• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

McIntosh + SF Cremona => cable suggestions

I

iefbo

New Member
Hello there,

I'm new here.

I had the Sonus Faber Cremona for a couple of years and recently upgraded my former Krell amp to the McIntosh MA7000. CD player today is the Rega Saturn which I plan/hope to upgrade to the MCD500 somewhere next year.

Cables are DIY stuff today. Which way to go? What cables are the SF+McIntosh owners using?

Thanks for the input

Merry Christmas

Yves
 
Register to hide this ad
I have audioquest cables although my feeling is for short speaker runs ie Like 10-15 feet any 14 gauge speaker wire should be fine. How do you like your Cremona's with mcintosh? Does it sound different then what you had before?
 
2uberoller said:
I have audioquest cables although my feeling is for short speaker runs ie Like 10-15 feet any 14 gauge speaker wire should be fine. How do you like your Cremona's with mcintosh? Does it sound different then what you had before?
Click to expand...

I had Fadel Art cables before, but the combi was too aggressive. So I switched to "old" cables I had lying around. While doing so I lost a lot of details and placement. So there must be potential to improve with the right cables.

I've heard the great things about the Select range of Kimber Cable. But those are VERY expensive.

The main difference with the Krell is the control and neutrality the McIntosh brings.
 
Previously with my Mc MC200 and SF Guarneri Mementos I used Crystal Cable Reference Speaker Cable. A very nice fit as the Mc + SF cable can tend towards the warmth a little bit so you might not want a 'thick' sounding cable.

howie
 
iefbo said:
Hello there,

I'm new here.

I had the Sonus Faber Cremona for a couple of years and recently upgraded my former Krell amp to the McIntosh MA7000. CD player today is the Rega Saturn which I plan/hope to upgrade to the MCD500 somewhere next year.

Cables are DIY stuff today. Which way to go? What cables are the SF+McIntosh owners using?

Thanks for the input

Merry Christmas

Yves
Click to expand...

I have tried several audiophile speaker cables in the past and what I got was a more audiophile sound - i.e. more detail, etc.; but I found that I preferred the warmth of my 10 gage 99.999 OFC copper DYIs.

My #1 criteria for any component, including cables, is whether or not they make the music more enjoyable for longer listening sessions. This usually eliminates a lot of audiophile brands because, to me, they sound great for 10 minutes and then become fatiguing. In the past I was "sold" on the basis of brief (<1 hr) auditions.

My bottom-line recommendation is to make sure that whatever you buy comes with an opportunity for a 1 week (or so) audition in your system (or a no-questions asked return policy). Otherwise, you'll find yourself with a closet full of cables and your wife telling you to clean up that "snakes' nest" - at least I'm guessing that's what would happen :D.

Alberto

P.S. McIntosh + Sonus Faber = Killer Combo :thmbsp:
 
I use Kimber 8TC speaker cable. It is a 9 gauge OFC conductor, braided cable that is almost completely immune to external RFI and EMI interference. The cables sound excellent, very detailed and non-fatiguing. I would recommend the Kimber 8TC to anyone without reservation.
 
You are moving towards a very nice system with SF speakers, MA7000 and MCD500. Plain copper wire should work just fine since that is what McIntosh uses inside their components.
 
Thanks for the input, guys.

The Kimber 8TC is a popular cable over here. I'll keep an eye on it and try it out.

What about interconnects???
 
Interconnects are a whole different subject. Everyone has a preference, and seems passionate about their choice, that's for sure.

I have tried Nordost, Tributaries, Wireworld, and a few lesser brands. I presently have both of my systems wired with Tributaries Silver Series, balanced and unbalanced cables. I am pleased with the sound, very detailed without being overly bright or glaring, and the build quality is excellent.

You will need to experiment to find the interconnects that suit your taste. Take a look at this site. You can try before you buy. http://www.thecableco.com/tryathome.php
 
The twins will be missed for sure!!!

Oh, and back to speaker cables... I am sure loving my Wireworld!


:music::banana::music:
 
You did remove the babes rather quickly ... :D

Wireworld you say??? Which ones?
I use Wireworld power cables. They were a hug improvement to my system, mainly on the amp!!
 
I am using Oasis 5.2 on the speakers (LS 360's)

And, Aurora 5.2 for power to the 501's.

My crac (I mean Mc) dealer suggested them, and I think that he was absolutely right. Just the right cable for my set up. Not over the top but super high quality.
 
A lot of interesting input... I'll have to find a place over here where I can borrow some of the suggested cables.

What do you think about power filtering?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom