New IC Cable and binding post - WOW!
drumminman
Posts: 3,396
Don't know if Darqueknight was the first with this, but I used his informative post as my guide, which can be found here: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30467&highlight=modifications
Thanks DK!
When I went into these speakers by removing the PR, I found some wiring that was not done as I would have. A previous owner had installed nice new binding posts, but had jerry rigged some of the connectors. He spliced a short length of wire from the harness to the pin connector for the IC cable. The splice came apart in my hands as I started work. I?m sure this connection has been playing a role in what I?ve been hearing.
Improving this connection getting rid of the splice and soldering the wire directly to the Cardas binding post) must have accounted for some of what I heard. The 15 awg Teflon insulated wire accounted for the rest. These were the only changes I made before listening.
First of all, the imaging took on a much more layered, 3D quality. It was easier to pick out each instrument in complex passages. Tonal qualities improved as well. Those who have read my previous posts know this is an issue I?ve been working on. The new IC connection has improved vocals, especially female, and general high end sparkle without a hint of harshness. Snare drums sound more like they do live. Even with a better high end everything sounds much more organic as well, more full and richer.
But here?s the shocker for me: the bass is back! :eek: :biggrin: I had been puzzled why it became so recessed upon completing the new crossovers. What I heard last night was what I thought these speakers could do. Bass that?s rich, powerful, tight and musical - and definitely there. Not bloated at all.
I have around 40 hours on the new x-overs, so one could wonder if perhaps they?re starting to open up. That may have accounted for some of what I'm hearing, but my intuition tells me that this is more about the new IC connection.
I highly recommend this!
:cool:
Thanks DK!
When I went into these speakers by removing the PR, I found some wiring that was not done as I would have. A previous owner had installed nice new binding posts, but had jerry rigged some of the connectors. He spliced a short length of wire from the harness to the pin connector for the IC cable. The splice came apart in my hands as I started work. I?m sure this connection has been playing a role in what I?ve been hearing.
Improving this connection getting rid of the splice and soldering the wire directly to the Cardas binding post) must have accounted for some of what I heard. The 15 awg Teflon insulated wire accounted for the rest. These were the only changes I made before listening.
First of all, the imaging took on a much more layered, 3D quality. It was easier to pick out each instrument in complex passages. Tonal qualities improved as well. Those who have read my previous posts know this is an issue I?ve been working on. The new IC connection has improved vocals, especially female, and general high end sparkle without a hint of harshness. Snare drums sound more like they do live. Even with a better high end everything sounds much more organic as well, more full and richer.
But here?s the shocker for me: the bass is back! :eek: :biggrin: I had been puzzled why it became so recessed upon completing the new crossovers. What I heard last night was what I thought these speakers could do. Bass that?s rich, powerful, tight and musical - and definitely there. Not bloated at all.
I have around 40 hours on the new x-overs, so one could wonder if perhaps they?re starting to open up. That may have accounted for some of what I'm hearing, but my intuition tells me that this is more about the new IC connection.
I highly recommend this!
:cool:
"Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
Post edited by drumminman on
Comments
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Most likely the x-overs starting to settle in. Internal wire upgrades are great, but the actual aural benefit is usually much less notciceable unless it's an IC or Speaker cable. It's great though they are starting to break-in and giving you what you want."Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
