cables/interconnect to tame brightness

[Bigerik]

Best example I have ever witnessed with my own two ears of this very thing was at yer house Eric, member when we had those Kimber( at least I think they were Kimber) cables in while listening to Jonny Cash??? Hell, I wanted to run over and turn it off, twas horrible!!! We then put in some Grover cables -same song -same system TOTALLY different sound!!!!! Would not have believed the difference could be so profound.......cables can and have in my own system make a huge difference!!

That was a heck of a shock. I was just trying to be a good host by letting Gary try out those cables. Didn't expect to hear any difference. Certainly not that the difference would be huge.

 

[Tangent]

IIRC, I think those were Grover Silver Reference. Or were they? :scratch2:

Anyway, I have a pair of the newest Grover cables here at home (actually, 2 pair - one is not mine.) I have to plug 'em in pretty soon!

I love shocks like this!

 

[Bigerik]

IIRC, I think those were Grover Silver Reference. Or were they? :scratch2:

Anyway, I have a pair of the newest Grover cables here at home (actually, 2 pair - one is not mine.) I have to plug 'em in pretty soon!

I love shocks like this!

Excellent question.
Don't remember the model number, but they are 2 generations back now. Thought they had some copper in them.... :scratch2:

 

[wineslob]

Maybe I missed it, but what are your speakers?

 

[edgewound]

I don't understand the concept of using cables as tone controls.

Cables should add nothing...nor subtract anything from the sound. Spending hundreds of dollars on cables just seems like a waste...unless it makes you feel better. How bout different speakers, preamp, amp? More headroom.

Canare Star Quad. Studio grade at 2 bucks a foot.


Even good quality RG-6 quad shield with compression fit connectors will cost 25-30 cents a foot...in any length you desire. If it's good enough for video, it's more than good enough for audio.

 

[kichijai]

I don't understand the concept of using cables as tone controls.

Cables should add nothing...nor subtract anything from the sound.

Not trying to use them as tone controls and certainly don't want to spend hundreds of dollars. I have 2 cheap cables here, a 16 gauge lamp cord from a quasi-hi end outfit and original Monster. The lamp cord is better in every respect except for the Monster's bigger soundstage and fatter bass. But those 2 are hard to give up. I am contemplating a different amp but am not sure.

 

[mwicks]

Cabling is something you really need to try to make you a believer. I don't look at them as tone controls, but as ways to get the most out of your system.

Personally, I believe if you're spending a good chunk of money on components, you should also put a bit of change into getting good interconnects/speaker cable. I do think some of these 400+ cables are a bit much though, especially for your average joe. It's all about fine tuning and finding what works best with your own system.

That being said, there is a lot of smoke and mirrors in the cable industry. I've found Monster in particular to be possibly the worst sounding cables I've ever used. Their interconnects sound totally flat and muddy (when I've used them). I had a similar experience with the cheap Monoprice premium cables. I guess it has something to do with the size of the wire/connectors they use.

 

[JBN]

I wouldn't use cables as tone controls but would find the component that is causing the brightness. But if you persist on using cables Cardas is a dark sounding cable that is known for rolling off the highs.

 

[Tangent]

Link to what?

Grover does not have a website... he makes interconnects, power cords and speaker wire. And maybe other stuff...

He's a member of this board.

I'm sure the original poster has solved his problem but I'd like to update my previous comment.

Grover now has a website! :tresbon:


http://www.groverhuffman.com/

 

[chadnliz]

I don't understand the concept of using cables as tone controls.

Cables should add nothing...nor subtract anything from the sound. Spending hundreds of dollars on cables just seems like a waste...unless it makes you feel better. How bout different speakers, preamp, amp? More headroom.

Canare Star Quad. Studio grade at 2 bucks a foot.


Even good quality RG-6 quad shield with compression fit connectors will cost 25-30 cents a foot...in any length you desire. If it's good enough for video, it's more than good enough for audio.

While wires are not "tone controls" different wire will leave a different signature in sound and once you get the speakers you want, amps, pre and everything else it can be a great benefit to try cables and see what may or may not happen, and "good enough for video, good enough for audio" might be ok for you but thats just your opinion.
Cables should add things we want, smoother treble, better bass, more air or any number of desirable results...........again your opinion is they shouldnt do anything but carry a signal, many dont see things the way you do.

 

[Art K.]

I wouldn't use cables as tone controls but would find the component that is causing the brightness. But if you persist on using cables Cardas is a dark sounding cable that is known for rolling off the highs.

Especially the bottom end of the Cardas line.

I know this is an old post but thought I would add clarification.

 

[Number 6]

I'm using the audioquest type 4 in my system, and I've been really happing with it. No harshness, lots of detail. I like the bass I'm getting, but YMMV.