Request recommended cables for my system.

Hi,

I don't know if this will give you the answer you were hoping for, but perhaps it might be a step in that direction...

You mentioned what you were wanting your system to sound like (I think) but you fail to mention what it sounds like right now with your current ICs and cables. If you can detect a weakness (for lack of better words) you might find that a certain IC/cable has qualities to rectify that weakness. I'd need to know what type of benchmark we were starting from before I give you my $.02 on IC/cable advice.

Starting all over with new stuff is a crap shoot at best. There are so many variables that you might just want to try using the additive approach- especially in a system that has positive attributes already. You may lose what you love in your quest for a complete makeover. Make sense?

Best of luck

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.

You have an 'audio shrink'!!!?? I need to upgrade to one of those; I only have an Audio Advisor. 0_0