What a difference a small upgrade can make

[McCelery]

I don't know why I've shortchanged the little 2ch setup I have in my bedroom (where I do 25% of my listening) but I only had 18ga 5-strand lamp cord going to my RT35is. It's the lowest possible quality cable that's actually sold as "speaker cable" and the ends were totally oxidized. Lazy bastard. I bought a 50ft spool of XP the other day for hooking up friends' systems and figured why not throw a few feet out for myself? It's certainly nothing special but it's an upgrade nonetheless. I wasn't expecting much, if anything.

The difference is unbelievable!! The strum of an acoustic guitar is so much meatier. Highs are light and airy but without any edge. And bass is natural instead of hollow like before. Everything is just more 3-dimensional.

What's funny is that this is all with an Ipod hooked up with the 1/8th inch miniplug, not even a dock connector. I figured that's where the biggest bottleneck would be. But hell, that just gives me more room for easy improvements, right?

[steveinaz]

Welcome to the fray of cable-swapping. I think you'll find that multi-strand copper tends to have a fuller sound, and solid single strand copper a leaner, less grainy sound.

Enjoy

[Skynut]

I was blown away when I replaced my speaker wire and cheap interconnects with befier versions.
Nothing high dollar but better.

WOW was what I thought.

[engtaz]

Congrats on the new sound

[McCelery]

Thanks! I've found the secret to my audio appreciation is to make incremental changes and enjoy them for as long as possible until I'm completely used to it. Then make another incremental (but noticeable change). $10-$50 every few months definitely keeps the costs of this hobby down :)

Any ideas for the next reasonably priced upgrade for either system? I'm using an Ipod with stereo miniplug hooked into low end Sony (105wpc) and Yamaha (70wpc) receivers, decent cables (Canare biwires in the main listening room), and no subs.

I'm going after an Adcom 545II...I'm thinking more clean power is the next step for the main room. But maybe an Ipod dock is a better, cheaper improvement...? Newbies love advice :D

[The Naked Truth]

ends were totally oxidized
Oxidation, corrosion, all those things that shouldn't be there gradually degrade the conductivity and thus the sound quality. It's something you should keep an eye for. If you cut an inch off each end of your speaker-wire once a year or so, assuming they're connected directly to your amp and speakers, you'll notice an improvement in the sound.

[Schwingding]

Whew! I was afraid this was going to be another power cord thread.

FWIW, I appreciated several speaker cable upgrades, audibly noticing differences each time, until I got to 12 gauge solid core and did not like what it did to the sound.

[hearingimpared]

Thanks! I've found the secret to my audio appreciation is to make incremental changes and enjoy them for as long as possible until I'm completely used to it. Then make another incremental (but noticeable change). $10-$50 every few months definitely keeps the costs of this hobby down :)

Any ideas for the next reasonably priced upgrade for either system? I'm using an Ipod with stereo miniplug hooked into low end Sony (105wpc) and Yamaha (70wpc) receivers, decent cables (Canare biwires in the main listening room), and no subs.

I'm going after an Adcom 545II...I'm thinking more clean power is the next step for the main room. But maybe an Ipod dock is a better, cheaper improvement...? Newbies love advice :D


Most tweaks and minor upgrades have a cumulative affect.

[candyliquor35m]

Just when you think you've upgraded everything, you'll find something else to try. I just upgraded my y-adapters (splitters) from monster to AQ and everything sounds clearer, cleaner and more defined. I sometimes worry that what I'm hearing is wishful thinking but I really don't think so.

[ben62670]

Just when you think you've upgraded everything, you'll find something else to try. I just upgraded my y-adapters (splitters) from monster to AQ and everything sounds clearer, cleaner and more defined. I sometimes worry that what I'm hearing is wishful thinking but I really don't think so.

I'm the opposite. I wish it didn't make a difference! I would like to spend money on more drivers, better equipment, anything but wires! But now I know. I was on the other side of the fence when I first started. I have tried many different kinds of wires. Each with their own traits. Now I am Tri amping, so cables that sounded better on the highs can be used on the highs. Same for lows.

[reeltrouble1]

Nothing like some quality wire to help the rig along, glad you got some.

There is all sorts of wire available and I would recommend trying a few different ones as time and budget permit. Just cleaning the posts with some Caig can "wake" things up.

Gotta love this hobby.

RT1

[Rivrrat]

I'm happy for now with my speaker wire, 10g to the mains, 12g to everything else, but I'm starting to doubt my previous opinion on interconnects. I may pick up a set or two of better IC's for everything that's not running optical and see what happens.

I had intended on rebuilding my crossovers on my m10b's while I'm on vacation now, but other life situations interfered with that plan.