New Amp... Is it time to switch my speaker cables??


I am currently using stealth audio cloude 99 speaker cables

I originally bought these when I was using a Gryphon Amp following a dealer recommendation that silver cables work nicely with Gryphon

Now however, I am using a Krell XD amp. Speakers are the Kef Blade 1s

The sound I am getting right now is incredibly detailed and transparent, but I'm wondering now if I should be switching back to copper cables. Maybe copper would give more body and musicality?

This is the description on my current cables from stealth website:

" Cloude 99' sound is VERY "fast", transparent and clear, with good bottom and top ends extension, and lots of subjective "air". The Cloude 99 work well with all types of music, but they especially shine on vocals"

I know many of you would say you wont know until you try other cables, but I want input because this would be a costly endeavor.  

questforhifi

I would audition some good quality Cardas, Clear or Beyond. This will immediately tell you what you want to know.  Excellent cables, may add the midrange / bass solidity you want. 

Please don’t laugh, but these will do what you’re looking in spades (pun intended) at a bargain price. If I’m a liar you can turn around and sell them for little/no loss, but if they work you’ll save a bundle — so why not?

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650057160-acoustic-zen-satori-speaker-cable-8-feet-spadesspades/

BTW, I’ve been using Satoris in my system for about 20 years so I’m pretty familiar with their sound. Best of luck.

@questforhifi , since you replacing a Gryprhon, I'm  assuming the krell is also a high current design. In which case avoid cables having a high capacitance because they can cause the Amp to oscillate and cause internal damage.

Silver cables tend to be very detailed, but they can sound warm also.

I would try asking for advice on the Hijiri thread. They are excellent cables and there is probably a model that will suit you needs

 

Regards, steve

Hi @williewonka 

Silver cables tend to be very detailed, but they can sound warm also.

In my experience silver (speaker) cables are bright not dull.  I have very resolving equipment, as I imagine the Krell is, and like all copper cables.

@questforhifi

I particularly love the Kubala Sosna Elation or Realization.  If you are on a budget, I like the Zafvino copper cables and interconnects.  Very reasonable.  Finally, if you can solder and use heat shrink (buy a heat gun) , the Furutech FS Alpha 36 wire and Furutech Spades from VH Audio make excellent speaker cables..

It was suggested to me by a dealer who loves the Blades to use the Analysis Plus Oval 8 bi-wire speaker cable with the Blades. It is not the top end in the lineup.

I personally have always gone back to Audience cables. In fact, I bought my last speaker cable 2 days ago, Audience FrontRow for my Livingroom. My office also has Audience FrontRow.

When I had LEF LS50 in the office the FrontRow were superb. I am not using KEF anymore, but I would use the FrontRow if I ever got KEF again.

I did have a KRELL DOU 175XD in the past but only used the KRELL + FrontRow with headphones, not KEF speakers. The KRELL and KEF are a great combo.

FYI, I got to compare Acoustic Zen Satori and Audience AU24 in my system and honestly couldn’t identify any difference.  They’re the only ones that challenged my Satoris in 20 years. I go back to my prior recommendation.  

Good recommendations above. Depends on your budget. AZ Satori and Cardas will be warm sounding. Audience will be more open sounding but still natural and not harsh - you can try AU24SX or the FrontRow. I would also add Nordost Tyr 2 to the list, as well as AudioQuest higher end copper cables. You should be OK with silver plated copper but I wouldn’t use pure silver there. 

Definitely buy new cables and send the old ones to me.  

 

Those are nice cables.

 

Jerry

Prior to my K-S Elation I had all Audience AU24SX.  I had thought them smooth and revealing.  The Elation were just as smooth and revealing bu much meatier in the midrange and bass.  Smooth across the entire spectrum.  I sold all of my Audience to fund the Elations.