2. cables
  3. 144170-107721

Value of upgrading only 1 set of interconnects?

I currently have 2 sets of Cardas balanced cables. 1 set goes from DAC to Pre, the other goes Pre to amps. I’m considering upgrading the DAC output set to something like Teo Audio , Cerious ,or High Fidelity.

Should the 2 sets be of matching quality or can I expect a significant enough improvement with just 1 upgraded set?
128x128doitwithlife

Showing 3 responses by dorkwad

dorkwad
317 posts
 
@pellethead,

Thanks for the perk.  Love the name btw.

Bob
dorkwad
317 posts
 
As you get more experienced at this and in the sound you are hoping to achieve, you will generally get little to no satisfaction when you upgrade slightly or it was a sideways move.  I like what the reviewer for Dagogo, Doug Schroeder, said about upgrading cables or really anything in the system.  He says if you have to strain to even think you are hearing a difference for the better, then it wasn't worth the time and money to do it.  He won't upgrade to a better cable unless it is significantly better in sound--and, for the most part, it will also be a significant jump in price, too.  I putzed around for awhile with very slight upgrades or some changes that weren't even noticeable.  It was when I started doing what Doug suggested to me--upping the cost about 50%--that the changes made a significant difference.  I'll agree with those that said it depends on the sound of the system whether staying with one brand of cable is a good idea or maybe throwing a different brand in the mix that has strengths that go with the different strengths of the cable you already have and liked might be a better way to go.

Bob  
dorkwad
317 posts
 
inna,

I agree, you can set the system off balance or too far in one direction from neutral.  In my case, I loved what the Teo GC cables did in my system.  I used them from both of my front ends to the preamp.  BUT.. when I tried another Teo GC from the preamp to the amp, it was too much in one direction.  I have a couple good friends who let me borrow their cables or come over and we have a listening session comparing a couple cables.  We are agreed the extra Teo GC used at that pre to power was too much and substituting a lower cost JW Reference in that position made the sound better in all ways.  Better leading edge and somewhat better dynamics.  

Now, when we tried the double Teo GC (also called the shotgun or Schroeder method) vs. single, the results were even more impressive.  Other than higher cost, it was a no brainer.

Bob
More to discover