Request recommended cables for my system.

Audionut22,

Man, I know that feeling!!

This sounds like an emotional request in that you want to be closer to the music. Correct? Well, here's my $0.02:

If you read the ads and reviews- products will take you there. I do agree that a nice pre or set of cables can make your system "fun" again but I don't read those ads much anymore...

You might think this sounds absolutely crazy but I think it's worth mentioning. I listened to my system in total darkness three nights ago for the first time in I don't know when and I had that "organic" emotional connection all over again. The only reason I can think of is that when I look at my system (lights on)- I see weaknesses. I'm looking at my components and wondering how much I can get out of them. I'm dreaming of the next thing that will send me over the moon. I want to change stuff, buy more, and mix it all up.

With the lights out and/or eyes closed, I can focus on the MUSIC.

This is an addiction we have here not unlike OCD! The other aspect of that addiction (besides the never ending quest for better gear) is the feeling we get when listening to a great performance being properly reproduced. Sometimes we get it in our head that we need something to be able to enjoy things again and it's hard to dismiss that. I say treat yourself to ONE set of speaker cables (something economical) and see if that makes your heart sing. I like the advice you received with regard to sticking with a single manufacturer- it increases your chances for success.

I built the infamous CAT5 cables* and they sucked for the first month. Now, they melt me....or is that just the 'Coltrane? ;-)

* I don't like what they do at sub 40Hz- too synthetic and weak. They are being used in a biamp set up with a cut off at 60Hz. Heavy copper for the low end- cheapo Signal Cable Ultra is doing the trick for now.

Greeting, DH Labs "Air Matrix" are hard to beat. If you want to spent more I would try "Revelation Audio Labs" they have a 30 money back guarantee, so you can try risk free.

I would exercise caution regarding the Revelation Audio Labs products. A friend and I have first hand experience with problematic refunds over multiple transactions.

Tvad, I own a number of these cables and have found them all their cracked up to be and then some, so I can't say I ever returned one.

You say the refund was "problematic". Did you get your money back or not? Did you return them within 30 days?

It seems to me, if your going to talk negatively about a product you could at least be specific. You never said why you didn't like them in the first place...

It seems to me, if your going to talk negatively about a product you could at least be specific. You never said why you didn't like them in the first place...
Getheleadout (Threads | Answers)

I was trying to be more subtle, but since you pressed the issue...

I purchased cables and returned them within the 30 days. It took me over two months to receive a refund. I kept one pair of ICs, which I used for a couple of years before I replaced them with something I liked better.

My friend has purchased and returned two RAL products and he has returned both within thirty days. It took him over 90 days to receive a refund for the first item. The second refund is ongoing and is between 60-90 days. The first refund check bounced. The second has yet to be received.

My friend still owns a set of RAL speaker cables.

The products are quite good, but the return process can be a frustrating quagmire and needs to be improved.