1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 1117509538

Need advice on speaker cables

I'm currently in the market for speaker cables, new or used, and 8 - 10ft length. I can probably budget $1500 - $2000 for the pair. My set up includes a Cary V12i amp that powers a pair of Spendor 1/2e speakers. I have had good luck with Nordost interconnects and would consider them for the speakers as well, but would like to get some other opinions before making a decision. Any advice is appreciated.
clio09
clio09 OP
2,978 posts
 
Rooze,

I don't find my V12i dark sounding, but perhaps it's becasue of the associated equipment I run it with:

Cary SLP-98L
Alesis ML9600 (TRL modded)
Audio Mirror D1 DAC
SOTA Nova Series V
Cary PH-301
PS Audio P300

In any event I find the V12i to be a nice amp and I will check into your suggestion. Thanks
loonytunz's avatar
loonytunz
158 posts
 
I should have mentioned, in case you aren't already aware, that the Goertz cables are likely to require a Zobel network(if not, install them anyway; they won't hurt anything.) They are included with the cables, but be sure to ask for them specifically.
clio09 OP
2,978 posts
 
Loonytunz,

I have read about the use of the Zobel network with certain amps to avoid having them oscillate. Is this correct? I assume the network is an external application. Can you elaborate a little more on what types of amps would require this network and why? I also seem to recall reading that this applies mainly to ss amps. Since I run a tube amp will this still affect me? I'm a little confused on this piece of the puzzle regarding Goertz and may actually steer me away from these cables if it becomes too complicated. I'm looking for an easy plug and play solution, which is why the Nordost SPMs, price aside, are still attractive to me.
bluebull
269 posts
 
Paul Speltz Anti-Cable.
loonytunz's avatar
loonytunz
158 posts
 
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'll point you to your answer: "A friend told me that this cable can cause amplifier instability; is this true?".

The Zobel AlphaCore supplies is a simple heat-shrunk RC network just a bit longer than the span between your binding posts. (Look here for Merlin's 'how to' diagram to get an idea of what we're talking about.}

You can attach them easily with your choice of methods:

stick the leads through the holes in your binding posts(if your cables are terminated with bananas.)

attach them directly to the spades with a dab of solder.

solder/crimp on a pair of bananas and plug them in.

if you're adventurous, you could build your own tweaky network using better quality caps and non-inductive wire wound resistors, open up your cabinets and install them directly at the inputs of your crossover board.

Don't let this simple procedure scare you off. It isn't brain surgery by any means. Anyone can do it.
More to discover