The most detailed speaker cable??

Rsbeck's suggestion of examining one's room and system configuration to trouble-shoot a sonic problem makes common sense to me. It's possible that folks asking questions about cables as a solution to a problem haven't considered whether room treatment, or a component is to blame. No disrespect to you, Harnellt, if you've already considered...and eliminated...these variables.

I believe cables do sound differently. However, no cable is going to properly solve a problem if the root cause is a component, or a room that lacks proper treatment. I owned loudspeakers that I found terribly bright and lacking in bass. I tried several different cables, and I heard only minor variations between them and not enough to fix the sound of my system. Eventually, I changed speakers. Changing speakers made all the difference, and I would have saved myself a lot of time if I'd changed them sooner.

I have to agree with Rsbeck -- completely. Putting aside the placebo factor, in all truth you'd be hard pressed to find something better that -- drum roll, please -- 14 gauge low voltage lighting cable from Home Depot. Approximately 15 cents a foot. Well-shield, super-well constructed, very pure copper, does the trick. Don't believe me? Roy Allison and the fine folks at McIntosh all have the same thought. Power cables? Give Dusty at CI Audio a call -- he's an extremely thoughtful, honest designer and recommends, drum roll, please, normal computer power cords from Radio Shack.

Yes, a dedicated line is a great idea, and a better outlet is certainly a good idea.

Otherwise -- snob and placebo factor aside -- the money one would invest in expensive cables would make much more of a difference, as Rsbeck has said, in components, especially your amp and speakers.

Grant, I completely agree. And given the variables Harnellt's system (absent the unanswered issue of room treatment), I would again recommend silver speaker cables. I've tried six different cables in my system, and the differences between copper and silver were not even close. As well, the variations in detail and transparency amongst the copper cables were not marginal either. Does this mean that I have the answer to his dilemma? I don't know.

In response to the suggestion that one of the components might be the culprit here, which one would it be?
AR cd3
Pass alpeh P
Pass X-150.5
with AZ silver ref. xlr
Joseph Audio RM22si MK2

His system seems capable of producing the detail he is after, but in my experience the speaker cables listed in his initial post will not translate the same level of detail that silver will. And as far as treating the room, doing so in our house did not enhance the effects of brightness, but rather tamed it instead. Again, just my experience.

Harnellt, let us know what you discover.

Rsbeck, I agree that money is better spent on components, room acoustics, and dedicated A/C, than on cabling. But I also think that cabling makes a big difference in a system. I don't read the hype that you talk about. I just try the cable. But... About a year ago, I needed a cable that was balanced and longer to replace my 0.5 meter Siltec FTM4sg single ended interconnect. I tried 6 interconnects that were on loan. The one that stood out above the rest was the Siltec SQ110 Classic. I bought it. I use this between my preamp and amp. It's biggest asset was lowering the noisefloor in my system. At any rate, here's the hype on this cable. I just pulled out the booklet that came with it. "our shielding effect reduces the noise floor by 40-60db" "total noise is limited by the electronics used (typically 90-130 db)" "the theoretical signal-noise level of our new technology is on the order of 160-180db"-- Is all this true? who knows. I just know that it worked very well in my system. I gained more clarity, microdynamics and musicality compared to my already good interconnect. So you were asking about a cable? In spite of some of the hype, I choose Siltec, for thier unique technology of using gold and silver. And yes, I think that cabling is probably the most overpriced "component" in the audio chain.

Howard, I'm not siding one way or the other on this issue. I just agree with Rsbeck that it's important to look at more variables than just wire. We all agree on this.

Harnellt says in his original query, "I want something that is I guess on the bright side". Looking at the wire he has already tried, I would translate this to mean he wants more detail. I don't know enough about his electronics to offer an opinion. Perhaps his room is overdamped (admittedly unlikely)...wall to wall carpeting, heavy drapes, fluffy overstuffed furniture & pillows. We really don't know until he answers.

We all agree, too, that listening to several cable choices is only way he will be able to choose what's right for him (or her). But, as Rsbeck has said, let's not ignore the system and room just because Harnellt says he thinks he wants speaker wire that's brighter.

Kumbaya...