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Reasonable high end interconnects: without breaking the bank

I am in the process of updating my audio equipment and have realized my interconnects are probably not up to snuff; I use the ones provided by the manufacturers.  My current set up includes a Leben cs600 amplifier, California audio lab Icon Mark II CD player, Linn Akurate Streamer, Feikert Volare Table and Spendor SP1 speakers ( in final stages of upgrade to either Audio Note E, Devore O93 or Joseph Profile).  I have been investigating interconnects and have a bit of sticker shock.  So any suggestions on interconnects that won't  bankrupt me?  Is silver truly preferable to copper with respect to resolution and detail?
Thanks
MP

rivinyl

Showing 2 responses by knownothing

knownothing
1,661 posts
 
It is possible the $12K cables were just not as good as the $6K cables.  It is also possible that the $12K cables exposed deeper issues with the Mac and B&W gear, or the original recording, or that the more expensive cables were just a poor match for that particular gear or weren’t broken in yet.  In any case, your story just reinforces that cables sound different, and that it is important to try different cables in your system to get the right match for you and the kind of music that you prefer listening to.

PS - Full disclosure, I often cover my TV monitor when listening, but not always.
knownothing
1,661 posts
 
I and others I know have done this blind testing and notice a difference in terms of more a continuous and coherent soundstage with a blanket on a 55” screen.  In some rooms there seems to be slightly better top to bottom coherence across frequencies as well.  For critical listening, I prefer to have a blanket up, and prefer double layer fleece blanket to wool.  Have not tried a packing blanket yet.  YMMV.

kn
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