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

I've been satisfied in the past with Morrow XLR cables.  They will build whatever length you need.  Many different price points.  They are always on sale, but around Christmas,  they run a 60 - 65% off deal.  Give them a look.   Cheers. 

Just wondering for test purposes, is it possible to move the Grimm closer to the amplifier to test different cable sounds? 
I would still call The Cable Company. You never know they might have dude there that knows exactly what you need. Plus, I would call a dealer or two and get their opinion. 
 

As I have said many times, if your equipment supports the AES standards, then XLR interconnect shouldn't be affected by distance. Ask Ralph Karsten (@atmasphere), who is a member here on Agon.

FWIW, I use 12 meter interconnects between amp and pre. The Mogami Ralph supplied performed just as well as a pair of AQ (non DBS) cables, at a fraction of the cost. And, yes, my equipment does adhere to AES standards.

Bob

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.