2. cables
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Strategy for upgrading long interconnect cable run

I am looking for advice regarding the best way to try out a replacement set of long, (6 m), XLR interconnects that run between my preamp and my amplifiers. I am running VAC electronics with a Grimm Audio digital source, a technics sp-10ii turntable, and Avalon Eidelon Diamond speakers.  Most of my interconnects are Shunyata alphas except for this long run, which is (relatively old) Purist Audio Genesis Praesto revision. I am wondering if they may be holding back my system.  Since 6m (5m may work) cables are relatively rare… playing the used market may not be the best idea. I am OK with buying new, in which case I would prefer a brand that allows returns after audition, and/or a brand that does not increase the cost very much in proportion to length (Purist used to operate this way, not sure if they still do). Basically, I am wanting to minimize my risk, but willing to pay if I find a notable improvement to what I already have. I realize there is the cable company… But I doubt they have that many long balanced runs. Any suggestions for which brands to try that might accommodate my needs? Budget around $2-3k. Thanks very much in advance.

peter_s

Showing 1 response by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,193 posts
 

I use a pair of 7 m balanced interconnects in my system. None of the boutique cable makers I tried was willing to send such a long cable on approval (it would have to be made up special), so I ordered cables made from Mogami W2549 and Neutrik XLR connectors. The total cost was under US $200 from ProAudioLA (many years ago).

A couple of years later, a dealer convinced a well-known manufacturer to send me a $2,500 pair of long cables. In single-blinded tests, every listener preferred the Mogami, finding the boutique cable to be notably colored in the treble.

So you could leave behind the fancy stuff (as @gdnrbob suggests, too), and use Mogami's excellent cabling and Neutrik's top-of-the-line XLRs. You can save a lot of money that way and get great performance.

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