capt.chaos
Super Member
I use Audioquest type 8 speaker cable in one system and rocket 44 speaker cable in the other. I am very happy with both. Audio advisor has some no frills Audioquest type 8 for sale.
Speaker Cables - Advice Needed
- Thread starter MikeT.
- Start date
slippers-on
Music...let it move you!
I reinstalled the Monster XP but just for couple songs and reaffirmed they are a tad bright so I know I am headed in the right direction at least with upgrading the speaker cables. When I started to reconnect the Zens I noticed ARROWS on the labels and since the cables don't come with instruction manuals (why would they?) I assumed it indicated the direction of "preferred current flow". And of course I had them installed the arrows headed to the amp instead of away from the amp to the speakers. https://www.google.com/search?q=aco...hl=en&client=safari#biv=i|3;d|lR2yBXHK5IqzWM:
OK, I hope I'm not going absolutely nuts, but I turned them around and could swear there is an improvement, a little more harmonics to the upper register of the piano and more "crash and bite" to percussion.
Maybe they need to burn in more, maybe they have burned in a little since yesterday or maybe I'm being a little nuts. Maybe a little of all three. I now have a system which I feel like is 90% there and getting that last 10% is a bear.
With the satisfaction guarantees of Morrow Audio and Audio Advisor, I have cables from Morrow and Audioquest on the way. It's the only way I think I can decide, try them in my own home in my system.
Thanks for all the suggestions and please assure me I'm not going crazy
My A+ cables recommend that you point all arrows towards the preamp. So if you heard an improvement, perhaps Zens are designed to be the same way. ...you could always send them an email or call I suppose. And yes, if you purchased new cables, they will have to be run in.
Now having said all that, are you a little nuts? You are an audio-hobbyist aren't you? So yeah, we all are.
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shelly_d
Not An Audiophool
Rod Elliot's web site talks about cables and mentions that braiding speaker cables reduces it's overall inductance, useful on some hard to drive speakers. Your situation might benefit. He spoke about a 3 strand braid but there are instructions all over the internet for 4 strand braids. Perhaps that would benefit you.
Shelly_D
Shelly_D
Mr. Lin
Lunatic Member
+1
You're on the right track, IMO, putting real time and effort into finding ideal cables for your system and budget. It's not something that should be neglected or brushed off as relatively inconsequential.
If you'd like to try a very popular and fairly inexpensive speaker cable you might check out Anti Cable by Paul Speltz, and last I checked it was $10 per foot. It's really just magnet wire of a large gauge (I think 12 awg but it might be larger), and it's simplicity of design is the main selling point for the company - namely that there's very little dielectric, just a coating of enamel. Another advantage of these is that they can be bent and formed in whichever way is most convenient for placement, and they stay that way. The Anti speaker cable was what turned me on to solid core wire for that purpose (I'd been using various things including Kimber 4TC), and for the most part that's all I'll use now (solid core).
Another very interesting pair I own are from Grover Huffman. They have a combination of silver and copper ribbons plus Grover's own version of shielding. Price is currently $40 a foot, if you scroll down on the page linked to below you can see a picture of what's inside them:
http://www.groverhuffman.com/speakercables
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
BTW
I have not heard the M6i, but I have heard the M6500i. The 500 is a dual mono design and it sounds I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.
I mean it's tonally accurate, wide open soundstage, fast and musical while actually powerful enough to be distortion free and neutral. Just a very, very nice amp. If the M6i is half as good, you have a great amp...
IMHO
I have not heard the M6i, but I have heard the M6500i. The 500 is a dual mono design and it sounds I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.
I mean it's tonally accurate, wide open soundstage, fast and musical while actually powerful enough to be distortion free and neutral. Just a very, very nice amp. If the M6i is half as good, you have a great amp...
IMHO
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
Thanks, I am really, really, really happy with the M6i. Dual mono construction as well with gobs of power, clean and sounds great at any volume. That's why I am trying to get the cables right. The amp and speakers have huge resolving capability and the right cables will "let that last 10% of emotions" through. Weird?
slippers-on
Music...let it move you!
mtaudio.....I can't say it enough....that is a nice amp, and the pair of speakers you got makes for a very serious system. I think you've done really well. Can you tell im a Musical Fidelity fan boy
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
mtaudio.....I can't say it enough....that is a nice amp, and the pair of speakers you got makes for a very serious system. I think you've done really well. Can you tell im a Musical Fidelity fan boy
Thank you Slippers-on! I have not enjoyed new stuff this much since since I got my first "English racer" bike when I was 10 years old. I'm buying new music, and rediscovering a hobby that I had not been active in for a long time. I just received a loaner pair of MIT Matrix 28 speaker cables and they are ASTOUNDING. When you think cables as a component the entry price doesn't seem crazy. The Acoustic Zens are going back. They don't compare, not even in the same ballpark. The Zens were clean, low distortion but some of the "life" of the music disappeared even compared to the Monster XP. I will be able to purchase the MITs for just a little more than the Zens but WOW what a difference. I've come to grips that I'm a little NUTS
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
Listening to Marc Cohn's The Rainy Season on the MIT Matrix 28 cables late with the volume pretty low and on the cut "From the Station" I am hearing backup vocals, delicate but there, I have never noticed before. Turns out its Graham Nash and David Crosby. The low level detail of these cables is amazing.
Have you tried using a RC network with any of your other cables? If I am not mistaken that is whats hidden inside that box on your MITs. In my experience a RC network can add clarity and focus. Brings things in sharper and clearer. Makes it less scattered. Kind of what you are describing there.
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
I would not know how to begin! I guess I'll have to rely on the know how of manufacturers like MIT.
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
Cable Update
Since last week I've been having my own personal "shoot out"/"cable challenge" with loaners and a one purchase guarantee from a local retailer.
Incumbents:
On loan: MIT Matrix 28 - So far the clear winner, extraordinary low level detail and balance, balance being the key word. Every instrument and vocal shading seems to be in the correct proportion and the ability to hear instrumental detail is still amazing.
Challengers:
Audioquest Rocket 44, actually pretty good balance but don't hold a candle to the MIT's with timbre and ability to clearly and cleanly define across the frequency band. A little edgy and individual detail is lost. They are going back.
Cardas Clear Sky, very smooth and non fatiguing but again no comparison to the MIT when it comes to engaging you in the music. Nowhere near the detail and balance of the MIT.
Next up, being shipped this week, Morrow Reference SP5. I'll try to reserve judgment until I actually hear them.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions.
Since last week I've been having my own personal "shoot out"/"cable challenge" with loaners and a one purchase guarantee from a local retailer.
Incumbents:
On loan: MIT Matrix 28 - So far the clear winner, extraordinary low level detail and balance, balance being the key word. Every instrument and vocal shading seems to be in the correct proportion and the ability to hear instrumental detail is still amazing.
Challengers:
Audioquest Rocket 44, actually pretty good balance but don't hold a candle to the MIT's with timbre and ability to clearly and cleanly define across the frequency band. A little edgy and individual detail is lost. They are going back.
Cardas Clear Sky, very smooth and non fatiguing but again no comparison to the MIT when it comes to engaging you in the music. Nowhere near the detail and balance of the MIT.
Next up, being shipped this week, Morrow Reference SP5. I'll try to reserve judgment until I actually hear them.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions.
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
^ If the Morrow speaker cables are like my I/C MA1.1, then they will sound like the underside of my sacktill you get about 100 hours on them...so be patient
:yes:
So do you like the Morrows now?:lmao::lmao::lmao:
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
And The Winner Is MIT.........
The Morrow SP5 's arrived, along with about 10 pages of break-in instructions saying what I would hear initially would be about 70% of their capability, then they would get much worse, almost unlistenable, then much better, then after 200 to 400 hours they would reach their peak, unless you moved them ( not to worry, they would settle in again quickly), and then it's a good idea to let them rest occasionally...........way TOO much trouble when I have been listening to the MIT Matrix 28 which have been getting steadily better and better with detail that is consistent over any volume level. And the MIT started out great as well and have just gotten better. True the MIT are about 25% more expensive but I'm planning on living with this system for another 20 years with any luck and a lot of blessings.
I can't say enough good things about the MIT. I said early on in my audition of these cables that the low level detail is astounding and and I haven't changed my mind. Timbre reproduction seems to allow individual instruments to be heard clearly yet in perfect balance with the rest of the composition.
I'll gratefully settle up with the dealer that loaned me these cables this week with thanks for the opportunity for the extended audition. It's terrific to have found a local dealer that has been so helpful.
The Morrow SP5 's arrived, along with about 10 pages of break-in instructions saying what I would hear initially would be about 70% of their capability, then they would get much worse, almost unlistenable, then much better, then after 200 to 400 hours they would reach their peak, unless you moved them ( not to worry, they would settle in again quickly), and then it's a good idea to let them rest occasionally...........way TOO much trouble when I have been listening to the MIT Matrix 28 which have been getting steadily better and better with detail that is consistent over any volume level. And the MIT started out great as well and have just gotten better. True the MIT are about 25% more expensive but I'm planning on living with this system for another 20 years with any luck and a lot of blessings.
I can't say enough good things about the MIT. I said early on in my audition of these cables that the low level detail is astounding and and I haven't changed my mind. Timbre reproduction seems to allow individual instruments to be heard clearly yet in perfect balance with the rest of the composition.
I'll gratefully settle up with the dealer that loaned me these cables this week with thanks for the opportunity for the extended audition. It's terrific to have found a local dealer that has been so helpful.