Five-way speaker cable comparison
Clipdat
Posts: 12,934
A few months ago I evaluated five different pairs of speaker cables back to back. I did so because I realized that my system had reached a level of synergy where it would be relatively effortless to hear the influence of different types of speaker cable.
The listening tests were conducted over the course of a few weeks, with each pair generally being connected for 3-4 days. System components were Vr3 modded (and Supra Rondo internally wired) PMC twenty.22 speakers being powered by the Norma Audio IPA-140 integrated amplifier. Source was Tidal, Qobuz, and local .aiff files from an Aurender A-100 streamer. RCA interconnects from Aurender to Norma were WBC Mogami 2964. Power cords were Shunyata Delta v2 XC (amp) and NR (source).
Starting with the speaker cables that I used to break in my PMC's modded crossovers, DIY built Furutech Alpha S14 wire terminated with gold Furutech spades and BFA-style bananas ($388 2.5m/pair). The terminations use dual set screws in lieu of soldering. I connected them to the lower set of binding posts and used a length of Supra Rondo wire as jumpers to connect the bottom posts to the top posts.
The overall presentation was slightly restrained, careful, and polite. As opposed to a raw, open, and fully unrestricted sound. This traditional audiophile-style presentation communicated nice placement of sound effects and instruments within the soundtage, and also highlighted subtitles such as decay and nuance. The sound wasn't as dynamic in terms of energy swings and fluidity as other cables I've heard, instead preferring an almost "laid back" and unoffensive signature.
However, this presentation meant that at even very loud volume levels, none of the sounds within the music ran into or overlapped their adjacent sounds. Everything stayed composed and allowed me to hear an enormous amount of clarity and micro-detail. Lastly, they offered palpable stereo imaging, good timing & tonality, and controlled bass with no overhang or bloat. Their performance truly impressed me for being simple DIY cables that I constructed. Outstading price to performance ratio.
The next pair I connected were the KnuKonceptz Kruz Bi-Wire speaker cables ($100/8' pair). Assembled with gold-plated BFA-style bananas, they feature a unique braided design most commonly seen in Kimber Kable. These inexpensive cables have been my go-to reference for many years, so I'm quite accustomed to their sound. I've always thought they provided above-average performance, especially for their price.
Compared to the Furutech, the KnuKonceptz had a much more unrestricted and fluid feel to the sound. They were like using a hose with no nozzle attached, versus the Furutech which felt like the sound was coming through one of the multi-adjustment nozzles that slow down or shape the water as it sprays out. This difference in presentation reminded me of how @Joey_V has described the sound of regular 12-14ga speaker cables in the past.
Is it a question of gauge? The Furutech were 15awg, these are 11ga. The KnuKonceptz had more dynamic swing, more motion, and faster transients. It felt unrestricted. A bigger pipe? Full-bodied, bold, and loud, but less separation amongst different sounds. less "audiophile tricks." Tone wasn't quite as perfect as the Furutechs, which was easily heard with some well-recorded Bach Cello Suites. Bass was deep, but not as tight and controlled. Treble was good without any harshness, but perhaps was conveying more macro details vs micro-details.
There was a nice rhythm and an effortless forward flow, albeit with a sight sacrifice of some of the more subtle musical decays. I also realized that the sound was more localized to the speakers themselves, but not enough to kill the enjoyment & fun of listening. When I cranked up the volume the dynamic slam was evident, but the sound wasn't staying as composed and coherent. Adjacent sounds ran into and blended with each other. The imaging wasn't as palpable and the overall presentation was simpler and less complex than the Furutechs, but overall these remain a solid entry-level value.
Moving straight into another pair of braided cables, these are the Audiophile Microspace OCC copper silver-plated speaker cables ($260 8'pair, plus $60 for the four jumpers) from Chinese eBay seller "vipeos". They are supposedly constructed with "silver-plated OCC copper" and have "rhodium" banana plugs. I say supposedly and use quotes, as you never truly know if you are really getting what's being advertised from eBay auctions like this. They very well could be melted-down coca-cola cans, but that's the risk you take.
The banana plugs appear to be obvious knockoffs of nicer Furutech hardware - in fact they are slightly too large to easily fit into most banana plug holes. I had to force them into place and it made a sound & feeling like rough scraping. The braiding of the wires are nice and uniform. Cheap banana plugs aside, the construction and assembly quality seem above average for the price.
Straight away I noticed some of the same performance attributes as the KnuKonceptz braided cables. However, there was much more refinement. Most obviously, there was a certain liquidity or viscous nature to the sound's presentation. More of the "audiophile tricks" I heard with the Furutech speaker cables were present. Like the KnuKonceptz, the timing and rhythmic flow was spot-on, but now without any loss of subtleties or micro details.
The treble performance was not localized whatsoever to the speakers themselves. The high frequency information simply didn't sound like it was coming from the area where the tweeter is located. The bass was taught, well-defined, and clean - which again returns to the theme of dynamics and speed. This smooth fluidity gave me the sensation of a live musical performance. This attribute was conveyed by the overall rise, fall, and flow of the sound - which featured a convincingly realistic decay.
Tonality was excellent with snare drums actually sounding like snares and not just noise. Overall they provided an engaging listen, one that keeps your attention focused and provides that "just one more song..." feeling. A subconscious reaction to the brain hearing "good sound." A fun listen, and highly recommended for the price. My new daily drivers.
The listening tests were conducted over the course of a few weeks, with each pair generally being connected for 3-4 days. System components were Vr3 modded (and Supra Rondo internally wired) PMC twenty.22 speakers being powered by the Norma Audio IPA-140 integrated amplifier. Source was Tidal, Qobuz, and local .aiff files from an Aurender A-100 streamer. RCA interconnects from Aurender to Norma were WBC Mogami 2964. Power cords were Shunyata Delta v2 XC (amp) and NR (source).
Starting with the speaker cables that I used to break in my PMC's modded crossovers, DIY built Furutech Alpha S14 wire terminated with gold Furutech spades and BFA-style bananas ($388 2.5m/pair). The terminations use dual set screws in lieu of soldering. I connected them to the lower set of binding posts and used a length of Supra Rondo wire as jumpers to connect the bottom posts to the top posts.
The overall presentation was slightly restrained, careful, and polite. As opposed to a raw, open, and fully unrestricted sound. This traditional audiophile-style presentation communicated nice placement of sound effects and instruments within the soundtage, and also highlighted subtitles such as decay and nuance. The sound wasn't as dynamic in terms of energy swings and fluidity as other cables I've heard, instead preferring an almost "laid back" and unoffensive signature.
However, this presentation meant that at even very loud volume levels, none of the sounds within the music ran into or overlapped their adjacent sounds. Everything stayed composed and allowed me to hear an enormous amount of clarity and micro-detail. Lastly, they offered palpable stereo imaging, good timing & tonality, and controlled bass with no overhang or bloat. Their performance truly impressed me for being simple DIY cables that I constructed. Outstading price to performance ratio.
The next pair I connected were the KnuKonceptz Kruz Bi-Wire speaker cables ($100/8' pair). Assembled with gold-plated BFA-style bananas, they feature a unique braided design most commonly seen in Kimber Kable. These inexpensive cables have been my go-to reference for many years, so I'm quite accustomed to their sound. I've always thought they provided above-average performance, especially for their price.
Compared to the Furutech, the KnuKonceptz had a much more unrestricted and fluid feel to the sound. They were like using a hose with no nozzle attached, versus the Furutech which felt like the sound was coming through one of the multi-adjustment nozzles that slow down or shape the water as it sprays out. This difference in presentation reminded me of how @Joey_V has described the sound of regular 12-14ga speaker cables in the past.
Is it a question of gauge? The Furutech were 15awg, these are 11ga. The KnuKonceptz had more dynamic swing, more motion, and faster transients. It felt unrestricted. A bigger pipe? Full-bodied, bold, and loud, but less separation amongst different sounds. less "audiophile tricks." Tone wasn't quite as perfect as the Furutechs, which was easily heard with some well-recorded Bach Cello Suites. Bass was deep, but not as tight and controlled. Treble was good without any harshness, but perhaps was conveying more macro details vs micro-details.
There was a nice rhythm and an effortless forward flow, albeit with a sight sacrifice of some of the more subtle musical decays. I also realized that the sound was more localized to the speakers themselves, but not enough to kill the enjoyment & fun of listening. When I cranked up the volume the dynamic slam was evident, but the sound wasn't staying as composed and coherent. Adjacent sounds ran into and blended with each other. The imaging wasn't as palpable and the overall presentation was simpler and less complex than the Furutechs, but overall these remain a solid entry-level value.
Moving straight into another pair of braided cables, these are the Audiophile Microspace OCC copper silver-plated speaker cables ($260 8'pair, plus $60 for the four jumpers) from Chinese eBay seller "vipeos". They are supposedly constructed with "silver-plated OCC copper" and have "rhodium" banana plugs. I say supposedly and use quotes, as you never truly know if you are really getting what's being advertised from eBay auctions like this. They very well could be melted-down coca-cola cans, but that's the risk you take.
The banana plugs appear to be obvious knockoffs of nicer Furutech hardware - in fact they are slightly too large to easily fit into most banana plug holes. I had to force them into place and it made a sound & feeling like rough scraping. The braiding of the wires are nice and uniform. Cheap banana plugs aside, the construction and assembly quality seem above average for the price.
Straight away I noticed some of the same performance attributes as the KnuKonceptz braided cables. However, there was much more refinement. Most obviously, there was a certain liquidity or viscous nature to the sound's presentation. More of the "audiophile tricks" I heard with the Furutech speaker cables were present. Like the KnuKonceptz, the timing and rhythmic flow was spot-on, but now without any loss of subtleties or micro details.
The treble performance was not localized whatsoever to the speakers themselves. The high frequency information simply didn't sound like it was coming from the area where the tweeter is located. The bass was taught, well-defined, and clean - which again returns to the theme of dynamics and speed. This smooth fluidity gave me the sensation of a live musical performance. This attribute was conveyed by the overall rise, fall, and flow of the sound - which featured a convincingly realistic decay.
Tonality was excellent with snare drums actually sounding like snares and not just noise. Overall they provided an engaging listen, one that keeps your attention focused and provides that "just one more song..." feeling. A subconscious reaction to the brain hearing "good sound." A fun listen, and highly recommended for the price. My new daily drivers.
Comments
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Next I moved considerably up in price to the Douglas Connection Alpha Bi-Wire ($1,319/2.5m pair) speaker cables. I have reviewed these previously, but with different equipment. It was interesting to re-read that review and see some contrasting performance attributes. Besides superior build quality and genuine Furutech rhodium-plated binding posts, there was also a significant difference in the audible presentation of these cables.
I primarily heard an increase in bass impact and extension. The low-end frequency response went noticeably lower, and there was also now additional texture, detail, and nuance within the basslines themselves. The treble extension was also increased, with a presentation that was slightly forward, with a squeaky-clean sparkle. So, both extremes of the frequency range were now accented. There was also good inner detail in the midrange, as well as a wide sweetspot and stable imaging.
There was good musical and flow, but nothing outrageous or otherwise stunning. In a way they were not as engaging to me as the Microspace OCC cables. I also found myself wishing the soundstage width was wider and extended beyond the outer edges of the speakers. There was admirable soundstage height though.
With both extremes of the frequency range being accented & extended, these speaker cables felt more suited to playback of higher quality audiophile recordings. If you take into consideration the unmasking of the very low and very high frequency information, its fair to conclude that these speaker cables offer a higher resolution than the other cables in this comparison.
Lastly, we've reached the most expensive pair in this comparison, the Tirode Wire Labs American Speaker Cable in Bi-Wire configuration ($1,499). This made in USA cable seems to come with every audiophile treatment in the book, including cryogenic treatment and DeoxIT Gold contact enhancer.
It is somewhat difficult to describe the performance of these cables, because there isn't any major attributes that jump out at you. They are very neutral, with no accenting of one frequency range over another. It's more about what they don't do vs what you "hear" them doing. They clearly take the minimalist approach of simply not adding or subtracting anything from the original signal.
One unique element I did pick up on is that they seemed to sound better at higher volumes. When turning up the volumes to "the neighbors are about to call the cops" levels, I never got any sensation in my ears of "I have to turn this down now, it's too loud." There was absolutely no harshness or unpleasant sensations at these higher volume levels. Seeing as how the Norma Audio integrated also likes to play at louder levels, there's an obvious excellent synergy here.
The stable sound field conveyed good coherency and separation, with no glossing over of details. Good 3D imaging effects where noticeable where applicable, along with an accurate tonality and musically expressive sound. These true-to-the-source cables meant they could be vivid, musical, expressive, or smooth depending on the source material. In summary, these cables excel at simply being neutral and transparent.
Conclusion
The performance attributes of these cables will obviously vary depending on which system they're in. I hesitate to deem one of these cables "better" than another, but it's clear they all brought their own unique presentation to the listening experience. In my system and for my listening tastes, I left the Chinese Microspace OCC cables connected. They simply sound great to my ears and have been providing me with countless hours of enjoyment. -
Great review! Thanks! The Chinese Microspace bananas look like a knockoff of Wireworlds nanners. They are VERY SECURE which I like. We all knock on China audio but there are some companies who truly care about what they are designing and building.Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
Thanks. I didn't proof-read this enough and spotted a view mistakes. Called banana plugs "binding posts" by mistake and said "where" instead of "were". Oh well! Thanks to vanilla I can't go back and edit the typos.
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Excellent review and write up Drew, as usual
Although there were a couple of spelling issues 
I find it most interesting that the 'budget' wires compete, or excel with the more expensive options out there. My take is, there are a few things in this hobby that defy the analogy 'You get what you pay for'.
Thanks for taking the time and energy to make those comparisons
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Thanks for the great review! How did you get acquainted with this unbranded Chinese seller on ebay; did you just take a chance on them or did someone recommend?
Have you ever tried the Alpha Core Goertz cables? I would like to get some UPOCC ribbon to make a pair that might best my previous DIY version with 4N copper but it doesn't seem that anyone in the world makes it.George / NJ
Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
Onkyo A-8017 integrated
Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
iFi nano iDSD DAC
iPurifier3
iDefender w/ iPower PS
Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform -
Reviewing cables is about the toughest thing going in the audio business.
I read the whole thing. Good work. Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears -
I made these for you and you don't even use them! Nice review!
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I agree with the other members here, thanks for taking the time to analyze these cables.Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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Enjoy your reviews very much!!"Sometimes you have to look to the past to understand where you are going in the future"Anger is just anger. It isn’t good. It isn’t bad. It just is. What you do with it is what matters.
You can use it to build or to destroy. You just have to make the choice. Jim Butcher
Harry / Marietta GA -
Wow this is an excellent shoot out! Thank you DrewPrimary: Doshi V3.0 pre and phonostage, Vandersteen M5-HPA, Vandersteen Quatro CT, AMG viella, Goldfinger Statement, AQ Niagara 5000, AQ IC and power cords, Mapleshade Samson V.5
Secondary: Nakamichi PA7, Nak CA5, Polk LS90, Sota Sapphire, Sumiko MDC800, Van den hul Crimson -
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback and for making it all the way through, I know it was pretty long. Sorry again about the typos!Gardenstater wrote: »Thanks for the great review! How did you get acquainted with this unbranded Chinese seller on ebay; did you just take a chance on them or did someone recommend?
Have you ever tried the Alpha Core Goertz cables? I would like to get some UPOCC ribbon to make a pair that might best my previous DIY version with 4N copper but it doesn't seem that anyone in the world makes it.
I actually found that seller because I saw some fake-looking AudioQuest knockoffs that they had listed: https://www.ebay.com/itm/265166317730
But then I started looking at the other items that were listed and found these speaker cables as well as some power and USB cables I ordered. I mentioned the USB cable in a few other threads, but haven't tried the power cables yet. Who knows, it's very possible that everything listed for sale on that account is fake/bogus and isn't actually the metallurgy that's advertised. Really impossible to know unless you have some sort of purity/composition tester I guess.
I have not tried the Alpha Core Goertz cables, but I see that seller has some flat cable like might be what you are describing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/264923003977 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/255129650638 but again who knows if it's actually going to be "as advertised".I made these for you and you don't even use them! Nice review!
Haha, I knew you were going to say something about polite sound. To be fair I did read a review in TAS magazine recently where the reviewer mentioned the sound being "polite" - so you see, it's not just me using this description! -
I love your descriptions, Drew. I couldn't do it. I can't put into words what I hear. I'd be like, "the RTi speakers sounded like the color red and the LSiM sounded like a smooth apple. The introduction of the external DAC into the system sounded like a tossed salad, with every vegetable being an instrument."
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That makes sense to me.
The color red is associated with intensity and pain, as well as something bold - think a red sports car that grabs your attention. This aligns with what I've heard about the RTi series' treble presentation.
LSiM sounding like a "smooth apple" - something that is aesthetically pleasing and even mouthwatering means it has generally pleasurable and approachable sound. But even apples have ugly rough stems (the somewhat cheap-sounding ring radiator), the weird black-****֎ (a-n-u-s was censored) on the bottom (the boosted mid-bass that you would like to pretend isn't there), and an inedible core with arsenic-laced seeds (the inferior crossover components). So again, I'd say your description is succinct and accurate.
An external DAC adds separation and clarity, and a good DAC will do this while still sounding musical. That musicality is akin to every ingredient in the salad being uniformly coated with salad dressing after being tossed.
You should be an audio reviewer. -
This cannot be taken seriously, There were no Monster cables involved....
Fire suit ON !! -
No Monster Cables were harmed in the making of this comparison.
I don't have any Monster speaker cables, but I still have a pair of their "Interlink 100" cables from 25 years ago or something.
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You can use my description in your next review, if you want. The H&M Creative Mischief Design Studio is going to start a new activity. We, as a forum, have to come up with a word that you have to somehow include in your next review. I'll start. Nutmeg. This might be worthy of it's own thread. Each review will have to include a word of our choice.
Edit: We'll make it fair and reasonable. Nothing like "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis". -
Challenge accepted.
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I worked with some guys who used to challenge each other to work some certain word (e.g., REDRUM) into a presentation at an international meeting. The results were never less than entertaining. Both of these guys are very high ranking execs in two different biotech companies nowadays.
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Great review Drew as usual, thanks for posting.Yamaha RX-A2070, Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, Benchmark Dac1, Bluesound NODE 2i, Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport, Parasound Zphono USB Phono Preamp, Fluance RT85, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Polk L600's, L400, L900's, RC80i's, SVS 3000 Micro, Audioquest Interconnects and Digital Cables, Nordost Silver Shadow Digital Cable, Cullen Gold and Crossover Series Power Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 12AWG OCC Speaker Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha Analog Interconnect Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 11 OCC Custom Power Cable, Signal Power Cable, Furman PL-8C 15 Power Conditioner, Sony 65" 900F, Sony UBP-X700, Fios, Apple TV 4K, Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables.
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No Monster Cables were harmed in the making of this comparison.
I don't have any Monster speaker cables, but I still have a pair of their "Interlink 100" cables from 25 years ago or something.
Well there you go it's OFFICIAL !!
you're the best Drew
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Superb cable reviews Drew...as usual! An eye opener for sure. 🎶🎶🎶 I really enjoy your reviews."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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Thank you kindly
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Wow always a great review Drew! I had to break out my audiophile glossary, but that's why I have it. You have a natural talent to describe your experiences we can all relate to. Well done!
I continue to trust your ears!Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
Great read! Wish it was easier for me to swap speaker cables- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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Great write up!!!
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Great job! Thanks for taking the time and sharing!See my profile for list of gear.
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👍Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
