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Speaker Cable Upgrade... Advice Please

My current cables are Cardas Cross.  My speakers are Wilson Sophia 2.  I just changed electronics from Audio Research tubes, PS Audio DAC, and Whest Phonostage to the Devialet Expert 220 Pro.  The sound is a bit more bright and forward than with the previous gear.  I am happy overall, but I would like to tame it a little.  I am considering an upgrade to the next price category in speaker cables.  $2-3k retail new for a 2.5 meter pair.  Any suggestions for a cable that will work well with my gear?  Any thoughts on Nordost in that price range?  Perhaps Heimdall 2?

The brands that have peaked my interest are Purist, Verastarr, Nordost, and Cardas.

thanks!
Mark
marktomaras
tooblue
787 posts
 
I use Acoustic Zen Hollogram lls with my Wilson Sophias, amps used with these are VTL MB125s, Quicksilver M120s and a Pass Labs XA30.5. I have used the Cardas Cross, my back up cables, with all these combinations so am familiar with their sound. Please note that the AZ Holograms are designed for biwire configurations and the AZ Satorie are designed for single wire applications but have not heard them.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
What other speaker cables are also warm and laid back?

From my experiences, older Cardas cables are warmer sounding. Cardas Golden or Golden Reference may work.

Other manufacturers who may help take the edge off:
Purist Audio
Kubala Sosna
Jena Labs

From my experiences with Nordost, they would provide the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.
marktomaras OP
535 posts
 
Here's a crazy question... Might a power cable have more effect on the brightness than the speaker cables?
samac's avatar
samac
419 posts
 
@marktomaras

That is a great question. From my experience a power cable can be very effective at taming brightness. I would start there before speakers cables. Your Cardas speaker cables are excellent.

Cheers,

Scott
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Here's a crazy question... Might a power cable have more effect on the brightness than the speaker cables?

Absolutely, not a crazy question at all.
Look for a used K-S Emotion cord.

Of course, it is possible that Wilson/ Devialet simply do not mate well too.

Good luck,
John
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