I've had that happen, but it's been rare...I only buy cables I can return...
Are cable “upgrades” just as likely to make your system sound worse?
Many of us with highly resolving systems have found that speakers cables and interconnect cables can improve the sound quality of our systems. But are they also just as likely to do the opposite?
A few months ago, I “upgraded” to a renowned speaker cable, and immediately noticed more detail and resolution. I was so pleased I also “upgraded” the interconnects. But with more time I realized that the trade-off for more detail was a thinner sound with diminished tonal richness. Thus began a maddening series of attempts to fix the problem – different speaker cables, different DAC, different streamer, and now even a 30 trial of a new amplifier to try to overcome the thinness and find a more natural tone. It finally occurred to me to replace the out-of-sight-out-of-mind interconnects (with my original interconnects), and immediately the problem was blessedly solved.
Have others experienced this frustration? What recommendations do you have to avoid such fiascos?
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- 64 posts total
According to the rules of placebo effect , it should sound better if that’s what you had hoped for! 😁 Honestly, what we prefer is always subjective, but I’ve definitely had cables that I didn’t like, or at least that had traits I didn't want in the system, and couldn't live happily with. A good return policy from your seller can be really useful....or better yet, a dealer or friend who will loan cables.
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I have had a similar experience. I needed a little more sparkle at my top end, and the obvious choice was a Nordost Valhalla II. It did exactly that, but they took a little warmth from the midrange, albeit the midrange is now clearer. It was a tradeoff that I was happy with. I think many cables sound different, but not necessarily better. Although frustrating at times, that's what makes this audiophile disease kind of fun! |
@wester17 - Were you happy with your DAC, amp and streamer before you changed the cables? |
- 64 posts total