What cables work well with Audio Research Gear

[The Lost Bears]

I have been using Audio Research interconnects and speaker cables for many years. The grey Litzline 2 and Litzlink 2, not the black ones. My system has changed quite a bit over the years and I am thinking it might be time to upgrade my cables.

My current system is an Audio Research Ref 5se, Ref 110 amp, Ref CD7 and DAC8 for computer audio. My vinyl front end consists of a ClearAudio Innovation Wood turntable with a Fosgate Signature phono preamp. My speakers are Sonus Faber Elipsa SE Reds I am using Shunyata power cords on everything and I am very happy with them.

So far I have tried Kubala-Sosna Fascination and thought it was at best a side ways move. I am currently trying the Nordost Frey 2 in my system. These are very nice. But what else should I try?

I am curious what others with Audio Research gear have found works well. Especially with their Reference line. Thanks!

[TLi]

I use all Nordost interconnect and speaker cables with my ARC gear. Nordost in general has very detailed sound which matches very well with tube gear. Of course the upper model you use, the better is the result. I shall at least use Tyr 2 or better in your system.

[microstrip]

IMHO the choice will depend on speakers, source and room.

I own Transparent Opus with the ARC's and I am really happy with it. I have also used Shunyata, Crystal Cable, Cardas and Nordost with great success.

The only general precaution is avoiding very high capacitance cables in long interconnect runs when using Audio Research tube preamplifiers or sources.

Another important aspect is price - the choice can depend on what a brand offers at the price you are considering.

Considering you have Shunyata power cords I would certainly consider Shunyata signal and speaker cables. The coherency of having a single brand of cables in a system can be a winner.

[audio bill]

I don't have any personal experience with them, but Sain Line Systems is a small cable company in Minnesota which is not as well known or publicized as the bigger names in the business. They do however come highly recommended and are used by several high end reviewers and are endorsed by some Audio Research employees themselves. You can read some of their comments in the testimonials section of their website. I also recall that Bel Canto uses them to make their optional reference level power cable for their Virtual Battery Supply. Having these manufacturers themselves endorse another company's products is high praise indeed, since they are entirely capable of making cables themselves. They have a couple of lines at different performance levels, and while some are a bit costly they could be worth checking out if you're looking to get the ultimate performance level from your gear. I am not aware of any dealers for their products, it appears that they operate factory direct. Hope this helps!

[JBT]

I use Nordost with my ARC system.

[The Lost Bears]

I have Sonus Faber Elipsa SE Red speakers. My room is approx 13' x 23' with a 9' ceiling. My speaker are on the short wall. I use balanced cables and need a 5 meter run from my amp to my preamp.

I called an ARC dealer somewhat (200 miles) near me who also carries Shunyata. He told me that they preferred Nordost with ARC and suggested I try the Heimdall 2. It was the sweet spot in the line. My local ARC dealer also carries Nordost had some Frey 2 I could demo. Which is what I am trying right now.

[MPS]

I have all IC Nordost Heimdall and PC Nordost Shiva, phono cable is Nordost Valhalla, speakers thru Nordost Frey just to add some more sparkle...
I find Heimdall having good relatively neutral balance while Frey is pushing highs bit more just like entry level Nordost cables, somehow Valhalla is sort of doing both

[JCR]

Siltech signature interconnect and speaker cable or Neotech Amazon cables...

[kngale1]

ASI Liveline (oldest component in my system and no plans to change) ICs and SCs and Shunyata Alpha and Sigma PCs.

[Harlequin]

Anyone else running HiFidelity CT-1 line of cables? My source to Ref10 are currently CT-1 Ultimate Reference.