Why Do Cables Matter?


To me, all you need is low L, C, and R. I run Mogami W3104 bi-wire from my McIntosh MAC7200 to my Martin Logan Theos. We all know that a chain is only as strong as its' weakest link - so I am honestly confused by all this cable discussion. 

What kind of wiring goes from the transistor or tube to the amplifier speaker binding post inside the amplifier? It is usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper. Then we are supposed to install 5 - 10' or so of wallet-emptying, pipe-sized pure CU or AG with "special configurations" to the speaker terminals?

What kind of wiring is inside the speaker from the terminals to the crossover, and from the crossover to the drivers? Usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper.

So you have "weak links" inside the amplifier, and inside the speaker, so why bother with mega expensive cabling between the two? It doesn't make logical sense to me. It makes more sense to match the quality of your speaker wires with the existing wires in the signal path [inside the amplifier and inside the speaker].

 

 

kinarow1

Showing 24 responses by recklesskelly

I completely agree that everything matters and that there is a point of diminishing returns. Inter Connects and Speaker cables take priority and then power. You can get great performance and sound without spending your children's 529 plan. 

I love this quote.

As a promenant cable designer once stated: "Cables can’t make a system sound better. They can only make it sound worse. It’s all about damage control."

@audphile1 sure as heck has been pummeled and pulverized. +1 To each their own on this subject. Move along little doggies.

I hear what I hear. Everything in my system is relative and has made an improvement or it goes out the door.  

@ieales What's Best Forums, common man.😎 You should check the place out, tons of information from engineers, manufacturers and consumers. 

​​​​​​​Now if the Wife's Best Friend is hot I may check her site out too. 

 https://www.whatsbestforum.com/forums/masterbuilt-audio.399/

 

Okay time to say goodbye, not sure about magic bullets, my system sounds fantastic and if a component is not contributing to my musical enjoyment, off it goes. Shame some people just come to these threads to throw stones.

May not be for audiophiles but there are shielded speaker cables in the market.

Seems to be a lot of bot/AI paranoia if a person, new person posts something that goes against the consensus around here. Very amusing. 

 

https://www.showmecables.com/12-2-belden-5000fe-shielded-speaker-cable-gray-1000-ft?srsltid=AR57-fDvl_w-C3fBZ6FcZxsgmZQDPrJZqFEME1hRJjrhkea3gdz5adrNnRU

Well when it comes to audio engineers and audiophiles I chose to listen to Dave McNair @ PTA Grammy Winning engineer and a fellow who will actually consider all points. 

 https://www.davemcnairmastering.com/styled-3/index.html

True to a degree. I did treatments, then cables (not crazy$$$) then a few tweaks. For many there is a compromise as the room is multi purpose, cables are less obtrusive and do have benefits over the stock junk. Your statement @boxertwin12 is a bit over the top. No one is saying expensive but better built than the crap that comes from the factory. Kinda like putting a slip-on vs the  stock can on your BMW. Slight uptick in performance, fuel economy and sounds way better. 

@cleeds A most excellent observation and post about this creature @donavabdear he is definitely not endearing to me for sure. Sealioning, I like it. 

Pot meet kettle. 
 

1971gto455ho

361 posts

 

@donavabdear 

You poked the bear, perhaps it’s not your posts that are stupid, but in fact, some people are….

Cheers 

I think $20K on AC regenerators is stupid. Makes spending $4500.00 on a power cord look rational. 

But But there is no science... Nice post @rodman99999 may buy a set of their speaker cables for giggles. 

So @donavabdear $70.00 is a lot of money for a PC? Transparent has a full range of cables. Why are you such a sealion?

Oh and a PS for DNA Scanning device is $2300.00 and what did you spend on those 2 Regens from Paul?? Pot meet kettle. Such a sealion. 

https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/azure-biosystems/product-108350-1049610.html

https://www.transparentcable.com/products/perfect-power-3-conductor-power-cord?variant=28523137368128

Sea lioning - Album on Imgur

This might be a good read for some, for others maybe not. @donavabdear working on a TV show (I do not own a TV so I have no idea what that show was or is) hardly makes an expert, EE, or Lab Tech. 

Should read this as it may turn a light on for you. 

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/audiophile-sonic-terms-redux.36485/