Request recommended cables for my system.

6ix 6ixty 6ix,

I really find it really hard to describe what is missing. Actually it sounds pretty darn good, but I want to feel goosebumps, nirvana when I listen. If there is anything I feel is missing it is kind of an organic sound if that makes any sense, like I guess just more natural. I have dynamics, good bass, extended clear highs.

I have tried long wall/short wall, tube rolling, toe in, etc, ad nauseum, but it has been a long time since I have changed cabling, especially the speaker cable. The old AudioTruth/Audioquest speaker cable is really getting long in the tooth.

I have considered trying something like Audience Au24 due to good reviews.

Regards,

The CRL cables advertised on Audiogon right now are amazingly priced and meet your sonic preferences. I also feel Ridge Street Audio makes some exceptional cables. Another option is Oritek, of which the X-1 is an amazing value.

Audionut22,

Man, I know that feeling!!

This sounds like an emotional request in that you want to be closer to the music. Correct? Well, here's my $0.02:

If you read the ads and reviews- products will take you there. I do agree that a nice pre or set of cables can make your system "fun" again but I don't read those ads much anymore...

You might think this sounds absolutely crazy but I think it's worth mentioning. I listened to my system in total darkness three nights ago for the first time in I don't know when and I had that "organic" emotional connection all over again. The only reason I can think of is that when I look at my system (lights on)- I see weaknesses. I'm looking at my components and wondering how much I can get out of them. I'm dreaming of the next thing that will send me over the moon. I want to change stuff, buy more, and mix it all up.

With the lights out and/or eyes closed, I can focus on the MUSIC.

This is an addiction we have here not unlike OCD! The other aspect of that addiction (besides the never ending quest for better gear) is the feeling we get when listening to a great performance being properly reproduced. Sometimes we get it in our head that we need something to be able to enjoy things again and it's hard to dismiss that. I say treat yourself to ONE set of speaker cables (something economical) and see if that makes your heart sing. I like the advice you received with regard to sticking with a single manufacturer- it increases your chances for success.

I built the infamous CAT5 cables* and they sucked for the first month. Now, they melt me....or is that just the 'Coltrane? ;-)

* I don't like what they do at sub 40Hz- too synthetic and weak. They are being used in a biamp set up with a cut off at 60Hz. Heavy copper for the low end- cheapo Signal Cable Ultra is doing the trick for now.

Greeting, DH Labs "Air Matrix" are hard to beat. If you want to spent more I would try "Revelation Audio Labs" they have a 30 money back guarantee, so you can try risk free.