find my V12i dark sounding, but perhaps it's becasue of the associated equipment I run it with:

Cary SLP-98L
Alesis ML9600 (TRL modded)
Audio Mirror D1 DAC
SOTA Nova Series V
Cary PH-301
PS Audio P300

In any event I find the V12i to be a nice amp and I will check into your suggestion. Thanks

Loonytunz,

I have read about the use of the Zobel network with certain amps to avoid having them oscillate. Is this correct? I assume the network is an external application. Can you elaborate a little more on what types of amps would require this network and why? I also seem to recall reading that this applies mainly to ss amps. Since I run a tube amp will this still affect me? I'm a little confused on this piece of the puzzle regarding Goertz and may actually steer me away from these cables if it becomes too complicated. I'm looking for an easy plug and play solution, which is why the Nordost SPMs, price aside, are still attractive to me.

Loonytunz,

Thanks for your help. I did see that discussion on the AC site, as well as the RCs. I did not know that the RCs were in fact the network, this clarifies it. It is rather simple, although the Merlin set-up looks pretty cool. I take it there is no sound degradation with the use of the RCs, even though they may use lesser quality capacitors.

As a note, I am going to email you about another question I have regarding the Goertz's so as not to go off the subject here on this thread.

I decided to purchase the Alpha Core Python Hybrid bi-wire and MI-2 Veracity. Right now the Veracity is in and it sounds pretty good out of the box. I'm interested to see how it sounds after a couple of days. Interesting that the RC Zobel Network is now integrated with the cable. You don't have to hook it up to the top binding post separate from the cable. Plug n Play.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.