2. cables
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"World's Best Cables" vs Audioquest interconnects

I've heard many great things about "World's Best Cables". At such low price, these alleged giant killers are a no brainer, so I ordered two pairs. When the shipment arrived, I connected one pair from my phono stage to my preamp, and another pair from my preamp to my power amp.

These cables replaced my trusty old Audioquest interconnects.

First listening impressions: extremely lean sound. Details etched in space, almost as if a strong laser beam is outlining them.

Santana I, side 1: almost unlistenable. The highs are piercing, the soundstage is flat, the splash cymbals sound like trash cans. Made my head hurt.

Switching back to my Audioquest cables: my god, what a relief! The sound is back to its good old sound of music. Everything sounds natural again.

Now, the "World's Best Cables" come with the users manual that claims that the cables need to be burned in for 175 hours. Should I give them the benefit of the doubt and suffer 175 hours, or is that just an audio myth about cables burn-in?

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crazybookman
mitch2
3,694 posts
 

At 7awg OFC and 8 feet long, you could do a lot worse than $189 for a pair of speaker cables.

If you want to be picky, "Ultra-Pure" and "Extra Premium" are probably a stretch, and I sort of doubt the Eminence spades are the "highest-grade connectors for these audiophile cable assemblies."

chrisr's avatar
chrisr
542 posts
 

7awg.... I can't imagine how flexible this garden hose is. Hopefully it won't break the connectors.

 

 

phillyb's avatar
phillyb
394 posts
 

They make a 7 gauge speaker cable the is killer $200.00 or so 6’ and up. Well made and just brings speakers to life. Unless you got deep pockets its worth giving this brand a try, not their cheaper stuff but this level. 

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,695 posts
 

@crazybookman

I wouldn’t consider any interconnect or cable that doesn’t use OCC wire or copper RCA’s or bananas or spades. Using brass and plating it with gold is just junk jewelry.

phillyb's avatar
phillyb
394 posts
 

Cable is not rocket science and we have been sold by magazines and marketing of cables. This is not to say quality does not matter it does to a point where you get into the overkill bling that can cost more than gear and a car. I’ve owned audiophile cables and then replaced them with just well-made cables and my system sounded as good. I believe in cables making an impact but I no longer the need to spend crazy money, put more into your room acoustics and speaker placement. Best money you can spend. 

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