Update from Nordost Heimdall to Frey speaker cable

@couger4u 

That’s where it started for me - Tyr II interconnects (xlr balanced). I auditioned them against what I had (Cardas something), Transparent and AudioQuest. The Nordost - in my system with my gear at the time - was noticeably better than the others at the same price point. 

Those are very good interconnects and the difference they made in my system was significant - and much for the better. I did end up upgrading to Valhalla 2s. Better again but not as much difference as the Tyr II made for me initially. 

Then I fell into the rabbit hole w/ Nordost power cables and QB 8. 

Full disclosure - despite my comment on the benefits of an all Nordost loom (a comment I stand by as I heard it w/ some disbelief), I do have a few non-Nordost cables in system still. But, I’ve changed too many other things recently (upgraded my amp, speakers and DAC all in the past 7 months) and I want to be careful here as things are still being revealed. 

I found the Tyr IC to be the most beneficial change so I think you’re starting from a good place. The Tyr speaker cables are significantly more $$$ than Frey so it’s worth treading cautiously around that rabbit hole. 

Best,

I am also in the Nordost ecosystem. I suspect you’ll hear an improvement. Depending on the rest of your system, you might be completely satisfied or be tempted to go further up the chain. Regardless, Frey is noticeably better than Heimdahl.  

As i went up through their levels, I enjoyed more openness/soundstage, more detail and a more natural presentation. As in all things audio, an audition in your system is a must to make sure they do what you hope they do. 

Lastly, I would note not only is system pairing important (hence the audition), but Nordost does seem to do better as a loom. I was highly skeptical of this when my dealer suggested it (skeptic understates it - I dismissed it). But he had me try it. Yep, other cables didn’t work as well as the Nordosts and I now have an all Valhalla 2 (and one Odin 1) loom. I had auditioned AQ and Transparent but liked Nordost best. For me and my system. Of course, YMMV.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

@akg_ca +1

Cables are so very system dependent, an extended audition in home is necessary. It just can’t be accomplished at the dealer.

That said, I did make an initial determination between Transparent, AQ and Nordost at the dealer to determine the “house” sound of each brand. It helped that the dealer carries my speaker (though not my electronics.)

What i wasn’t able to do unfortunately, was audition the reference level of the three brands, or anything beyond what my local dealer carried.

So, I’ll always have to wonder if I’d prefer reference level Transparent or AQ.  Fortunately, I’ve lost my appetite for that comparison as I’ve told myself Valhalla 2s should be end game. 

To @couger4u don’t let us discourage you from exploring Frey or Tyr II speaker cables. They are certainly very good and may indeed provide the results you hope for. Yes, there is always more, but it is certainly a diminishing returns game. Just be aware that if you don’t necessarily like them, it may be that it’s not the speaker cable you actually dislike. I could be that it is just potentially revealing other choke points in your system. Hence, the fun and/or frustrating part of this hobby.

I hope you come back to this thread to let us know how it’s going.

Best, 

@roadcykler 

are you actually suggesting that there’s no difference (other than price) between any cables whatsoever? So, you can use the cheapest lamp cord (or even smaller gauge - no reason to waste copper) and you’re good to go for speaker cables?  

Same for $5 rca cables to connect preamp and amp?

I’m not trying to be snarky - though I get that you’re comfortable with that tone based on your response here and in other threads. I’m actually trying to determine the limit of your observation(s). If expensive cables make no difference, can you go with the lowest cost denominator?  And if not, then what might be the threshold for you?

There are easily measurable differences in conductance, inductance and capacitance among cables. Further - all cables are antennas of some sort - both broadcasting and receiving.

Claiming diminishing returns I understand and I’ll claim the same. However, claiming no difference just isn’t factually true. Differences between poor quality and good quality cables are plainly audible. Differences between two sets of quality cables will be less so, but still audible. 

Many here claim audiophiles exhibit confirmation bias. And, that’s understandable because it truly is a thing. I’m sure many of us (me included) have exhibited it. But the existence of confirmation bias does not mean that no differences exist. It means that we may be predisposed to like something. I’ll acknowledge that it may cause us to conclude we heard something not there, but I would counter that some differences are so easy to hear as to be obvious from another room - or to my wife walking in and asking “did you change something?” without foreknowledge. 

So, I’d politely suggest that if you really hold the view you do, fine, but it’s unnecessary for you to post in a thread where others are attempting to explore ways to improve their systems and are seeking well reasoned opinions from others who may have direct experience to share. I’d gather you do not fall in that camp.

Peace.

@classicrockfan 

of course you’re right that because I don’t personally own the analyzer, the published results of companies like Shunyata and others are invalid. 

No, I don’t know how to do it, but it appears other companies do and it’s my understanding that electrical engineers understand these principles. And that they’re well understood.

I’m not sure what your purpose is in participating in audio forums that are for enthusiasts.  

@audphile1 +1