1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 139271-100109

recommendation for speaker wire to soften the highs if possible

Hello,
I need help. My problem is my system sounds harsh on the highs to me. Not extremely bad, but enough that I need to fix it. My system consists of Ryan 610's, oppo Sonica Dac, and a Belles 150a hotrod amp. Speaker wires being used are old monster cable from the 90's. I also have monster cable rca. I mostly stream through Tidal. My question is can I make the desired effect by switching cables or should I add  a tube amp or pre amp. My budget on the wire would be around 300.00
Thanks in advance for any suggestions
gunmetalzin

Showing 6 responses by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The cheapest form of HF hash attenuation is to add on ferrite on the RCA from the source. AQ makes a variety of them or try Amazon type in "Ferrite noise suppressor" Plenty of sets, ones with a variety of sizes around $12.
You place one (or 2 or even 3) on the RCA wires from your digital source. They cut the HF grunge to a degree. and may be ALL YOU NEED.
Add one to the source AC cord too.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Sorry to disagree Geoff, I used ferrites for years on a variety of CD player RCA output wires to good effect. I have no problem recommending them to someone searching for a way to cut HF garbage from the speakers due to digital grunge... when they are looking for a low cost solution. The fact is $12 to discover if it is a worthwhile TRADEOFF in their system is DIRT CHEAP and may be all the need.Plus, as you mention, the ferrite may be good 'anyway' on AC cord.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
That is were the ferrites are NOW. Frig cord, air cleaner cords, lamp cords, fans cords.. I took them off the CD player RCA cords at least twenty years ago. (But still some on captive CD spinner AC cords) TV is on the Furman REF20i  and uses a Pangea powercord. No need for ferrite there. Laptop cords have them built in...           
So do some aftermarket high end power cords.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Who could say they disagree with the Gingerbread Man?"" Run, run as fast as you can! You can't catch me. I'm the Gingerbread Man! ""                                       
Never the less, watch out for Foxes...
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I love reading the responses to these sorts of questions. Every answer a different notion. Try this try that, no it's your frammims.. Sorry you need a new _______. (twenty different things)If you do them all, you would have spent the equivalent of a down payment on a new home. And still have no answer. The pitfalls of audio madness.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
"Harsh in the highs" was the original complaint. So far, he has (theoretically) spent $30,000 on stuff recommended by folks to 'fix' what may be un-fixable with the equipment he now has.I am ALL IN on the $19 worth of ferrite clamps.
More to discover