What would you use ?


Hi all,

I'm in the process of upgrading some elements of my system and am investigating cables. I need to make a bi-wire 12' run to my Snell E.5 speakers. Will be upgrading the amp at the same time. I like the Snells for their accuracy, taut bass and nice soundstaging. However, they can lean a bit toward a cool sound. At present, I am using an old Sansui amp which has a warmer sound so the balance is nice. I am also presently using 12 gauge 'regular' old speaker cable. All that being said, my goal is to get cables that will be in the $2-$3 a foot price range, preserve the deep taut bass, and open up the high end spaciousness without adding harshness or fatigue. What would you all recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Chris
cdelplato6dd2
I would second the notion of choosing your amp first, then listen to the sound. If the speakers still lean towards the cool end, you can warm things up by switching speaker cables. In order to warm things up, you would want to round off the highs (not necessarily open up the highs more)and beef up the bass. A good start is the Cardas Gold and the MIT Terminator 2 Biwire.

You may also want to investigate room treatments, your source, and interconnects.
In general, thicker gauge gives better and fuller bass, so don't look at cables smaller than 12ga, or you will probably be disappointed. And buy used, your budget will go a lot farther. If you are going to biwire for a net cost of $4-$6 a foot per side, or can stretch the budget a little, definitely go looking for a set of DH Labs Silver Sonic Q-10, internally biwired. You will not find anything better for less than ten times the price.
For the kind of money that you want to spend, i would keep your 12 gauge cables on the bottom end and look for some type of low inductance design for the top end. I agree with others in that buying used will get you a lot more for your money.

As to the Analysis Plus cables, the Oval 9's would make nice jumper cables for your car. I would not use them for a stereo though. I would rather listen through zip cord. ANY zip cord. Sean
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PS... sorry if you find this offensive or upsetting, but that's just my opinion. Take it for what it is worth, which is slightly less than $.02