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  1. #1

    Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Hi,

    This is most likely subjective but, wanted to get some feedback to this question.

    I also certainly don't want to start a "cable war" :-) by posting this. Thus i don't even want to mention the brand of cable.

    Let's say I have the opportunity to purchase a set of speaker cables that are top in their product portfolio.

    However, I'm still using a "lesser' model throughout the rest of my system. For example, on my interconnects.

    The question is ; Am I "bottlenecking" my system by using such good speaker cables if my interconnects aren't of equal caliber?

    For example, if it isn't captured at the source then what is the point of having high end speaker cables?

    Or, is it best to save money and just for a full loom/system of the entire line of interconnects and speaker cables throughout my system?

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Tough questions and so many factors involved. I see these questions on another forum where most peoples gear won't even reveal cable differences. I personally have had more luck hearing differences with ICs and PCs than with the few Speaker cables I have swapped around.

    I have tamed a bright system with ICs touted to have more bass, and they did.

    So, depending on your own gear, it's synergy, and your preferences in sound, some will suggest full loom, others will say experiment as best you can. The Cable Company lets you borrow cables.
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  3. #3
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    I would say no. My theory is that the cables that carry the most current are most important:

    Power, than speaker, than IC.

    I would say it’s only a bottleneck if you don’t do it.

    But please don’t ignore the power cables. The Shunyata NR series is excellent and will really help lower the noise floor.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  4. #4

    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Tend to agree, any upward move should provide an improvement.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  5. #5
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    No, speaker cables are a different ballgame.

  6. #6
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Power is King!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  7. #7

    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Full loom is King Kong Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Power is King, it’s what you’ll hear, get it right and your on top, ignore it and your leaving sound in the box!



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Full loom is King Kong Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Yep!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  10. #10

    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Power is King, it’s what you’ll hear, get it right and your on top, ignore it and your leaving sound in the box!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    I have also come to understand that when push comes to shove, power cables are probably my most important cables. They at least lay the foundation for the entire system.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  11. #11

    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Full loom is King Kong Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

    I agree. Best to use a full system or loom of the same brand (interconnects+speaker) that has the best synergy (subjectively ) to you.

    Mixing and matching various brands of interconnects to "Tweak" the sound is a common but, misguided approach IMHO.

  12. #12

    Re: Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    I have also come to understand that when push comes to shove, power cables are probably my most important cables. They at least lay the foundation for the entire system.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    I agree. I'm using all Shunyata for power. Power cables to me have been the most dramatic improvements/changes.

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Can I "bottleneck" my system using a superior speaker cables but, lower end interconnects from same brand?

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