I used my 12 gauge stranded oxygen free copper lamp cord, for several years. Then, after I got into 2 channel again and upgraded everything else, I was still unhappy with the sound. Oppo, Parasound Halo, Paradigm Signature in my system then, and the imaging from these was rather 2 dimensional and plain.
I didn't know that then, only that something seemed to be wrong for a system costing several thousand. So finally after racking my brain and reading everywhere I thought, how much worse could it get, and tried new speaker cables, Audioquest Type 4, at the suggestion of someone on another forum. He suggested those because they could be quite cheap, and would be a noticeable improvement over stranded copper. I had come to the conclusion that all cables sound the same, but more recently had tried mid level Morrow IC's and though they made some difference, it wasn't much.
That turned out to be because the old speaker cables were holding back the sound. The Morrows with the Audioquest was quite a step up. Placement of instruments, depth of sound stage, and a focus and clarity. It's not that I had noticed I was lacking any of this, I didn't know what was missing.
Now, the Audioquest Type 4 go for $5/ft in bulk cable, which is what I had. When I decided to upgrade the speaker cables again I found the limits of the Type 4. It's a warm cable with somewhat recessed highs, and less bass. No surprise since the Type 4 is about a 17 gauge cable.
Wow, that was quite a mouthful! Point is, Russel is a quack who has misled many people and given false hope for others. Either way, I suggest Wireworld or Morrow speaker cables, either of their top of the line stuff will not disappoint. |
I recently became a dealer for Audioquest here in NYC to handle their power conditioners. I was offered to audition their speaker cables and thought why not. I got to extensively listen in my system to their 2 top of the line speaker cables, the Wildwood and Well signature.
While the price is shocking, the transparency was as well. Details emerged, distortions disappeared.
Luckily we're running the new BHK 300's mono blocks, so the expense of upgrading to the cables is not as bad as for those that. Need long pairs.
Highly suggested to audition them, but I also suspect lower down the product line would work well. |
Another vote for Omega Micro. |
This really clears things up. Enjoy.
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm
We're both fairly new on this forum, but the first thing I noticed was that the objective view is not too prevalent here, so I don't participate in any of the cable, amp sound, power cord, blind test, vibration platform, etc. threads. If I were you I wouldn't bother. The subjective view is very well established here. |
...just a no money suggestion.....get in touch with Paul at ClearDay cables. He'll send you speaker cables for audition. You don't like them..send them back, but as for me, I absolutely think the double shotguns are stupendous.
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Hold the phone!
Everyone posting here is wrong :)
The answer to the most transparent cable is the shortest cable that you can find (ideally 2ft or less per run) that is somewhere between 9-12awg and made of multi nines OFC Copper and has an outer jacket of reasonably low dielectric constant. Mogami comes to mind.
I'd be willing to bet a whole penny such a wire would easily outclass most of those other esoteric brands already posted here. The only time to start considering more fancy wire is once length starts to increase beyond a few feet
Give it a try ;) |
DanaCable Sapphire Reference MkII.
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Every cable is system dependent,and every system is cable dependent..no such thing as what its best..so many variables you just need to roll up your sleeves and get listening..I use Jena Labs ,to me they are the end of the journey |
i've tried dozens of cables and none were better..or even as good as ClearDay Cables. If you call Paul at ClearDay, he'll send you a trial pair no charge.. You got nothing to loose but a couple of dollars in postage and you very well might love these things as I do.
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Not quite a newbie...but not technically inclined and definitely has tinned ears.
After years in this hobby and am now wondering....
Is there such a thing as cables being "transparent" sounding? How does one really know if the cables are transparent (sounding)? I really think that ALL cables have a sonic character. In fact...everything in the audio chain is colored.
After hours and hours of reading articles, reviews and hanging out in hifi forums....most often mentioned is....System Synergy is KEY. If one needs more bass, more treble extension etc etc...forget about "transparent"....you are looking for something "colored" ....no?
Forget transparent...no such thing. |
I have spent some time on this roller coaster. I have tried Audioquest, Clearday, Triode Wire Labs, Synergistic Research Element Tungstun and most recently Morrow Grand Reference Elite at $4K. I have finally been stopped in my tracks by Bob Grost's Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme speaker cables. I did not realize that much quality bass was still hiding in there. These cables, to my ears not only sound the best but represent an incredible bargain. Check out the thread here on Agon.
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What is cable transparency? The cable carries the signal from A to B, and there are countless decently designed balanced cables will do that virtually flawlessly, with no loss of detail. Its the other things that set great cables apart from merely flawless cables.
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I'm still listening to my cheap AntiCables and loving what I both hear and don't hear. The only real temptation I have is to follow the Tempo Electric recipe for big-twist speaker cables, but again... I like what I have now and paid less than $300 for a pair of 8 foot AntiCables. |
I recommend trying some Monoprice 12 gauge. Use some crimp on gold plated spades for the terminations and you might be surprised at how they compare to these alleged super cable brands. |
And the monoprice are transparent aren't they?
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These are the best I've found in 40 years in the hobby. http://vongaylordaudio.com/beta/cabling/
Return of the Legend Speaker Cables • $4,995.00 / 10ft pair: 7000s-HF • $4,995.00 / 10ft pair bi-wire options: 7000s-LF, 7000s-SLF • Choice of gold plated banana plugs or spade lugs
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eniac26 is almost right. I posted some time ago about UP-OCC copper solid core teflon wire. Let me dig out the post...
Here it is: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/up-occ-solid-core-copper-for-speaker-cable
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My favorites are Transparent Reference Speaker cable (calibrated to your amp & speakers) and Shunyata Anaconda. Both of these are very revealing of anything upstream.
Of the two, the Transparent sounds the most musical to my ear: tight defined bass with clean attack and natural decays & tone, great highs without harshness, spacious natural soundstage, and the best midrange I have heard in my system. They are also a lot more expensive than the Anacondas, which I think are one of the great bargains in speaker cables.
The Anaconda has sharper transients (not harsh, just have a faster attack and shorter decay than the Transparents) and more "slam." Midrange is very close to Transparent's but not quite as revealing to my ear. Very fluid pacing and tight bass definition.
Having said all that, both are excellent SC's in my experience. YMMV.
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As above;
Thanks! for sharing- melbguy1.
The Jorma is on my must demo list as well. I do not know where to audition here in the USA? |
Excellent points all around guys. We all own different systems and prefer different expectations from them. I want it all- detail, resolution, air, decay of notes, timbre and dynamics, just to mention a few characteristics.
Happy Listening! |
I'm also a ClearDay fan. ....and Paul will send an audition pair free for evaluation. Why anyone doesn't play with this offer is stunning.
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Definitely the Omega Micro and Nordost should be on the list if it's transparency you're looking for.
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I’m surprised there has been no discussion in this thread of bi-wiring. If the OP has speakers that can be bi-wired, then that opens up a lot of possibilities. If it is true that heavier gauge tends to lose transparency, then perhaps a different, smaller gauge cable would be in order on the top end. This is my current setup(bi-wireable speakers), and I’m looking to improve my speaker cabling.
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If you can, try to audition the JPS Labs Superconductor 3. Clarity, transparency, balance. Nothing irritating or excessive. I don’t have to say any more.
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Purist Audio Design. 30+ years of the greatest cables on earth. |
Purist Audio Design. 30+ years of the greatest cables on earth.
Brian of Herndon Audio, while manufacturers and dealers are welcome on these forums, they are obliged to reveal their true identity, so as not to appear as wolves in sheep's clothing. |
jmcgrogan25,503 posts11-03-2016 11:37am
Purist Audio Design. 30+ years of the greatest cables on earth.
Brian of Herndon Audio, while manufacturers and dealers are
welcome on these forums, they are obliged to reveal their true
identity, so as not to appear as wolves in sheep's clothing.
Good catch Inspector Abberline! Keep the bastards honest good sir. |
Has anyone asked the OP what his budget is?
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apologies. <Purist dealer disclaimer>
Give them a listen, Purist Rules. :-) |
Physic Harmonic "ECO"
From Avalon ISIS , Tannoy Westminster , Carfrae LBH ,
from 750w Krell....to.... 6w SET
The most comprehensive , intelligible and balanced transparency.
Handmade by Andreas Pollakis (Facebook) of aca.gr
(30 days money back guarantee)
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An MIT Oracle AC3 is a good start. Next try the Oracle AC1 and see how you feel. The AC2 was/is very worthwhile in my reference Spectral system. Happy hunting--and happy holidays. Pete |
Naim Audio NACA speaker cable. Reasonable price, real pain to bend or terminate, looks ugly but, Boy!, it just disappears!! Check my system to convince yourself that being a Naim-head I am totally prejuced and then disregard this post. ;-) |
Most transparent, most energy in the music, natural conveyance of the total frequency range, rock solid bass up through beautiful mids and highs, imaging, etc...to die for? Beyond a shadow of any doubt David Elrod's Statement Gold and Diamond Speaker cables. The Signature Golds are amazing in their own rite as well. I've owned and heard a LOT of mid to high-end cables and the Statement Golds are the best I've heard and a great match for any speaker. |
I've said this so many times....all cables sound different on different systems. The only way to hear if it works in your system is to plug it in a judge for yourself. In my system, the top Wireworld works the best...but in your system that might not be the case.
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Jena Labs you get what you pay for! |
best try nordost. very transparent and exciting to listen to. |
