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Speaker wire construction and sound quality

I'm not new to mid to high end stereo listening but have concentrated, over the years, mostly on the obvious equipment choices such as amplifiers, CD players, loudspeakers, etc. Most recent decisions regarding these have been based on information and advice found through forums such as this and, for the most part, have worked out well.

In the old days (50+ years ago) when monaural was king and high volume strong bass reproduction was the goal of most young pursuers of high fidelity, speaker wire construction and quality were not common subjects of conversation. Everyday electrical extension cord in those days was the cable of choice. In the past twenty or thirty years my approach has not been that much different in that I have simply chosen specialized and relatively expensive heavy gauge wire and left it at that.

Things have changed. The choice of speaker conductor has become a big deal and I simply don't understand the technical arguments supporting one type or another of the available choices. For the most part I'm pretty happy with my system but am always looking for ways to reduce brilliance/shrillness which I am very sensitive to because of a hearing condition called hyperacusis.

I've tried some of the more obvious fixes such as tube based DAC's and they definitely have helped. FYI, my basic system consists of the following: Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated hybrid amp, Shanling solid state CD player, California Audio tube DAC and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers. This was not a ground up designed system, just what it has ended up being as a process of piecemeal evolution.

Getting back to speaker wire, is there really that much difference in sonic quality related to a choice of the many that are available? I've read many articles on the subject and the opinions vary greatly to the extent of being totally contradictory to one another. I don't have a super audiophile system, I know, but are there some basic considerations that one should take into account in making a choice, and is there any advantage to bi-wiring?

I'm not that good at describing sound character because I don't have a good handle on the terminology but I do know brilliance when I hear it. It was suggested by someone whose knowledge I respect, that speaker wire could have a positive effect in resolving the brilliance issue while maintaining detail. As an experiment, he loaned me a pair of cables that are highly reviewed and cost over $5000. I can't afford something like this but was curious to see if I could tell the difference; I couldn't. I even tried the same experiment with my pair of Jamo Concert 8 bookshelf speakers using the same music ( Jazz at the Pawnshop) thinking they might be more sensitive to subtle changes, and still could not discern a difference. I realize that this could be as a result of my own observation deficiencies but would very much like to hear what you all have to say about this issue.
128x128broadstone

Showing 6 responses by broadstone

broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Almarg, your explanation of impedance related high frequency reproduction of electrostats is an eye opener for me. I had been aware that there is a corresponding impedance reduction as frequencies increase. The fact, then, that some relative exaggeration of higher frequencies would result makes logical sense but I had never put two and two together until your post.

I've assumed for some time that addition of tube based components could improve my situation but, primarily for reasons related to cost, decided to incorporate DAC's behind the CD player, DVD player and Sony multiple CD jukebox instead of biting the bullet and investing in an amp with a tube based output section. A tube DAC, BTW, significantly improved the jukebox to the extent that I can now actually use it without lowering the volume to near inaudible levels.

I also thought that my latest addition of the Rogue hybrid amp would solve my problem but, although it may be one of the best amplifiers that I've ever owned, it doesn't altogether resolve the issues that I have which are caused, at least partly, by my hearing problems. It looks like I'm adding tubes to the wrong end of the sound stream. I'm very glad to learn, though, that I don't have to sacrifice detail to deal with brilliance.

Grimace, I'm not offended in the least by your comments regarding one's ability to discern subtle differences such as those related to speaker wire characteristics; I think I am one of those who has real difficulty in that area. As you also stated, though, and even with my age related hearing deficiencies, I do enjoy my music as much as the next guy. Maybe this is even an advantage because it reduces the number of decisions that I'm faced with.

Thank you for the important input you all have shared with us. Although I thought i would never consider letting this Rogue Audio amplifier go, I'll be looking into the possibility of acquiring an amplifier with a tube output stage as my next quest. Perhaps I'll be able to borrow one to test from one of my friends before I make what would be a significant sized investment for me.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Thanks, RW, that thought of an equalizer crossed my mind, especially in view of the fact that my amp has no tone control, but I was afraid that the reduction of those perceived offending frequencies might adversely affect overall sound quality....and maybe that's a good thing.

On the other hand, though, it makes a great deal of sense if, for no other reason than reasonable cost to, at least, determine where the offending frequencies occur. I have used a sound generator in an attempt to pinpoint those areas of discomfort but the problem seems to be more complicated than that related to single frequencies. I believe that the range I'm most sensitive to is closely on either side of 5000 Hz and any frequency above 8000Hz is inaudible to me.....I'm getting old.

I am generally very happy with my system which I believe compares favorably with systems having much higher price tags and I agree with and appreciate your other comments re equipment. However, there is a limit to how much more I can justify spending on this. I WILL purchase an equalizer based on your suggestion, something that I probably should have tried ages ago.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
I'll attempt to address those pieces of info that I left out of the discussion. I don't know how my equipment measures up to audiophile standards but they are as follows: CD through speakers are as described in my original post. My interconnects are Straight Wire Encore and I can't remember (or maybe never knew) the manufacturer of my speaker wire. It is about 15 years old and came from a roll at a high end audio equipment provider. I have locking banana plugs at the amp which are biwired with spades at the Odysseys. They are slightly over 3 meters long each and the individual biwire conductors appear to be 12 gauge.

I feel like my Rogue Audio Sphinx hybrid is a superior performer especially in its price range. The only two components, then, that I question, partly because of their age, are the solid state Shanling CD player and the California Audio Labs DAC.

Most of my problem probably stems from my own compromised hearing issues and several relatively experienced listeners have commented that the system provides very good and accurate sound. What I'm working on, then, is finding a fix that addresses my hearing problem, not necessarily a serious deficiency in my system.

I will probably try an equalizer next but am concerned that I won't be able to afford a unit that doesn't add any other problem.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
TIs49, that interconnect pair is Straight Wire Encore and is one meter long. I got it before I recognized my hearing problem and during a period when I didnt think think interconnect quality had any real impact on sound quality so don't remember why I chose it.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Thanks, TIs49. That coaxial cable is also Straight Wire. I bought it at the same time as the others and it is also one meter in length. . I don't remember the model.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Thanks, TIs49. I ordered the Canare cable that you suggested and will let you know if there is a difference, to the extent at least, that I'm able to discern.

Bombaywalla, I see what you mean about my identity title but it is simply the English interpretation of my German last name. When it comes to ESL's, I have used them for many years starting with a pair of Acoustats. Since then I have owned 4 sets of Martin Logans and built a single panel myself using materials and electronics purchased on eBay.

All that being said, I never actually went further in my understanding of them beyond the basis of their operation. I have always enjoyed their sound and would still not question using them except in light of the fact that they may be a significant factor in my extreme hearing sensitivity. Your discussion regarding distortion related to capacitive influence of the stator panels would be a major factor as regards ESL's in general and makes sense. However, in my use of the much more highly efficient Jamo Concert Eights, I experience the same problem but, because of their detail and very tight bass, they're better for listening at lower volumes.
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