Which of my cables would you upgrade or change and why?


Hey guys -

Looking for some cable advice.

I somewhat randomly assembled my system, as far as cables go, and am now wondering if I should make any cable changes to get the most out of my system. While I have no doubt that I have very capable components and cables, I am wondering if there are cables that are better matches for the components. The components are going to stay the same for now, for better or for worse.

Note that I think my system sounds great - I have no complaints - just thinking that there may be some cabling tweaks that will allow me to get even more out of my system.

Here are the particulars of my HiFi system - I have 2 pairs of speakers. I mostly listen to Tidal HiRes music off the Lumin D2 and with just the Focal Kantas, but I will occasionally use the CM10 S2s as well when I am hosting people since I get more oomph overall that way with no noticeable degradation or change in SQ.

System details:

Lumin D2 connected to my FIOS router via an Audioquest Forest Cat 7 ethernet cable.

The Lumin D2 is connected to an Anthem AVM 60 using a pair of Nordost Frey RCA analog cables.

I use the Anthem as a pre-amp and hub since my HiFi system is part of a larger 11.2 HT system.

Nordost Blue Heaven BNC to RCA digital audio SPDIF cable connecting Lumin D2 to Anthem AVM 60 processor (I use the Lumin’s DAC most of the time - I will occasionally use the Anthem’s DAC for certain non MQA titles).

I use Cardas Clear Cygnus XLR cables from the Anthem AVM 60 to a McIntosh MC452 amp. And Kimber Kable 8TC speaker cables from the MC452 to Focal Kanta No. 2s.

I have Audioquest Mackenzie XLR cables from the Anthem AVM 60 to a Bryston 4B3 amp.
And Audioquest Rocket 44 speaker cables from the Bryston 4B3 to B&W CM10 S2s.

So that’s it as far as my current cables - do you think I can get noticeably better performance from my system when streaming Tidal by changing any of the cables?

Thanks in advance.
Benson

chandybe

Showing 1 response by mulveling

Having 2 systems is much difficult to maintain/upgrade. But have you at least tried cables from 1 system in the other, to see if you’ve got the better match going, or to help hone in on a favorite brand/model?

I see you’ve got AQ cabling in the 2nd system. I’ve done a lot of AQ upgrades over time. Their line scales very nicely; huge price cliff when you get to the silver cables, though. I recently upgraded my girlfriend’s system from Rocket 44 to Rocket 88 (latest version, not the older braid) and thought it was a very nice improvement, worth the cash. I’d also guess the jump from Mackenzie to a Water would be a nice move - judging by my upgrades though analogous models of their prior IC line. AQ improves their cables over time, and a current Water (2nd from top copper) will compete on par with the Cheetah (PSS silver; was positioned 1 level above their top copper at the time) from two lines prior. Mackenzie would be analogous to the Diamondback model from back then. Not to mention the build quality of the old line pales compared to the new stuff.