Trying to upgrade my cables- If I wanted to try a new cable which one would have the most impact-I know they are all important but which one would you start with- speaker cable- interconnects etc- thks
A lot depends on what you have for electronics etc. The biggest improvements in my system came from Power. Dedicated Circuit, Power Conditioner, Power Cords, Fuses. I think almost everyone else will tell you that as well.
The biggest improvement will be replacing the one that's the worst. If they are all freebie rubber power cords then one of those. If they are all freebie patch cords then one of those. If you're using speaker wire sold by the foot then replace that. If all of the above, sorry, I darn near blacked out from the horror....
No one can answer that question; too many variables. Put aftermarket cables on ALL connections for superior sound. Includes power, IC, SC, umbilical's on power supplies, USB and Ethernet.
If your components are lower end, use the manufacturer supplied power cords for now. Do interconnects and speaker cables and upgrade components/speakers. Power cords and better IC and SC will come with time. Do not fail to eventually also upgrade USB or SPDIF (coaxial) and if you wish, Ethernet.
My opinion would be... If you’re running single-ended, then the upgrade the interconnects between the preamp and the amp, or source to integrated. If you’re running XLR interconnects, then upgrading Your speaker cables can make a nice improvement. Followed by power cords and power conditioners. But again, just my take on it.
When I first got into cables I remember switching from the top of the line Monster Cable speaker wire to Furez 12AWG cable on a pair of Legacy speakers. Furez speaker wire only run $1-$2 per foot. The difference in clarity and extension blew my mind, it was not subtle. I've been a believe ever since
Digital coaxial cables are SO different from one another that I can make my system sound VERY different by using any of the three that I own. Each has its own virtues and shortcomings.
The general recommendation is to spend 10% the cost of the entire system on cables. This would include the speaker cable, interconnect, power cord, USB, digital and other types of cable.
Personally I have spent about 25% the cost of my entire system on cables. In my experience, speaker cables and interconnects are equally important. Power cords, not so much. I will be upgrading the USB cable very soon and will see if the difference is worthwhile for the price paid.
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