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Suggest affordable cable options

My current setup is as follows: Bowers and Wilkins CM10 s2 (speakers), Parasound A21 (amp), Cambridge Audio Azur 851D DAC/Preamp connected to the amp via balanced connectors.

I am currently using cheap Audioquest ($50) cables and have been advised by many at Agon that upgrading to better speaker wires would yield considerable results. Now, when it comes to cables I'm admittedly not so educated, so I can surely use some advise here.

I want to stay below $750 - open to both new or used. Someone at Audiogon suggested Clear Day cables which can be had for around $500 for the top option. My only concern is that B&W are already known to be a bit forward/bright, so adding silver cables, which also have a reputation to be a bit on the bright side (feel free to correct me if this assumption is just plain wrong), might not be the most prudent approach.

Unfortunately, the more I research the more I get confused. Some say that it's a waste of money, and that a wire is a wire is a wire. Others advise to stick with name brands such as Audioquest, Tara Labs, etc. While others swear by boutique but affordable options such as Clear Day cables. Usually, the reason given by this camp is that the cables are more affordable because they manufacturers don't have marketing overhead. However, I'm sure the more established companies have higher profit margins that potentially lead to bigger and better R&D.

Regardless, one thing is for sure -- I'm not in the mood to spend more than 30% of what my system is worth.
128x128arafiq
simao's avatar
simao
656 posts
 
I'm going to put in another plug for Clear Day cables. I've been running a set of 8' Clear Day Shotgun cables ($270/8ft pair) on both Reference 3a de Capo's and Acoustic Zen Adagios. I just now put in a pair of Acoustic Zen Satori's ($800/6ft pair - though I got a direct buy discount), and though the cables haven't had the recommended 48 hrs break-in time, the difference for the most part, for now, is negligible.

Give Clear Day a try. Paul will make your cable based on what speakers you have and won't over-sell you. Plus, he's an amazing and customer-service oriented craftsman.

Disclosure: I'll most likely keep the Satoris in my main system and let them break in and breathe a while before I make any final decision. Like Paul Radauti at Clear Day, Mr. Robert Lee, the man behind everything Acoustic Zen, is also a consummate craftsman, engineer, and honest guy.
simao's avatar
simao
656 posts
 
@arafiq Just pm'd you with contact info in AZ and Clear Day.
adg101
408 posts
 
I use Clear Days exclusively and they are not bright at all; revealing yes but not at all bright, edgy or fatiguing. I took my double shotguns and IC's to a local shop to let them hear them which they know Paul only sells directly. Funny thing is they have recommended them to at least four long time customers and one of the employees there has bought a set from Paul. That's pretty funny they are doing this, helping out a guy who they can't pick up his line to carry in their store.

I will admit I've questioned if I should look elsewhere as my equipment is where most would spend a lot more on cables but I am so happy with my system that I have absolutely no desire to look elsewhere and in fact I will be buying another set of Paul's balanced cables this month.

Don't think I haven't listened to and tried a lot more expensive cables by others because I have and nothing I've tried outperformed the Clear Days. I find to my ears on my system they are less of a tone control than anything else I've tried; and yes all cables are some sort of a tone control. I feel for the money they get out of the way better than any cable I have tried.

Don't take my word, drop Paul a line and he'll send you some demos at no cost. I'm not sure he still does that but when I first spoke to him, he sent me his double shotguns without even wanting a credit card. He's a very trusting guy so hopefully no one has ever ripped him off. Can't speak highly enough about Paul. He's a great person to deal with.

Good luck.
sbrownnw
652 posts
 
I still think the OP should try the Mogami 2549 with ground lifted at one end (shotgunned - directional) with the Furutech 126(g) from Take Five Audio for less than $100 shipped nicely terminated and flex wrapped.

adeep42
97 posts
 
You might try Signal Cable. Frank makes all cables to order. They are low impedance and well shielded. He will terminate them any way you want. Plus his prices are very reasonable.


www/signalcable.com
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