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Neutral cables for hi-resolution, imaging system?

I'm stuck with a bit of a conundrum here and don't know exactly how to proceed, so I post here in hopes of some discussion to show some possibilities for what I seek.

Firstly, my system built to deliver detail and resolution and an accurate image, with as neutral a tone as possible. So my system is primarily concerned with imaging and detail, tone secondly (not to be ignored, by any means, however). I am running a VPI Scout w/ Dynavector 20x-h, Creek CD-50 MkII, Classe CAP-150 (only the amp section is utilized), Mod Squad Passive Deluxe Line Preamp and Phono Drive, and Apogee Centaur Majors. I am using Symo biwire speaker cables, Nordost Red Dawn ICs from the CDP to the preamp to the amp, and the VPI has Zu Xaus from the TT to the preamp.

My quandry lies with the CD line sound; the analog VPI sounds just fine in this system. With a good CD recording, I can hear incredible low-level detail, the dynamics are very explosive and the imaging is phenomenal. Only the very busiest, chaotic recordings make the instruments start to lose their individual focus and alloted space. But, the trade off is that the tone is just a wee bit lean. The middle (and also somewhat the low) frequencies sound ever so slightly stunted. It isn't that bad at all really, it errs just a hair on the lean side of neutral to me.

I'm starting with the premise that the equipment I now have is fine for the job but that the cables could possibly be better matched. I am willing to experiment with the slots taken up by the Red Dawn ICs and the Symo speaker cable. But I don't know if there is a cable out there that will move the system a hair towards the middle to set the tone squarely neutral without sacrificing the detail and imaging to which I am addicted. Moving up the food chain to more expensive products would be fine, unless the cable is obviously and inappropriately outclassing my system. I'm perplexed as to what product could still give me everything the Red Dawns provide and also slightly fill out the middle tone. I'm not willing to give up much, if any, of the detail and imaging that the Red Dawns offer. If I can't get a well-balanced tone without giving up image, then I can be happy with my current set up. It seems to me that the speaker cables may be the easiest to replace, but I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to speaker cable qualities. Warmer tone (no matter how little) always comes at the expense of clarity and detail, in my experience. Does anyone with similar speakers and system tastes (other Apogee, Quad or Martin Logan owners, possibly) have an opinion? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
geojap

Showing 2 responses by geojap

geojap OP
42 posts
 
Thanks very much for the recommendations. All the interconnects seem very good, and in my initial research yesterday, the Synergistic Research Tesla series seems to be the most intriguing. The price point is doable for me and the cost/benefit ratio seems very promising. I wonder why no other company has taken the step to actively shield the cable as they have.

I do have my CD and turntable sources isolated with Vibrapods and the turntable also under a thick butcher block. I have a 50 year old house with oak floors, so I understand and have seen the benefits of isolation here. I don't have the amps or speakers isolated, however. So that will be one of my next steps to take.

Thanks again for the recommendations.
geojap OP
42 posts
 
I've pretty much decided to give Synergistic Research Teslas a serious try. I just ordered my first pair of ICs. I've experimented with several different cheaper cables (inlcuding Zu's now) and they all leave something out of the music. If the Teslas sound as they have been described by people at the Cable Company, they should work. They are detailed, just a hair on the warm side of neutral, have an abundant sound stage and they are extrended with tight control in all the frequency ranges.

I've tried other cables that were noticably deficient in some frequency range (the highs lost detail - i.e. cymbals' sound broke up; or the mids were lean - i.e. cellos and tympani just disappeared). If the Teslas do as they should, then I will be very happy.
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