I am by no means an audio expert, nor do I have a $10,000+ system. However, the best cables I have ever used in over 40 years of listening, are the Reference Series from Anti Cables. $12 a foot! While you're at it, check out their Zero Box impedance matcher. You can multiply the speaker impedance your amplifier "sees" by 2X, 3X, and 4X. This can come in quite handy when using low impedance speakers with many tube SET amps.
The most transparent speaker cable
Gentlemen, I've been trying already for three cables in my system and none has all of the qualities I'm looking for in one. Can anyone recommend me the speaker cable which will be the most transparent with best detailing, not harsh and not muddy with the deepest bass and beautiful transients?
I've tried Revelation Audio Labs, Oyaide FF-20 V2 and Russian noname solid core AC in-wall cable. Today I'm gonna test the AR solid core but I doubt it will win. What I like in solid core cables is that they giving me the best and coherent bass I heard but at a price of the transparency. Of all three, the most transparent however was the Russian noname solid core AC in-wall cable but it lacks the bass slam and finesse.
Some recommend me to try as a speaker cable the Mundorf MConnect Metallfolie...
I've tried Revelation Audio Labs, Oyaide FF-20 V2 and Russian noname solid core AC in-wall cable. Today I'm gonna test the AR solid core but I doubt it will win. What I like in solid core cables is that they giving me the best and coherent bass I heard but at a price of the transparency. Of all three, the most transparent however was the Russian noname solid core AC in-wall cable but it lacks the bass slam and finesse.
Some recommend me to try as a speaker cable the Mundorf MConnect Metallfolie...
86 responses Add your response
Post removed |
The most transparent cables will let you know what your speakers and electronics really sound like.... They will be the most neutral cables. If your amplification is not transparent? You may blame what you hear on the transparent cables if you think the cables will make your system sound more transparent. Catch 22... You like the solid core because they eliminate the signal transfering mish mashing that takes place when you have all those tiny strands rubbing against one another in the typical stranded cables. The signal is jumping all over those strands. The solution? Solid core.. but it has its limits. The best of both worlds? Many strands. But, having each strand insulated from one another. Look into Litz wire cables. You'll have to Google for that. It gives the benefits of solid core, but allows for greater dynamics and detail because of the fine strands. Its what I have used for the last thirty years. |
dave_b1,706 posts08-26-2016 7:35pmNordost definitely should be tried...I have found their designs to fall into the flawed camp. Not balanced in their presentation. Hmmmm....... Certainly not my experience. I would put them at the top of the list. |
Post removed |
I've been in the hi-end audio game for just over 50 years, and during that time I have owned or used some 20 brands of speaker cable. The most transparent cable (both speaker and interconnect) in my system is the Nordost brand. Try to borrow several models -- starting in the Norse "family" -- or rent from The Cable Company. |
Audioquest delivers fantastic value and have great transparency while retaining hefty bass. I find MIT DELIVERS the most low level detail with warmth and deep taught bass. Transparent also delivers wonderful balance. Only flawed designs force you to choose detail or bass... bad designs come in many forms. Ahendler has deeper issues than can be addressed here:) |
Use the link below to see the video on TARA Labs cable technology: https://youtu.be/C4ODI10n84w Their labor intensive construction techniques and materials are unsurpassed and the sonic result proves it. |
What I like in solid core cables is that they giving me the best and coherent bass I heard but at a price of the transparency. Of all three, the most transparent however was the Russian noname solid core AC in-wall cable but it lacks the bass slam and finesse. Well, as you can see by the myriad of responses, there really is no clear cut recommendation. All cables depend on system synergy and personal musical taste. However, as you have already noticed, no cable can do it all either. The more transparency a cable gets, the more bass slam (weight) it loses. Generally, you can either get more speed and resolution, or more musicality and bass weight. Just as one cannot head East and West at the same time, you must make a choice in which direction you wish to head. Ultimately, sacrifices must be made when choosing the cable that mate best with your gear, to your ears. |
You should give a serious audition to ClearDay loudspeaker cables. Listening to Roxy Music Avalon currently on my system and they are so musical. Compare them with other recommendations in "your own system" and then decide. Key is - you should decide. Paul will send you a pair of cables; just let him know your configuration. |
No such thing as final anything in high end audio. I have got rid of all my expensive speaker cable ( MIT, High Diamond 8, Auditorium 23 and Nordost) and replaced them with cheap Western Electric 16 gauge speaker cable. $160 for 3 meter pair. Best I have ever heard. Really stunning cable. Also Belden 1804 interconects. $60 for 1 meter pair. Has all the qualities you want Alan |
Look into Tempo Electric Big Twist solid-core silver cables. I have two sets, one for each amp, which even now would probably cost much less than one pair of, say, the Transparent cable mentioned. I've used Synergistic Research, Auditorium A23, and now these. These are my final speaker cables. G'luck, Dan |
theppd- my fave subject: much will depend on your gear to create true system synergy. On your part, you will have to do much listening and auditioning on the brands that you find interesting. My experience: the best, most transparent speaker cabling was w/ (no pun) Transparent Reference XL and/or OPUS. Not inexpensive by any means, these products belong in a $50k and up system. The good news: there are so many Cable manufacturers now, literally, something for everyone. Choose wisely and you will be rewarded. |