In this review of Signal Cables Thomas Campbell makes an interesting claim:
"In my experience, however weird the science, interconnects and speaker cables make the largest per-dollar difference of any component or accessory."
This rings true to me based on my experience with high end cables, although not extensive by any means. I feel cables offer the biggest bang for the buck upgrade in audio. Some people often slam high end cables as "expensive". I think it is much LESS expensive to get better SQ by upgrading a cable than upgrading a component. When I see a $10K+++ system and the owner claims he has made a wise decision using lamp cord because all cables sound the same I just shake my head. We all want better SQ but why not test a new set of speaker cables before spending $$$ on new speakers? Why not test a new power cord or a set of interconnets before spending $$$ on upgrading a pre-amp or an amp? The fact that most cable vendors offer a risk free audition makes it a no brainer at least to test and listen for yourself. I see the same people who feel buying lamp cord is a wise decision to be the same ones who refuse to even listen to a different higher end cable. They will drone on for hours about blind testing and measuring cables but they never blind tested their speakers or subwoofer when they spent $$$ in most cases. (unless you have access to the speaker testing facility at Harman).
So if you want to increase SQ and SAVE money do yourself a favor and at least audition a better set of cables before you abandon the other components you already own. As long as you can send them back after an audition why not?
"In my experience, however weird the science, interconnects and speaker cables make the largest per-dollar difference of any component or accessory."
This rings true to me based on my experience with high end cables, although not extensive by any means. I feel cables offer the biggest bang for the buck upgrade in audio. Some people often slam high end cables as "expensive". I think it is much LESS expensive to get better SQ by upgrading a cable than upgrading a component. When I see a $10K+++ system and the owner claims he has made a wise decision using lamp cord because all cables sound the same I just shake my head. We all want better SQ but why not test a new set of speaker cables before spending $$$ on new speakers? Why not test a new power cord or a set of interconnets before spending $$$ on upgrading a pre-amp or an amp? The fact that most cable vendors offer a risk free audition makes it a no brainer at least to test and listen for yourself. I see the same people who feel buying lamp cord is a wise decision to be the same ones who refuse to even listen to a different higher end cable. They will drone on for hours about blind testing and measuring cables but they never blind tested their speakers or subwoofer when they spent $$$ in most cases. (unless you have access to the speaker testing facility at Harman).
So if you want to increase SQ and SAVE money do yourself a favor and at least audition a better set of cables before you abandon the other components you already own. As long as you can send them back after an audition why not?