@zavato - having built countless cables over the years using Copper, OFC copper, Tinned copper Silver, Silver alloy and most recently UP-OCC copper, I would have to say that UP-OCC copper is my current preference
There are also differences between 5N UP-OCC copper and 6N UP-OCC copper that can be heard (believe it or not)
The areas that I find are improved include (in order)
- dynamics - much faster than the other materials listed above
- details - such as the micro details of the Venue acoustics
- imaging - more spacious, with greater precision of artist placement
But to make a cable really "shine" also requires
- a great cable geometry
- the best insulations
Both of these contribute to the clarity, image and lower noise floor of the cable.
Some people do prefer a "smoother" sounding cables and will opt for wire like
- Duelund Tinned Copper in a Cotton/Oil insulation
- Mundorf Silver with 1% gold
- VH Audio UP-OCC copper in the AirLok insulation
All three of these will remove "some" of the detail, and will "appear" as being a little less harsh, or smoother
You also have to factor in the various components i.e. the "Synergy" of the system
But it is not a case of which is better
- there is no right or wrong at this level of performance
- it IS a case of personal preference
I do agree with the post above WRT the connectors - they also make a huge difference and using a poor connector may negate any advantage that using UP-OCC wire will provide
I use KLE Innovations Absolute Harmony RCA’s and their Banana plugs also
In ALL my cables, UP-OCC copper prevails because for ME it provides the best bang for the buck
But I am about to try a 5N UP-OCC solid silver wire in my interconnects, just to see what transpires.
So that may change my mind :-)
Regards - Steve