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

I am so convinced with these comments against upgrading my cables that I will go ahead and buy a few more Synergistic Research Foundation series cables. I need to order three more power cables and two subwoofer cables. 

@rodman99999 
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   #2: 

 You are wrong about DSP not making up for problems in the signal. 

Yes you can fix many problems with DSP there are programs like Isotope RX that can pull out sounds in front of other sounds using machine learning that was not possible even 5 years ago. Today vocalists routinely use Auto Tune or other programs to even make the singer bearable, or use with great singes if you want to go into a key change earlier or make a change while the artist isn't available. DSP is super important on even classical recordings, you can use very live mics (wider polar pattern) that are further from the musicians (to get a better image) and then use DSP to take the unwanted ambience (or air condition) down. Digital DSP sounds generally perfect today with no phase problems or latency as old DSP units introduced.

@recklesskelly Thanks. There’s always someone that shows up here and decides to educate us about our “bad” choices. I thought this was a hobby and we were allowed to spend our own money however we want. I certainly didn’t put in a request to be lectured like a child.