Speakers cables that are warm yet detailed........

While Grant does have a point, there is still a piece missing, the listener's personal preferences. I've known people who have owned the same equipment as myself, yet we disagree on cables because our musical choices and tastes are different. So contacting folks with Rowland amplification and/or Avalon speakers does not hold much weight either, IMHO.

Another suggestion, which I find works better for me than The Cable Company (I have a 6% sales tax as well, since I live in PA), is to buy and sell used on AudiogoN. The money lost is very minimal, if any at all, with some wise buys.

I've demo'd many cables, power cords, speakers and equipment that way. It's the only way to try things in your own system, IMHO.

That said, certain cables do have certain common traits. Nordost Valhalla will be stunningly fast and transparent, but may sound lean and thin in a analytical system. Cardas Golden Reference will sound full-bodied and warm, but may sound lifeless in a warm system. These are not just experiences of mine, but have been replicated with experiences of many other audiophiles.

So I think Gary is looking for a couple good suggestions of starting places. Cables with known traits as neither too warm or too detailed. I don't think he's looking for someone to tell him what cable he WILL like, just a couple of ideas of where to start trying in the AudiogoN marketplace. It is easier if you do a little 'homework' with fellow enthusiasts first, so you don't have to try EVERYTHING.

Maybe with some help, and some searches, both here and at AA, he can come up with a list of 3-5 cables he'd like to try. Many Audiophiles I've talked to have similar impressions on cables 'qualities', we just disagree due to systems and tastes. So you can gain some insight as to where to start. If he could find a thread like you started Grant, about power cord flavors, for cables, that would be helpful.

Earlier I echoed a Tara Labs recommedation, as I've always found them to be well balanced. Gary mentions that he does like the PAD Venustas, so maybe looking to move up the PAD line is another option.

That's enough for tonight.

Cheers,

John

10-09-06: Jmcgrogan2
While Grant does have a point, there is still a piece missing, the listener's personal preferences. I've known people who have owned the same equipment as myself, yet we disagree on cables because our musical choices and tastes are different. So contacting folks with Rowland amplification and/or Avalon speakers does not hold much weight either, IMHO.

With respect, John, the man has specifically said he's looking for warm yet detailed cabling. Given this preference and his gear, I don't think musical choice has much to do with it. Are you suggesting that his taste in music will have a significant bearing on his choice of cabling beyond the sound produced by his speaker/electronics combination? If so, this is where I get off the train, 'cause it isn't going anywhere I want to visit.

I do agree that buying and selling used wire is an approach that works. I simply believe that this method takes longer because many of the recommendations come from people who base their suggestions on gear that has no resemblance to Gary's, thus my suggestion to contact owners of his equipment.

Anyhow, I have beaten this horse bloody.

Gary, best of luck to you, whichever direction you take.

My system consists of speakers (2), amplifier, linestage, turntable, cd player, and tuner. I listen mostly to compact discs and records with rock, pop, classical, jazz, blues, folk, country, new age, and metal as my favorites.

What cables are best for me?

10-09-06: Audiofeil
My system consists of speakers (2), amplifier, linestage, turntable, cd player, and tuner. I listen mostly to compact discs and records with rock, pop, classical, jazz, blues, folk, country, new age, and metal as my favorites.

What cables are best for me?

I'd suggest a nice cable knit. Preferably from Scotland.

Thanks. I checked out scottishcableknit.com and ewecables.com but the sites do not provide much information

I'd like something warm yet detailed, articulate not mushy, transparent not edgy, but most of all neutral. To be more precise I'd like them to be natural not artificial sounding. They must be fully compatible with all solid state, tubed, and digital electronics. Also must be flexible enough for electrostat, planar, 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way, and single driver speakers.

Am I expecting too much for let's say $75-$100?