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Speaker cables from same brand as interconnects?

Many of the fellow audiophiles say in one's system speakers cables should be from the same brand as the interconnects. In my opinion this is not often the case. It is true that many cable brands have their own "house sound", so certain sonic characterics apply for both the interconnects and speaker cables. But one has to realize that they should have other properties as well as they are meant to carry different kind of electrical signals (voltage based vs current based electrical signals). In my case I'm using Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables and pure silver interconnect cables (Wireworld Gold Eclipse) because I feel these are the strategic places these cables can offer the most sonic benefit. I think the same theory holds true for power cords and digital interconnects. What do you think?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 3 responses by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
Jwpstayman: "transfer speed" has to do with the impedance of the cable and the dielectrics used, not the actual material used for the conductors. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
As i've mentioned before, many cable companies / cable manufacturers grab hold of one design approach and use that cable design / geometry through-out their entire product line. Since there are different electrical considerations to be taken into account between the various mating components that cabling terminate, there really is no "one size fits all" cable geometry. Some may be more universal than others, but "universal" and "optimal" are rarely the same things.

With that in mind, one is usually forced to use multiple different brands at various junctures of the system. That is, if one is truly interested in achieving optimal results. Going the route of one brand surely makes things easier, and so long as one is happy with the results, i guess convenience with pleasant sonics is more than good enough for many folks. Then again, some of us do like to tinker, hence the reason you'll find us here on forums like this : ) Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Great points JD. Obviously, the amount of time and money that you've spent with your own endeavors has been a great lesson in this area. It is hard to beat first hand experience, especially when that experience has been well documented and thoroughly disected : )

That's was a great analogy by Tvad too. With that in mind, having the science behind why certain elements act and respond to each other as they do reduces the amount of "alchemy" or "magic" required to make a great product or achieve system synergy. The end result is a predictable outcome, greater consistency and a more universal product.

Having said that, there's always a bit of magic / guesswork involved with audio, as there are just too many variables to take into account of in certain situations and installations. This is why trial and error still exists, and probably always will. That is, for the people that just aren't willing to settle for sheer convenience. We really are a "nit-picking" bunch when it comes down to it : ) Sean
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