2. cables
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Where can I get educated about cables?

I'm still relatively new to this "hobby" compared to most of you it seems, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I've finally gotten to the point where I am considering purchasing cables, both for IC's and speakers, but I don't know where to begin.

Here's the deal- I read alot of reviews, talk to dealers, and read threads both here and on AA, and while everyone genuinely seems to want to help, I hear alot of talk about "impedance" and "capacitance", "six-nines', etc, when they talk about various cables. Now, I'm not an electrical engineer (I'm a commercial HVAC tech by trade), but I do know a little basic electronics, and am comfortable with a wiring diagram, so I am familiar with these terms.

Ultimately, I'd like to understand how to choose a cable, and why. I'd like to know how a cables characteristics will affect the sound with my equipment, and I'd like to know what cabling changes to make if I change a different part of my system somewhere down the road. Please don't misunderstand me- I do not believe I will find the perfect combination by simply using a magic formula of some sort. I'm just looking for information on the basics to get me headed in the right direction so I can make an informed decision, and hopefully save myself some grief (and cash) along the way.

Against my better judgement, but as an example, I'll tell you that I have a Sonic Frontiers Line1, a Bryston 4BST, and PSB Gold i's. I borrowed some different IC's from a local dealer, and heard the differences between them. BUT WHY? I wanna know why! Why did cable "XYZ" sound different than cable "ABC"? And what if I changed preamps? Then what? Or my amp? This could get really expensive trying cable after cable after cable, without knowing what to look for or having a frame of reference to start with.

Please, if anyone knows a source of info, a book, a site, or an actual person who can help me, let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, if you have experience with my particular COMPLETE setup, not just the individual pieces, your input would probably benefit me here as well.

Thanks for your time.


subcoolman

Showing 3 responses by david_d

david_d
83 posts
 
Hi, Subcoolman!
I understand that you are so eager to learn and find out about cables, and thats fine. Continue so. But don't expect that when you learn "why" cables sound different in a setup you will be able to foresee how they will sound in a XY setup. That is a thing that even much more experienced persons cannot perform with accuracy. What they can do (based on listening experience) is to have a good sense for the "sonic character" of cables. The best way is to gather experience by hearing as much cables in as mutch different setups as you can. But don't be in a rush. Trust your ears. It will come in time...
Cheers!
david_d
83 posts
 

Hi again!
Well I feel many well meaned words and great advices are given here. It's nice to see that so many of you know very much about our hobby and are helpfull to the "greenhorns" of Audio (hey, do you remember we all was "greenhorns" before!?). It makes me feel proud to be a part of such a good and well "functioning" society!

I can't but to repeat some already said words: - Room Tuning - Equipment Rack (Vibration "control") - Power supply. Get FIRST this done right and only THEN you will be able to "hear" cables, components, etc. It can (but must not) be a expensive affair but a necessary one if you're serious about this "hoby". And it is a long time investment that will save you much money and allow to learn much more efficently, not to mention it will be a healthy basis for any future upgrade.

Best wishes to all!
david_d
83 posts
 

You're Welcome Subcoolman.
Best of luck in finding apropriate cables for your system.
Cheers!
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