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

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?

My experience with cables, or equipment cahnges for that matter, is that my conscience must be clear with my choice. I have made changes in the past because of rave reviews or posts on this site regarding the certain component's "terrific-ness". In 100% of the times, I ended up moving away from it down the road. The equipment that has stayed in my sytstem are those who I have A/B compared with the mating components in my rig and in my room. Sure, I come here to ask questions and get a certain direction, but in the end, my conscience needs to be clear with the choice.

One other thing I believe is invaluable is to create a relationship with experienced members here or better yet, establish a relationship with someone in the business. I have found direction from several trusted friends to really cut through the jungle of decisions and choices out there.

My philosophy for equipment/cable changes is something like this:
1. Search the archives here for past discussions on the topic for experience.
2. E-mail members here about specifics of the direction you are considering and request feedback (I have been fortunate to find many helpful members willing to answer my questions).
3. Seek help from a trusted contact familiar with your equipment. It could be a manufacturer or retailer familiar with your amps or speakers or front end.
4. If still unsure, post a question here that is articulate and informative and succinct.
5. Choose a direction to take by narrowing down your choices from those gained.
6. As other's have advised, use either the Cable Co. or buy used here and try out in your rig in your room and determine what works for you. Those choices that did not work re-sell for a minor loss. I recently changed my amps from tube to SS because I thought it sounded better. I ended up selling the SS amps after several months because I found out I really missed tubes in my system. It cost me a little over $100, but I'm OK with that because there would be no other way to really be sure.
7. Once a decision is made you will know it was the right one based on your investigation and listening trials.

I have found this to be what works best for me. I have actually done A/B comparisons and decided to make a change, only to sell that piece and go back to what I had prior because it took me 3-4 months before I realized I missed that component.

Give this a try and see if it helps you out.

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.

Actually Grant, I was not refferring to the kind of music he listens to, but it his personal listening preferences. What I meant by musical taste wasn't what kind of music he listens to, but how he personally receives the music. What I mean by this is that it is common for two people to hear the same track through the same system and have two different perceptions. One may think the system lacks warmth, while the other listener believes the same system has too much warmth. Phrases like warmth, details, transparency, mean different things to different people.

That's what I meant by musical tastes, not the type of music.

Anyway, you are correct, this subject has been beaten to death and I am done. That said, I do believe that cables have certain basic flavors, just like power cords.

Cheers,
John

One may think the system lacks warmth, while the other listener believes the same system has too much warmth. Phrases like warmth, details, transparency, mean different things to different people.

I see your point, now, John, and I agree that two people can perceive the same sound differently. I wish anyone the best of luck trying to put their perceptions into words in a discussion thread. :)

I do believe that cables have certain basic flavors, just like power cords.

Cheers,
John
Jmcgrogan2 (Threads | Answers)

I agree with this, too.