I was using the Belden 10 ga.
Analysis plus ova 9‘S vs. Kimber cable 8tc’s.
I’m going to buy some new speaker cables and the two above are what I’ve narrowed it down to. My amp is a McIntosh MC452 and my speakers are Aerial 7t’s. Right now I have bjc 10 ga. I’m not interested in other cables that are twice as good for half the price. It’s way too confusing and these are the price range cables that seem to have great reviews. Also should I bi-wire or not? Thanks in advance for the help.
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So I hooked up my Kimber 8tc’s this morning and have been listening to music all day. Mostly on the radio. I have a Kenwood KT 8300 that’s been worked on that sounds pretty good, plus we have a great NPR station in Louisville, WFPK that plays a lot of good music. The first thing I noticed is that my stereo sounds different. At first I couldn’t decide if was better or not. The more I listened the more I liked it. When the news came on at 5 , I couldn’t shut the music off for news. Since I wasn’t drinking or anything else, this was significant. A few minutes ago I put an Analogue Pressings re-master of Cat Stevens “Tea for the Tillerman”. Listening to that right now and I have to tell you that I never thought a pair of speaker cables could make so much difference. This is my go to record to see if changes make a difference and the difference is not minor to my ears. This comes from a skeptical person who doesn’t believe in much unless there is data to back it up. The sound is much fuller and richer. The soundstage seems much larger. I realize this may just be my imagination, but today these are my impressions. |
I wouldn’t bother bi-wiring, but- if you do, refer to the site posted by adg101, and carefully read the first and second lines under the heading, "The Does and Don’ts of Bi-Wiring ". Spending what you would on a bi-wire pair of Oval 9s, on an improved single run, might be preferable. Here's a thought, though I don't know what length you require: https://www.usedcable.com/analysis-plus-big-silver-oval-bananas-8ft-2-5m-pair-speaker-cables.html |
Whatever you purchase for SC’s just buy a standard pair non bi-wire and use jumpers at the binding post on the speakers removing the cheap straps. There’s more than one way to connect speaker cable w/jumpers and the configuration will vary so you have to experiment and pick what you prefer. Not to pitch Nordost, but this link, page 2 describes what I am referring to. Whatever you end up buying I’d recommend buying their jumpers just to keep it simple. https://nordost.com/downloads/NorseJumperinstructions.pdf I use the bottom of the three configurations as shown with my Aerial’s and can tell the difference. Again you have to try the three and pick what you prefer if you hear a difference. |
I wouldn't hesitate to use either, but(if I were you)- I'd be strongly attracted to the Ovals. I've got Kimber 8TC, going to my actively bi-amped woofers and Big Silver Ovals, going to my main speakers. I've been very happy with both. I hadn't looked at the Analysis Plus site in some time. Now I'm thinking about 2 X 8' of Silver APEX. Thanx, pal! |