new cables

[pmckeealaska]

OK.....so I thought I might try a relatively cheap way to improve the quality of my stereo sound by investing in new speaker cables and interconnects. My system now consists of a NAD T763 reciever (which I use as a preamp for my two front speakers LSi25's) and a Rotel two channel amp, all with Monster interconnects and speaker cables. I have heard several folks on this forum say that one can do much better than monster when it comes to cables. So what I'm looking for from you guys is suggestions. I would like a range of prices and comments on improvements (if any) that anyone may have experienced by switching from Monster to another brand. Or maybe this is a waste of time? Tell me what you think....

[HBombToo]

I am running AQ CV6 and am very impressed. I also received a pair of DH Labs cables from dave shepard here on the forum and think that they give the CV6 a run for the money. Pehaps you can PM dave and see if he has anything available.

HBomb

[steveinaz]

Audioquest Sidewinder is a good, relatively inexpensive IC upgrade. I had them and later upgraded to Copperhead, which was a waste of time (and money) as I could not discern any difference between those 2.

For speaker wire, I don't like multi-strand cables with the exception of Analysis Plus oval nine. I've found that solid core (in a hyperlitz configuration) copper sounds better with my system---you're mileage may vary.

Whatever you decide, try buying your cables used. There's no sense in paying rediculous prices for new cables.

[PolkThug]

Hi pmc,

In regards to interconnects (IC), when you go from the cheapest one (the kind that comes with your gear) to an 'aftermarket' IC, there is a considerable difference in dynamics that can be measured. However, when measuring between two 'aftermarket' cables the differences are very slight.

To visualize what I am talking about, look at the red circle in the picture below. The aftermarket cables are similarly different than the cheapie.

[pmckeealaska]

I guess what I'm asking is will I be able to detect a noticeable difference between the monster cables I have and any other cables and interconnects I might purchase to replace them. I've heard a lot of folks say that one can do much better than Monster and I'm just wondering if that is true. I'm not expecting any huge changes in quality from Monster, but I'd be willing to pay for a slight imporvement if that is possible.

[Early B.]

If you have entry level Monster cables, then "yes," upgrading will likely yield a difference in SQ. If you purchase other after market cables comparably priced, you'll beat out Monster in every category. I'd suggest you start with the interconnects.

[PolkThug]

Only your ears can answer your question. The monster cables aren't 'bad' cables, they are mainly just overpriced when compared to other Internet-based cable companies. Since you have already paid for them, that point is moot.

Since it sounds like the upgrade bug is biting, order a single pair of IC's from bluejeanscable.com and test them out for yourself.

Regards,
PolkThug

[dave shepard]

Thanks HBomb. For me I had the $20 monster set and the DHLabs and the monsters sounded muddy compaired to the DHLabs on an Adcom 545II. The Silver Sonics opened up the sound and put the highs and mids in there place and the difference was (for me) night and day.

My 2 cents

Dave

[pmckeealaska]

Keep in mind that I'm in Fairbanks Alaska....definately an "end of the road" kind of town. Not many local chocies available, though one high end A/V store here carries Straight Wire. Has anyone had any experience with these cables and interconnects. The guy at the store I talked to suggested getting one of their interconnects for my SACD/DVD player nad has said that everyone who has tried it has had noticeable improvement in sound quality.

[steveinaz]

Straightwire is a good company and has earned many accolades on their interconnects, namely the budget "Chorus." I tried the Chorus but did not like it in comparison to the AQ Copperhead, though it's now in use on my DVD player, and works fine there.

Try shopping at http://www.audioadvisor.com

I'm in a small desert town, and know your pain about lack of selection.

[2+2]

depends on how good your ears are but I definately noticed sound differences with different interconnects....I was very surprised myself...

try knukonceptz.com in the HT dept, they got some good silver coated locking interconnects for really good price...

[dkg999]

2+2, I bought some Knukonceptz speaker wire off of eBay and have been really impressed with it. High strand count for 12awg, very nice sounding, and the high-tech blue color is pretty neat. I'll have to try their IC's.

[steveinaz]

Wanna try some really cheap, good sounding speaker cable? Take 4 runs of Radio Shack 18awg solid core hook-up wire, leave the insulation on, and twist the 4 together, connect to one post (positive). Repeat for the other post (negative). Stripping only the last 1/2 inch of insulation off each end.

You might be shocked at the results....

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by steveinaz


You might be shocked at the results....

recommended in Stereophile this year!

[Toxis]

So use 8 strands per speaker? Interesting...

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by Toxis
So use 8 strands per speaker? Interesting...

depends on the length of your runs.

[Toxis]

All I've ever had experience with is Monster Cables. I have a lot of experience with all kinds of home audio but no other brands of cables. I've heard a lot about AudioQuest and Kimber but no real experience. Now I know the difference between throw away cables and Monster but between the monster lines, there isn't a whole hell of a lot different when it comes to overall performance. What kind of experiences have you all had with different lines? I've been looking into Cobalt, Knukonceptz, BlueJeans, BetterCables and AudioQuest. They all seem to be a lil above to a lot more than Monster. Thoughts? I can get a discount (not accomodations but a discount none-the-less) on Monster but if something is a whole lot better for same price to a lil more, I'll splurge for better stuff.

[steveinaz]

I have AQ, I don't know that they are that much better than Monster, but I do know that I don't like stranded wire IC's in my system. I tried Monster, Straightwire, and a few others--nothing had the midrange/treble clarity and sheer absence of grain of my Copperheads. FWIW, the cheaper Sidewinder is just as good as far as my ears could tell....

[2+2]

All I can say about my limited experience with Monster is that I tried their Reference 100 interconnects (I think that was the number) and they dont hold a candle to the knukonceptz silver coated ones....and they were alot more expensive....lot less detail and clarity compared to the silver coated. In fact, the Monsters didnt do as well as the Acoustic Research Pro II in the highs although the bass was better controlled....but ARs were hell of a lot less...like a third of hte price as the Monsters..I also tried bluejeans (their belden coax model) which performed the worst. Just my opinion.