Polk Cobra Speaker Cables

[organ]

I just got my Polk Cobra speaker cables back from the technician. I haven't used them in years since the termination went bad. The stock cables were teminated with some some crappy leads.
I got bananas on them now.

There was a lot of talk before about not using this cable on SS amps. I asked the tech about it and he said not to worry unless you're using a vintage SS amp. He said it's known to make some old amps oscillate.

That was definitely good news because I'm back to using my SS amp again. For the first time, I'm now using the cables on my NAD and no problem at all.

I really like these cables. I remember the first time I used them. The difference was clearly obvious. Other cables I tried before it (nothing too fancy) made subtle differences but with the Cobras, it was loud and clear lol.

So a heads up to the Polk Cobra cables. Worth looking into if you run across a pair.

[mhardy6647]

They're fine on any amplifier that doesn't mind a reactive load (high capacitance and/or impedance) - any amp that doesn't care for such a load runs the risk of (typically) HF oscillation and self-immolation. The issue is usually injudicious and/or poorly implemented negative feedback (and, indeed, typically in older designs). I wouldn't assume a prior that every modern ss design will be immune to the potential effects of the Cobra Cables, though (FWIW).

EDIT: If memory serves, the issue with the Cobra Cables is high capacitative reactance.

[Lost240]

I'll keep my eyes opened for a pair.

[zingo]

Congrats on the good results, and they do have a nice look to them.

[organ]

Mrh,
Thanks for sharing that info. Is there any way to tell if a modern design is not suitable with the cables?

Lost,
There are two versions of the Cobra. I have the flat one. There is also a round version of it.

Zingo,
Thanks. Pretty funky looking up close. Every single wire is insulated and braided.

[Toolfan66]

They have to be the oldest speaker cable that keeps its value and the hardest to find..

[ZLTFUL]

What I find the most entertaining about this whole thread..."Polk" Cobras plugged into B&W speakers...That's right B&W...take that banana like a man!!!

[organ]

They have to be the oldest speaker cable that keeps its value and the hardest to find..

You're right. I think I've only seen them pop up 3 times in the past 10 years. 2 here and another on ebay. I got mine here from Madmax or HBomb. Can't remember.

What I find the most entertaining about this whole thread..."Polk" Cobras plugged into B&W speakers...That's right B&W...take that banana like a man!!!

Ha ha My cobras have been around. I made them polk some Klipsch years ago lol.

[billbillw]

Arthur Salvatore has been praising these for years, however, he says they must be used in a very specific manner (short runs in parallel).
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-SpkrCab.html

[zingo]

What was their new MSRP? Have they appreciated?