Interesting comments. My copper litz cables (WyWires) seemed to be more resolving than Zu Event (silver/copper) which I didn't anticipate. Maybe this is why.
All Cables From One Manufacturer, or Mix and Match?
- Thread starter Ron Resnick
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Interesting comments. My copper litz cables (WyWires) seemed to be more resolving than Zu Event (silver/copper) which I didn't anticipate. Maybe this is why.
Litz is cleaner and more resolving vs conventional wire for audio use, as it reduces the amount of warmth the copper contributes to the sound.
It's nuts to buy even components much less cables from one manufacturer unless they all deliver optimum stellar performers. Never assume that a DAC manufacturer is also the best amplifier manufacturer for instance. I see people making this mistake all the time, making assumptions. This is my #1 rule in life, NEVER MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. You will usually be wrong.
in the case of cables, the distinction is probably IC's versus speaker cables, AC power cords or digital cables. I would predict that very few manufacturers are the best at all four. Each is a very different animal.
As for synergy, I don't believe in it. Cables should never be used as analog filters. They should be as transparent as possible. There are cases where a certain type of analog IC should be used however. Many DAC outputs have high-impedance outputs, so a low-capacitance IC should be used to prevent any roll-off or phase-shift. Likewise if you are using a passive attenuator linestage. This is a matter of matching the situation, not synergy.
Sometimes speaker cables can be seen as synergistic, but the reality is that if the speaker load is gentle, a cheaper cable is usually good enough. When speakers are inefficient, the cable may need to have lower inductance and capacitance. A good cable will work in all situations.
These attributes are mostly about geometry of the cable. The conductor metallurgy is at least as important. They are both important. The more expensive the cable, usually the better the metallurgy.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
in the case of cables, the distinction is probably IC's versus speaker cables, AC power cords or digital cables. I would predict that very few manufacturers are the best at all four. Each is a very different animal.
As for synergy, I don't believe in it. Cables should never be used as analog filters. They should be as transparent as possible. There are cases where a certain type of analog IC should be used however. Many DAC outputs have high-impedance outputs, so a low-capacitance IC should be used to prevent any roll-off or phase-shift. Likewise if you are using a passive attenuator linestage. This is a matter of matching the situation, not synergy.
Sometimes speaker cables can be seen as synergistic, but the reality is that if the speaker load is gentle, a cheaper cable is usually good enough. When speakers are inefficient, the cable may need to have lower inductance and capacitance. A good cable will work in all situations.
These attributes are mostly about geometry of the cable. The conductor metallurgy is at least as important. They are both important. The more expensive the cable, usually the better the metallurgy.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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Hi Dave,I was not addressing your post specifically. When I say better, I mean better for them. We all know my cables are the best.
Lol, yes of course!
I don't have any specific wire brand recommendations I still prefer and use inexpensive commercial ones I bought 15-16 years ago. Basic criteria hasn't changed for me, stranded or Litz copper based ICs, same for speaker wires preferably 10-12 gauge. High quality copper or some OFC but not a fan of OCC wires, I hear a distinct coloration in every cable I heard using their conductors. Same for power cords use industrial ones as do almost all my clients replacing their mega dollar cords with these. It's a matter of taste and expectation I want my wires to do nothing, no black backgrounds, no deeper bass or carved images, etc., etc., etc. just let the signal through with minimal change or editorializing.
david
Hey, if anyone wants to do a cable tour I'm down. We can send a few versions of cables around to WBF members... my cables, ddk's, Sablon and whoever else would like to participate. Just one set of IC cables from each would be enough and not put us out too much.
Some members here might find it useful or interesting...
Some members here might find it useful or interesting...
Hey, if anyone wants to do a cable tour I'm down. We can send a few versions of cables around to WBF members... my cables, ddk's, Sablon and whoever else would like to participate. Just one set of IC cables from each would be enough and not put us out too much.
Some members here might find it useful or interesting...
Will take you up on your offer Dave but I don't have any cables for sale to send around.
david
I have had more success mixing and matching than using any one manufacturer.
To me, I find one manufacturers weaknesses become more apparent the more of their products I use.
Obviously, many others have had more success from one manufacturer than I have.
To me, I find one manufacturers weaknesses become more apparent the more of their products I use.
Obviously, many others have had more success from one manufacturer than I have.
It was....Silver can sometimes over emphasize treble giving the false impression of more detail retrieval.
I think DaveC feels pretty strongly that his silver and silver/gold wires exhibit higher resolution than copper.
What say you, DaveC?
What say you, DaveC?
There are other problems with silver, colored bass and softening and homogenizing of transients.
david
My experience it is better to have the core cables all the same brand. I do use different levels within the brand and PC's seem to have different noise floor levels. After what I call core cables i.e. source,preamp,speaker,amps it seems using other brands has little effect. I use NBS and the other cables are Gepco quad microphone cable. After doing my grounding thing, they all have the same signature. I do use a different brand for my digital...Nirvana..no longer in business.
One of the issues with silver cables is that the gauges deployed are often rather small and this exacerbates the innately ‘white / light’ tonal presentation by not having sufficient conductor area to provide the low resistance / impedance needed for full bass dynamics.
I have played with a variety of silver cables in the past but superseded these designs a few years ago with a more transparent sounding copper conductor.
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