Vinyl Asylum

Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ.

Return to Vinyl Asylum


Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Cable dilemma

124.190.39.62

Posted on March 9, 2017 at 12:33:59
simpletwist
Audiophile

Posts: 42
Location: Sydney
Joined: August 27, 2005
I have been using Chord Crimson as an interconnect between phono amp and preamp for some time, but have become frustrated with relatively insipid bass compared to other sources. Did some cable swapping, eventually turning to an ancient pair of Cambridge Audio Reference. Revelation! Bass solid, strong, meaty fast and textured. Very coarse, however, higher up the frequency scale, with not much air and limited image width. Any suggestions for reasonable cost cable which might give me the combined qualities of the CA and the Chord?

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 9, 2017 at 13:08:50
Yeti42
Audiophile

Posts: 159
Location: Berkshire
Joined: July 12, 2010
Chord Chrysalis was better than Crimson when I compared the two. There should be some used sets about. Anything more expensive would demand an audition to prove its worth.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 9, 2017 at 18:16:21
I'm the last one to ask about 'store bought' cables. The two I use that I didn't make are both Darwin Cables, a regular IC I won at Ribfest and the other their phono cable I later bought which dramatically improved the bass of my system. I recall it was about $300, 30 times parts cost for what I was using ;-}

I rationalised the pair was only $150 each ;-}

Now the bad news. I recently visited their website and see they've moved on up to the five figure neighborhood. Maybe contact them and see if there's any old stock.

 

In your price bracket..., posted on March 10, 2017 at 06:26:19
Ripple
Audiophile

Posts: 536
Location: Connecticut
Joined: September 30, 2001
...I would try the Mogami interconnects. No nonsense, won't break the bank and very good reputation. I use one between my turntable and preamp - no problems and neutral. Do your own research - many available on ebay.

Report back on what you eventually settle on and how they perform.

good luck,
Ripple

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 10, 2017 at 06:45:30
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2990
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
Supra Dual interconnect plays well above its reasonable price point.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 10, 2017 at 23:05:05
Roastaman
Audiophile

Posts: 516
Location: Seattle
Joined: July 18, 2000
I have used Chord cables with Naim gear for a long time. I have to admit though that Chord cables, even the Indigo (?), were a bit bass shy. Their spkr cables are even more so. But I have used and still do use the Chord Cobra. The bass isn't bad and it's nice on top. I'm not sure what your $$ allowance is but I also use Discovery Essence with good success. Lots of bass and nice on top. Discovery cable scan be seen for sale in the AA ads.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 11, 2017 at 04:42:32
collinslaw@fuse.net
Audiophile

Posts: 524
Location: Northern Kentucky
Joined: August 5, 2011
I have used Morrow Audio ph6's for years. Deliver a very balanced presentation and not stupid expensive.
Tom Collins

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 11, 2017 at 04:53:54
simpletwist
Audiophile

Posts: 42
Location: Sydney
Joined: August 27, 2005
Thanks, collinslaw.
I tried chord speaker cable and found the same thing, eventually settling on Cardas which I found to be much more coherent and satisfying. I think I've settled on QED Reference Audience 40 for interconnects, but will check out some local manufacturers here in Oz before deciding.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 11, 2017 at 05:12:41
simpletwist
Audiophile

Posts: 42
Location: Sydney
Joined: August 27, 2005
Sorry, meant for Roastaman.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 17, 2017 at 14:46:09
Roastaman
Audiophile

Posts: 516
Location: Seattle
Joined: July 18, 2000
I have a bunch of phono cables that I used for a while and then moved onto something else. Someday, I'll list them for sale. I have tried the Cardas Golden Cross and liked it, but that was years ago.
I have a bit of a "peaky treble" issue (among other issues) that can get me in an uproar at times. Between my room acoustics, preamp and speakers,those are the 3 biggest culprits. They probably all play a role to some extent. I have changed my approach a bit and strive for less midrange warmth but have to watch it if it gets to be too much in the upper treble range. Great recordings sound great, not so great can be tough to tolerate.
Unfortunately, there's no perfect cable (weeping noises)just a cable that you can live with more than another.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 17, 2017 at 17:10:57
FSonicSmith
Audiophile

Posts: 528
Location: Midwest
Joined: February 18, 2009
My advice is to give Clear Day Cables a shot. I have no connection. You will likely notice the lack of any reference to IC's on Paul's website-just shoot Paul an email. He makes them.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 19, 2017 at 18:42:15
simpletwist
Audiophile

Posts: 42
Location: Sydney
Joined: August 27, 2005
Thanks for your input everyone, much appreciated.
I've decided on a cable from Aurealis Audio here in Oz.
Geoff Maloney very generously sent me four cables to audition: a solid core copper, a litz/copper, a solid core silver, and a silver/litz.
The silver/litz worked exceptionally well, allowing my LP12/Ittok/Karma to show off their ability, i.e. great, entrancing musical flow, huge 3D soundstage & detail, and that boogie factor.
I was expecting it to sound too bright from what I've read about silver, but this was not the case for me.
Thanks again to Geoff Maloney, nice to see dealers who trust their customers like this.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 19, 2017 at 19:21:51
jubal62
Audiophile

Posts: 93
Joined: December 9, 2012
Voo-Doo electronics. A cable for the most part is a cable, no matter the cost. Just keep the plugs and jacks clean and there is no difference.

 

RE: Cable dilemma, posted on March 19, 2017 at 20:46:45
simpletwist
Audiophile

Posts: 42
Location: Sydney
Joined: August 27, 2005
Not in my experience. This recent cable investigation surprised me in that the improvement was as at least as impressive as my most recent cartridge upgrade (DV20xL to rebuilt Linn Karma).
I think the interplay between various types of electronic equipment and their connectors is far more complicated than many choose to acknowledge.

 

Page processed in 0.041 seconds.