Need Opinions for Different Cable Manufacturers/Cable Designs


I have a McIntosh 200wpc receiver [MAC7200] and Focal Sopra 3 speakers - and am using low-grade cables. I'm looking to vastly improve my system with a complete cable upgrade. I like a warm sound with lots of clarity and detail and naturalness. I have been reviewing tons of literature and am intrigued by Cu/Ag and Cu/Ag/Au combinations. I will probably buy used, and look at offerings in the midrange to lower high-end range of products. Cannot afford the best each manufacturer has to offer. Looking to spend up to $2,000 for 3m speaker cables and up to $700 each for RCA and XLR cables. Again, I hope to buy used.

 

I am interested in opinions on the following manufacturers:

AUDIENCE

DH LABS

PURIST AUDIO DESIGN

SILNOTE

SNAKE RIVER

Please feel free to offer your opinions on these and any other recommendations you may have. I really appreciate your time and advice!! Thanks!

kinarow1

Showing 1 response by hce1

 @kinarow1 I have extensive experience with DHLabs cables and you can’t go wrong with them. Great bang for your buck! In my experience, you can do better if you spend more. I also have used Audience ICs; in my system, they sounded thin and I resold them after extensive auditioning. I know you didn’t ask for other cable recs, but for what it’s worth…I’ve used a wide variety of cables priced within your budget used, including Harmonic Technology, Acoustic Zen, virtual Dynamics, PureNote, Kimber, DIY Neotech and Furutech. Each product had virtues and limitations. I ended my cable experiments nearly 10 years ago, after stumbling across a pair of VonGaylord Chinchilla ICs. I am not a fan of their power cords, but VonGaylord IC cables bring the best out of my system. You can find used Chinchilla for prices well within your budget. My experience auditioning cables is quite some time ago and there may be better options available now, but the VonGaylords are worthy of an audition.

Be patient. Used examples of all the cables you listed eventually will be offered on online marketplaces. I’ve bought and sold dozens of used cables. If you’re careful, you will recover your money when you resell. I’ve had good experiences using the Cable Co lending library.

Good luck and good listening!