2. cables
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Next upgrade: cables. But which ones first?

Please help with guidance regarding cable upgrade. I’m a total cable novice. So far I’ve focused on upgrading components and I think the next move should be cables. But where to start?

I have B&W 804S speakers, McIntosh MC275 amp, Lamm LL2D pre, Rotel RCD1072 cd player, a Squeezebox Touch, and I plan on getting a DAC in about a year. I have two 10 AWG dedicated power lines with hospital grade outlets, and the system makes no hiss, no hum. All power cords are stock (none shielded), speaker cables are magnet wire (DIY anti cables), and ICs are Nordost cheapest RCAs.

I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade speaker cables first, or power cords first. While ICs are still cheap, I guess they are a small step above the speaker and power cords. I also realize this is yet another form of source first vs. speakers first debate. Yet I need to decide what would make a larger sonic impact for about $1000. I could buy used in the US or DIY, but I’m overseas so getting a bunch of cables and trying is not an option.

Thank you!
lewinskih01

Showing 2 responses by lewinskih01

lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
Point taken: I'm not after trophy names - just better sound. So I'm not really thinking expensive...eg: 3 PCs for $1000.
The Nordost guide was a good read. Seems PCs would be a good starting point.

I guess the next question would be: buy a used PC for about $350, or DIY for the same amount?
lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
Great feed back. Thanks to all!

I'm leaning towards power cords to get started. For the time being it will be one power cord, actually. I can go for a $350 PC. So I could buy 2 Oyaide connectors and still have about $150 for 3 to 5 feet of conductors/shielding/etc, or could buy a used cable.

Several Lamm preamp and Mc amp owners I've gotten in touch with have had very good results with Purist power cords, but they were using really expensive ones, like Dominus, which is 10 AWG and well beyond my budget. Looking at used Purist PCs closer to my budget, like Venustas, I see they are only 14 AWG...which kind of leads me to wonder if their entry level is good for these applications. Thoughts?

Keep it coming!
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