2. cables
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What process do you use to purchase cables?

I’m in the process of updating my gear and thinking about what to do for updated cables. Every time I think about it, my head spins as there are so many different cable options & companies. I struggle to even start the process.

I don’t care if it’s speaker cables, interconnects or power cords – Just explain what you typically do to nail down your purchase.

FYI – my past “process” was to simply purchase whatever I found to be the most affordable options recommended by folks on this board. For that reason, I’m currently using Canare 4S11 speaker cables, Mogami Gold interconnects, and Pangea power cords.

Since I’m planning to push my component updates to significantly higher quality gear, I don’t want to fall short on the cable side. If you have a process, let’s hear it! Thanks


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Showing 2 responses by terry9

terry9
2,243 posts
 
Another thing to beware of is corrosion. Conductors clad in permeable dielectric like cotton will probably corrode over time.
terry9
2,243 posts
 
If you like what you have, good. That's an excellent place to start.

Now, before you spend another dime, test every candidate IN YOUR SYSTEM and see if any of them is worth the money. That's for interconnect and speaker cable.

Then there's power. I did the following test:
1. bought a classy isolation transformer, and sited it a utility room, because they tend to growl when on duty;
2. tested three expensive power cords on a standard plug; each sounded better than the stock power cord;
3. tested same three expensive power cords on an isolated plug, and they all sounded the same as the stock power cord; and better than any from step 2.
This led me to conclude that an isolation transformer does what an expensive power cord does, except better, and for less money. And then there's the added benefit of protection of expensive equipment, which was my main consideration.

You asked what I did. That's it, and it worked for me. Tested every candidate IN MY SYSTEM. No reviewers. No know-all posters. No BS. Just experiment.

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