My great cable experiment

[bjmccoy]

Hi, I just got my new kit from my Seattle Audio store, it is made up of the following: ARC LS27, ARC Ref 75 , ARC LP1 and a set of Wilson Audio Sasha's. My sources will be a Linn Akurate DSM Network Music Player and a Linn Majik LP12 with Lingo upgrade.

Much to the chagrin of my dealer, I decided to start off with DIY Blue Jeans speaker cables and balanced IC's.

I was not sure where the final placement of the hardware was/is going to be, so making my own custom speaker cable seemed like a good way to go. Currently I have a right cable of 24ft and left cable 15ft. The preamp/amp are on the long side of my 14x20 ft room; the speakers are along the short side of the room.

I am planning on keeping the DIY cables until the electronics are "burned" in.

Being an old engineer (chemical) I do not ( by default) buy into "cables make a BIG difference", but having used "good" cables in my past systems I do think it worth while to try.

So my question to the group what is a good process to use in the evaluation of cables? My dealer supports Transparent Audio Cables and suggested starting at the "Wave" level.

Is it better to start at the high end and work down… or start at low end and work up?

Blaine

[Yamaki]

After your equipment burn in period is over then would be a good time to start at the low end and work up.

Seems for many an improvement in sound reproduction is easily more noticeable than a slight degradation. Has something to do with memory I suppose.

Let me ask you this. If you ascribe to the theory that components need to "burn in" do you also believe that cables need some time as well?

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by bjmccoy

Hi, I just got my new kit from my Seattle Audio store, it is made up of the following: ARC LS27, ARC Ref 75 , ARC LP1 and a set of Wilson Audio Sasha's. My sources will be a Linn Akurate DSM Network Music Player and a Linn Majik LP12 with Lingo upgrade.

Much to the chagrin of my dealer, I decided to start off with DIY Blue Jeans speaker cables and balanced IC's.

I was not sure where the final placement of the hardware was/is going to be, so making my own custom speaker cable seemed like a good way to go. Currently I have a right cable of 24ft and left cable 15ft. The preamp/amp are on the long side of my 14x20 ft room; the speakers are along the short side of the room.

I am planning on keeping the DIY cables until the electronics are "burned" in.

Being an old engineer (chemical) I do not ( by default) buy into "cables make a BIG difference", but having used "good" cables in my past systems I do think it worth while to try.

So my question to the group what is a good process to use in the evaluation of cables? My dealer supports Transparent Audio Cables and suggested starting at the "Wave" level.

Is it better to start at the high end and work down… or start at low end and work up?

Blaine.......Being and old engineer doesn't mean your ears have ceased to work, does it? Disconnect the analytics and reconnect the auditory.

I would not run speaker cables of differing lengths, either.

By the way, welcome to Audio Aficionado and thanks for your support from the start.

[Albikes]

Blaine....Welcome!

You have put together a very nice system, with all new equipment I think you will definitely hear improvements over time I will be interested in your choices and results of cabling. Please keep us all up to date and have a great time with you music.

Happy Listening,

Al

[2fastdriving]

Definitive let you leave without TA Ref in your system?! lol

Well I am assuming it's them. I like them.

I am shocked that they didn't recommend you start with Reference, because that's in line with your gear. You will hear a difference.

[Masterlu]

Blaine... Welcome!

[2fastdriving]

Blaine - welcome. I shouldn't be so snarky to a new member

My more serious answer is: Congratulations on the great system, first of all. Since you are likely dealing with Definitive, I know for a fact that they will let you borrow whatever speaker cable you want and do a home evaluation. Get used to your system with your cables and then go get a set of TA Reference, which is what I believe is the right starting point for a high end system like yours. Let your ears and wallet make the decision from there!

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[Still-One]

Blaine Welcome to AA

Here are my general thoughts on cables.

-There are a lot of nice cables to choose from and it is impossible to try all of them in your system.

- There are many dealers who are willing to loan you different brands or different levels from the same manufacturer to try out in your set-up. Dealing with these dealers will benefit you in the long run.

- Until I found a dealer(s) who wanted to work with me I did try out some from The Cable Company's lending library and buy that way. Good way especially if you want to try several different brands since most local dealers do not carry and maintain several lines for loaning out.

- In general stick with one brand for your entire set-up even if it has to be a different price levels.

- If possible work with a dealer willing to take trade-ins. If money is no object this isn't important for some. For most of us it allows us to move up and not have to deal with buyers on A-gon, etc.

- Don't worry about what others think about different brands. You are the one who has to be pleased.

[PLK]

Blaine,

Welcome to AA.

Are you running the Sashas off the 4 or 8 ohm tap of the REF 75?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Blaine Welcome to AA

Here are my general thoughts on cables.

-There are a lot of nice cables to choose from and it is impossible to try all of them in your system.

- There are many dealers who are willing to loan you different brands or different levels from the same manufacturer to try out in your set-up. Dealing with these dealers will benefit you in the long run.

- Until I found a dealer(s) who wanted to work with me I did try out some from The Cable Company's lending library and buy that way. Good way especially if you want to try several different brands since most local dealers do not carry and maintain several lines for loaning out.

- In general stick with one brand for your entire set-up even if it has to be a different price levels.

- If possible work with a dealer willing to take trade-ins. If money is no object this isn't important for some. For most of us it allows us to move up and not have to deal with buyers on A-gon, etc.

- Don't worry about what others think about different brands. You are the one who has to be pleased.

Sage advice!