This may devolve into a crazy discussion/thread on cables (as usual) but I want to ask anyway ...

joeinid

joeinid

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So, what are some smooth, sweet and reasonably priced cables that you could recommend? I don't want mushy or flat. I am mainly curious to see what you guys think are the brands/models you either use or recommend. I am not looking to change anything because I am actually loving what I hear now.

I have a pair of Avanti Audio speaker cables made by Mike Chadwell aka MikeCh here on the forum (as well as a few other brands). I've had them several weeks now, I think, and they are absolutely wonderful. Clear, open, slightly sweet, full bass and articulate. Amazing, and for the money, stellar. I have Kimber Kable, a few one meter Siltechs, some Neotech (which I love too) and a few other assorted cables. I seem to change things up depending on the gear used and the connectors on the ends.

I am kind of mixing up speaker and interconnect recommendations but please have at it. I've only once used a full loom of the same brand. Now I kind of mix and match, again depending on what's on hand and what connectors I need and if single wire or bi-wire.
 
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Siltech because it is unique. Silver/Gold, no copper. The gold counteracts the negative properties of silver, but allows the positives (resolution, detail) to shine through. I have two full looms, so yeah, I'm all in.

I really like Shunyata for power.

Audioquest is fantastic for a more budget friendly cable.
 
Joe,
Black Cat audio (Stereomatic) by Chris Sommovigo is what I use. Just a terrific line of cables ranging from inexpensive to moderately expensive (as compared to offerings from the fancy brands). Chris is a 1 man show who makes all his cables by hand. He is well known for his Stereovox cables from about 10 years ago. His cable is used in the famous Continuum turntables. He does not advertise much as he wants to keep his business small but read the review of his Lupo (silver) cables by Srajan Ebaen in 6Moons.
Agree with Siltech as an excellent brand. However, their prices are several notches above Stereomatic.
I am sure there are other cable brands that offer good bang for the buck that I have never tried in my system.
Anshul

QUOTE=joeinid;203430]So, what are some smooth, sweet and reasonably priced cables that you could recommend? I don't want mushy or flat. I am mainly curious to see what you guys think are the brands/models you either use or recommend. I am not looking to change anything because I am actually loving what I hear now.

I have a pair of Avanti Audio speaker cables made by Mike Chadwell aka MikeCh here on the forum (as well as a few other brands). I've had them several weeks now, I think, and they are absolutely wonderful. Clear, open, slightly sweet, full bass and articulate. Amazing, and for the money, stellar. I have Kimber Kable, a few one meter Siltechs, some Neotech (which I love too) and a few other assorted cables. I seem to change things up depending on the gear used and the connectors on the ends.

I am kind of mixing up speaker and interconnect recommendations but please have at it. I've only once used a full loom of the same brand. Now I kind of mix and match, again depending on what's on hand and what connectors I need and if single wire or bi-wire.[/QUOTE]
 
Thanks Anshul.


Oh, and to my fellow Strads owners, what are you using cable and amp-wise :)
 
WyWires Silver line. Simple design: Litz copper, air dialectric, teflon tube. His cables are excellent - resolute, but not bright nor veiled.

Zu Audio Event 2 - Sean even designed the Kimber Selects years ago.

I am not a cables person - in fact, hate them. If I had 100k speakers, I would not change speaker cables :)
 
DH Labs. I am using the T-14 and it is very smooth and detailed. Plenty of bass and sweet highs. Excellent price/performance ratio. The Q-10 is the next step up in their line. Still very reasonably priced but reportedly even better performance.
 
The Siltech Explorer series (mono-crystal copper) are very good. Quite cheap. Very smooth, sweet, and fatigue free.
 
Joe, for my Strad speaker cables I use Acoustic Zen Absolute zero crystal cables. I am very happy with them but I haven't tried that many speaker cables. McIntosh MC601 amps provide plenty of power.
 
Analysis Plus is good, I find them to have a natural character.

If you are into DIY, my friend did his entire system in this Western Electric NOS stuff. It does seem to be good. I'm sad to say his homemade power cord with that stuff sounded better in his system than my Clarus. His interconnects are better than the Signal he was formerly using.

Based on my experience with his power cords I'd try TWL as well.

I used Anticable in my Pass system and liked it. I found it to be system dependent or you need a loom. It didn't sound so good in my friends system, he is using Vincnet Audio. I wouldn't necessarily call AC sweet, it sort of has a pristine presentation. I was using the silver stuff though.

I used Siltech as well, with CJ, and liked it. I was jusing the New Yorker line so not terribly expensive. Not sure if they even make that any more.
 
Joe, without a doubt the answer to smooth sweet and modestly priced cables is Purist Audio Design - Neptune. I have had a lot of cable through my big system and through my HT, up to and including Siltech Triple Crown.

for the sound u want the Neptunes just can't be beat. They were designed specifically for a glorious sweet midrange but they also happen to do everything else as well. AND, they are pretty cheap. Give them a trial run if u can.

cheers paul
 
Since they are in your "neighborhood" I would contact Pete and try TWL. I have had a positive experience with his power cords.
 
joeinid said:
So, what are some smooth, sweet and reasonably priced cables that you could recommend? I don't want mushy or flat. I am mainly curious to see what you guys think are the brands/models you either use or recommend. I am not looking to change anything because I am actually loving what I hear now.
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I use these: http://www.monoandstereo.com/2013/11/swisscables-cables-review.html

There is a Reference Plus line too now.
Prices are reasonable for high end and with LumenWhite Design credentials.
 
I have some of my own made from stuff like the Neotech Gold/Silver and Silver wire as well as some brand name stuff. Basically all the important interconnects in all the systems are made from the Neotech stuff.
 
It depends on how reasonably priced you're talking about, but Jorma Unity cables certainly fit your description of smooth cables. Sweet? Key Kim thought so. I would say they are on the warm side of neutral and are natural sounding, with nice tone and timber. Check out a review here. If you're just aiming for the best bang for you buck cables, Furutech's mid to top range bulk wire is an easy recommendation.
 
I've had great success with Neotech and now the Avanti. Of course, my Kimber has been great with my two mid/low priced Siltech IC's. I've read good things about Jorma too.

I have to say that cables, especially power cords are truly a voodoo thing for me and I can not stand to swap cables to figure out what I want and like. I do also believe that they do in fact make a difference and there's one brand I truly was not crazy about. It's almost like I want someone to say, here, use these they are great and inexpensive. I know that's silly but maybe it's laziness, or actually not being sure once I do make a decision.
 
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joeinid said:
It's almost like I want someone to say, here, use these they are great and inexpensive. I know that's silly but maybe it's laziness, or actually not being sure once I do make a decision.
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As far as bang for the buck goes, Furutech make a strong case, especially their bulk wire. I know there are some happy end users on the forum who might be able to share their experience.
 
Siltech are the best I have heard in my system. I'm not sure if any of the Royal Signature series would be considered as reasonably priced, but I am sure the Classic Anniversary series would sound great as well.
 
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