Speaker cables comparison chart:: Much Needed

Elisabeth, I doubt that I will go out and buy new speakers after I find what you term the "right speaker cable" I have been doing audio for 40 years, and I am not a fool
Your comments is similar to a friend's who once chastized me for buying a Phase Linear 400 power amp because he thought it would THEN COMPEL me to buy new speakers in a never ending spiral of buying. Did not happen!! I sold my beloved ESS-7 speakers to buy a Eurail pass, packed my bags, locked up the house, and travelled for 6 weeks in Europe.

If you need to know, when I returned and shook off the dust, I bought 4 large Advent speakers to create the infamous "stacked" double Advent system. And, Wow, did that sound awesome driven by Phase 400 amp....a fortuitous purchase

I don't think finding the appropriate cable, whether interconnect or speaker cable, (or even component), is lapsing into audio nervosa, but I do think it is plenty dumb to just plug in any old wire, and IMAGINE or PRETEND you are in hog heaven. I have a half of a utility drawer of IC's ranging in price from $50 to $700, and in age from 1988 to 2009, but I am not going to start collect speaker cables.

From what I read, Trnasparent Music Link Super is probably the ticket, or even the new Nordost LS Red Dawn. I have to use a use a 12 ft pair to accomodate the living set-up, and also avoid a nuclear war with the wife. So, I would say those pricey wires are eliminated; so, the other options I indicated before are under serious consideration.

KK's 12TC is overpriced for a 12 ft pair, and those lengths are not just gathering dust on audio show floor waiting to be discounted and moved out. Pairs of KK's 8TC often abound on Audiogon, but may be because long term owners are opting for the 12TC model, or greener sonic pastures with other brands. Nevertheless, they are an option, but my instincts tell me the Acoustic Zen Adagios will call for a one or two steps up the speaker cable ladder.

Lastly, I ask before, and I would like to know, unless classified by the NSA, what components, cables and ICs make up Elizabeth's audio system. BTW, I am an Audiophile but was cured of "audio nervosa" by Trappist monks who prescribed strong drink and Sunday NFL football. Thanks, Jim

If you give Alex at WyWires your information, he will build cables to fit your needs.

There is very little in common sonically between Transparent and Nordost cables. The Kimber are different too and fall more in the middle of the other two companies.

I had very poor results with some highly regarded (and expensive) speaker cables, like some brands that you mention.
I have very good results with Mapleshade, Nordost Blue Heaven (more forgiving than others), and Morrow SP2, in my two systems. I also swap in a Lowes extension cord cable when I want a bit darker sound.
Who said speaker cables don't make alot of difference? I disagree. I think people don't want them to make much difference. Put in the Mapleshade and you'll be stunned.

Wires in my system:
A/C from dedicated 20mp outlet via four pairs of 12 gauge Mil Spec teflon silver plated dual quad twist about 35 feet to three duplex outlets. (one is split for one pair each side)
From those via Pangea AC9 power cords to:
1) PS Audio P600 (digital components only set to output 110hz A/C instead of 60Hz)
2) Furman REF20i(all other components)

All Pangea power cords except captive cords on CD changers..Various AC14SE and AC9.
My duplex are all stock heavy duty Pass & Seymour 20 amp

Speaker wires 4 ft Kimber 8TC biwired from Brystom 4B-SST2 to magnepan 3.6s

Pre to amp Kimber Hero balanced 7 meter

The others mostly homebuilt Mark Levinson (30 years old plus) wires with newish Vampire Tiffany style RCA. one Cardas, and a few KCAG Kimber. (the Mark Levinson wire has a sound similar to Cardas...)

Most of these wires I have owned for a long time. The Hero was bought 30 months ago so i could place the amp between speakers away from other electronics.
I bought the seven meter Hero primarily for price/value and it's reputation for neutrality.
I had recently reterminated the Mark Levinson wires.. Originally I had put Radio Shack RCA. (back in the early 1980s, not much else was around, and they had gradually been taken off as they developed ground faults from rotting solder on the grounds) I replaced with Tiffany style connectors as I like the way the ground is a pressure fit rather than a solder. Replacing the RCA really rejuvenated the wires. And they came out of the storage and back onto my system. (what went into storage are Nordost Blue heaven)

I have to state my 'wire philosophy' to keep it straight:
I agree wires make some difference. However on a theoretical side, the better way to spend money is on better electronics.

So I am fully in favor of the 10% 'ideal' price of wires to electronics ratio.
And actually, totally by chance, my wires are about 10% of what I paid for my equipment.
Adding in in the power conditioners adds in another 5% of total electronics. (The conditioner percentage is spread across video as well).. and well worth the cost)
I would say I am not as worried about wires as some folks here. But more concerned than another separate set of folks for whom wire is just wire.

And i also am into 'buy what is well regarded'. So Cardas, and Kimber are my favs. I dislike AQ for past QC reasons

And yeah i do think buying a reasonable wire well considered is best. Instead of trying dozens of "flavor of the day" crap. No problem to me for those who enjoy buying dozens of wires to see for themselves which one turns them on.
I am happy with what i have. The grass IS just as green right where i already am.