Cable Asylum

Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

Return to Cable Asylum


Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

I'm a believer now....cables matter......but.....

104.7.71.100

Posted on January 11, 2016 at 10:24:07
mvj
Audiophile

Posts: 38
Location: bayarea
Joined: October 16, 2003
what's the point of diminishing returns.....

About 12 years ago, I purchased a used Plinius 9200 integrated amp from a So. Cal audio dealer, and he recommended Eichmann Express 6 Series 2 speaker cables and interconnects which I purchased. System sound since has always been very very good and I have come to take it for granted. Only thing I didn't like about the Express 6 is the cable is very stiff and hard to work with.

Recently, I took my system apart for cleaning and decided to replace the Express 6 speaker cables since they were so difficult to work with.I had completely forgotten their positive role in my system and perhaps readopted the concept that cabling absent meeting some basic requirements really doesn't matter. A waste of money. Everything else in the system remained the same. Ended up with trying typical home depot speaker cable, then audioquest type 4 then type 8 speaker cable. Wow! What a difference! Dull, lifeless sound. As if a thin veil was every so slightly muffling the sound. Nothing special. Then reinserted the Express 6 cabling back into the system......all the magic returned. Veil lifted. All the special sonic characteristics returned. A joy to sit down and listen to again. Here, in my system, the Express 6 cabling made/makes a huge difference.....I had always assumed my Plinius integrated played a greater role...

1) does anyone know if Eichmann Express 6 Series 2 interconnect and speaker cables are still made and for sale? Know if any are available used? I've had no luck with an internet search.

2) can anyone familiar with the Express 6s recommend another cable sonically as good or better in a moderate price range (up to $600 speaker cables and up to $250 interconnect)?

3) now that I have confirmed to myself that cabling really does matter,is there even more I can get from my system with the right cables? At what point does one reach diminishing returns?

My system: Plinius 9200 integrated, Adagio speakers, Express 6 cabling, Cary 303/300 cd player, VPI Classic turntable, Art Audio Vinyl One Phono stage, Dynavector Mk 2 cartridge.....

Thanks for your input regarding the above. Wondering if moderately priced cabling is available to take my system to a new level sonically?

Mvj

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on January 11, 2016 at 10:58:15
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Well Alright! mvj.
welcome to the "club".

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on January 11, 2016 at 20:48:20
Is the So.Cal. dealer that you dealt with still in business? Thought of consulting with them again?Seeing that it was a product he sold.
Had you looked up reviews of your cables and seen what they are comparing it to?
Or tried contacting Eichman and finding out what he builds as a "present day" product.
If I am correct,he is selling through some of the other cable companies (Virtual Dynamics).

 

Have a look on this website........, posted on January 12, 2016 at 10:45:35
Basslines
Audiophile

Posts: 373
Location: The Great White North
Joined: October 22, 2003
WWW.canuckaudiomart.com

The North American distributor of the products in question is clearing out eXpress6 Series 2 products. He has more product than what he has listed for sale, so if you need something else just contact him (I have dealt with him several times over the years, top guy). They are in Vancouver Canada.

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on January 24, 2016 at 00:24:11
Searcher356
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: Colorado
Joined: January 23, 2016
Thanks for your observations.
Question, though - did you put some hours on the generic wire before you formed your opinion?

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on February 5, 2016 at 23:32:55
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Welcome! Searcher356

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on February 13, 2016 at 11:58:33
jhrlrd
Audiophile

Posts: 135
Joined: October 21, 2014
Diminishing returns I suppose are a matter of personal preference as well.
Those who are obsessed with getting that last percent from their rig are willing to pay way more then those not as fussy, and regard it as a bargain.

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on February 13, 2016 at 12:26:53
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Excellent point - I cannot imagine anyone not wanting to squeeze out the last % of any rig...

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on February 13, 2016 at 14:33:03
jhrlrd
Audiophile

Posts: 135
Joined: October 21, 2014
...so the value of squeezing those last percents is a personal thing. Some don't bother, others pay thousands. Or spend hundreds of hours trying different tweaks.

 

RE: I'm a believer now....cables matter......but....., posted on February 13, 2016 at 15:18:09
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15486
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
Yes, this is true. For me, I have had a taste of the upper to ultra high-end, and I want it all. There is an incredible amount of music embedded into all music formats. Life is too short...

 

Page processed in 0.031 seconds.