Speaker cable length

bthogan

I recently bought some Signal Cable Ultra speaker cable, to replace my Blue Jeans speaker cable. I really like the Analog 2 interconnects that I bought to replace my Blue Jeans ICs, and the general concensus online is that the Signal speaker cable should also bring an improvement in SQ.

Unfortunately, although there definitely is a difference in sound between the two, I'm not sure I like the Signals' sound (in my system). Among other things, while the soundstage seems bigger, and I can hear new things in tracks, they don't seem to project out in the way that gives me a sense of holographic presentation that I get with the Blue Jeans. I don't seem to get the separation between tracks that I get with the Blue Jeans (which is related to that 3-D effect), and there's not enough punch; a bit too laid back. I want them to work, because, like I said, I do hear improvements in some ways, but the sound just isn't as engaging as the Blue Jeans'. I've put ~100 hours on them, so I'm thinking they should be more or less burnt in (I think Signal recommends ~50 hrs.).

There are a lot of variables that may be at work here (and it may simply be a matter of taste). My specific, very OCD-type question is: could the cable length be making a difference here? The Signals are 15' per cable; the Blue Jeans are ~10'. I'm thinking about reordering the Signals, but at 12'. Are these lengths just too short for there to be any serious impact?

I'm probably gonna put them back on for more burn-in; my experience with burn-in has often been a bit longer than most others' (although the Analog 2s seemed to settle in pretty quickly, after a few days). I'm pretty sure that the Ultras are the ones that I want (rather than the Signal Classics), because (I think) my McCormack is a high-current amp, and the LSi9s are low-impedance speakers. Just wondering if the length thing is something I can/should eliminate from my consideration of this weighty matter. Thanks for any help.

ken brydson

No expert here but they might need a little burn in time. I highly doubt a couple feet are gonna make any difference. It could also be a synergy deal as well. I'm sure others will chime in with more educated opinions.

Conradicles

I would not worry about the length that much.

tonyb

Nah, don't worry about the length. There is no shame in your game if a product doesn't blow your skirt up, not everything your going to try will tickle your fancy.

bthogan

tonyb wrote: »

Nah, don't worry about the length. There is no shame in your game if a product doesn't blow your skirt up, not everything your going to try will tickle your fancy.

How did you know I'm wearing a skirt?!?

Thanks for all replies. Yeah, I get uptight when results aren't as advertised. Not sure if it's the product or me. And I think I "knew" that 3 extra feet of cable wasn't the issue, but I figured if I can ask other audioheads, why not. My "listening room" (living room of a one-bedroom apt.) is such a mess that I can't say I have anything close to an ideal listening space. The Signal Cables' soundstage definitely is more expansive; there's a bit more detail, and a slight lushness to them over the Blue Jeans. I really wouldn't be surprised if my space is preventing them from shining. The cables definitely have their upside, and I could easily see putting something upstream to give things the punch and etc. that I'm looking for.

I also want to mention that I put the Blue Jean ICs back in last night, to compare with the Signal ICs, and so far, I'm pretty sure that the Signals are (for my taste) the better ICs. Blue Jeans are a little dull, with slightly restricted soundstage, in comparison (but still much better than the default and Monster ICs that they replaced).

tonyb

Well, at least you have your trial and error cap on, good for you. Those small sound differences are still there even in entry level cables, they become more profound the farther you move up the chain. Trick is, simply finding the right combination that you like, whether cheap or expensive, and simply leave it be and enjoy your tunes.

I stress this more than I care to admit around here. Explore the many options available to you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I liken this cable stuff to the old receivers with the tone,bass, treble knobs. Cables pretty much replace those switches without the added noise....plus a few more bennies.

Good luck to you and your experiments....AND if you stop posting drunk pics on social media, your skirt would have been your best kept secret. LOL.

gudnoyez

I got a good deal on on 3 signal ultra speaker cables and five interconnects off the forum here added them to the HT and wow they are spending sweet, they were already burned in but I am very impressed with them, give them a little time.

deafbykhorns

My favorite speaker cable is DIY 8/4 SOJ cable with your favorite end pieces installed, biwired...

erniejade

is the signal ultra silver?

bthogan

No, it's not silver. Not sure I want the bright sound that folks report with silver cable.

May be a matter of burn-in, I get impatient...

skrol

Since you have the cables, have you considered bi-wiring? Could run the Blue Jeans to the lows and Signals to the highs and vise versa. Play around and see what you get.

Upstatemax

In the same price range you should also check out the offerings from Douglas. Lots of good reviews here for them.

bthogan

Thanks for replies!

deafbykhorns wrote: »

My favorite speaker cable is DIY 8/4 SOJ cable with your favorite end pieces installed, biwired...

skrol wrote: »

Since you have the cables, have you considered bi-wiring? Could run the Blue Jeans to the lows and Signals to the highs and vise versa. Play around and see what you get.

You know, I hadn't been thinking of bi-wiring, but my Polks are built for it, and I'm pretty sure my McCormack can handle it. It does seem like the Signals give pretty good mid/highs, while the Blue Jeans have pretty good control of lows (btw I expected this to be the other way around). I'll report back with my impressions if/when I get off of my fundament and try it out.

Upstatemax wrote: »

In the same price range you should also check out the offerings from Douglas. Lots of good reviews here for them.

Didn't have these on my radar, but I'll definitely consider them the next time I feel like playing with cables.