Cable preference

Skynut

Okay, all the hype brought on by the last thread I read about cables leads me to ask for everyones input.

Please answer the following.

1. What cables do you use and why?
2. Do you like them?
3. What cables do you dream of owning?
4. What makes you want them?

For me I am using the monster low end interconnects because of budget reasons. I realized I needed to replace the hodge-podge of free cables I had connecting my equipment and did not have the money to spend on "Good cables"
My speaker cables are the Z series Monster Bi-Wire and they came with the purchase of my speakers. I like them but probably would not have parted with the kind of money they cost new.

My dream cables now are Bybee filtered interconnects http://www.bybeetech.com/products.asp and I have no intention of replacing my Bi-Wires for a while.

So I ask you, What are your opinions on cables.

jmierzur

1) AR Master ICs, HT Pro-11 speaker cable (mains), stranded OFC twisted speaker cable for surround channels
2) Yes. ICs will be upgraded in future.
3) One day it will be all HT cable.
4) Individual insulated OCC strands.


I see Jack (Bybee) has changed his products. Have you thought of making the speaker cable tails yourself? The ones I made made a difference in MY system. With the new Eichmann parts, I think I will now update them. Also have the large QPs in my BPT 2.5.

Edit - Yes, I will be stopping by the local audio shop to get the necessary Eichmann parts to rebuild my Bybee speaker ends.

Skynut

I am not sure what the HT cables are but I have heard of the Eichmann bullets, i do not think I want to make my own cables yet but I may try it once I find out where to buy the right stuff to do it right.

steveinaz

I currently use Audioquest Granite speaker cable and Copperhead IC's.

I like the signature of solid core copper better than multi-strand. I've tried several multi-strand speaker cables; Straightwire, Monster, Generic 12 awg, RS flat wire 14awg, etc, and didn't like the hashy presentation. Solid core copper just has a smoother, more sorted-out sound to my ears. I think there is alot to be said about theories on "current strand-jumping" and it's effects on multi-strand wire.

I have Kimber PBJ's on the way this week to replace my Copperheads--just a curiosity thing--I've always wanted to try the PBJ, and recent issues with 2 sets of my Copperheads drain wire coming loose has got me looking for something more durable.

If the PBJ thing pans out, I'm going to try Kimber 8TC speaker cable next, again, out of sheer curiosity.

Skynut

The kimbers seem pretty nice, what is the advantage to having the twisted wire vs. the round insulated wire?

jmierzur

Originally posted by Skynut
I am not sure what the HT cables are but I have heard of the Eichmann bullets, i do not think I want to make my own cables yet but I may try it once I find out where to buy the right stuff to do it right.

HT - Harmonic Technology

I will be rebuilding my speaker cable tails. I will be using Eichmann Bayonet Plugs and Cable Pods. It will consist of Bayonet to QP to Cable Pod. This will not replace speaker wire.

I have not tried the QPs on line level connections as per your Bullet Plug comment above.

Skynut

I am in the market for something new and am not sure what to invest in. I am only looking for interconnects right now.

I am wondering why the interconnects are usually 3' long and why more are not available in shorter lengths which would cut down on clutter behind the cabnet.

shack

Try the cable swap and then you can make your own decision on several nice cables.

steveinaz

Originally posted by Skynut
I am in the market for something new and am not sure what to invest in. I am only looking for interconnects right now.

I am wondering why the interconnects are usually 3' long and why more are not available in shorter lengths which would cut down on clutter behind the cabnet.

.5 mtr lengths are commonly available as well (about 20").

Skynut

I think I will sign up for the cable swap, it sounds like a good deal.

steveinaz

Originally posted by Skynut
The kimbers seem pretty nice, what is the advantage to having the twisted wire vs. the round insulated wire?

The individual conductors are insulated; the twisting is used to reduce capacitance.

dragon1952

The kimbers seem pretty nice, what is the advantage to having the twisted wire vs. the round insulated wire?

Also, many of the the "round insulated wires", as you refer to them, actually are twisted too. Maybe not in that same exact configuration but twisting is quite common.

Skynut

Originally posted by steveinaz
I have Kimber PBJ's on the way this week to replace my Copperheads--just a curiosity thing--I've always wanted to try the PBJ, and recent issues with 2 sets of my Copperheads drain wire coming loose has got me looking for something more durable.

I can see where the solid core may be better sounding, what is the drain wire?

steveinaz

I probably mis-named it, the wire in contact with the shielding/sleeve.

aaharvel

1. What cables do you use and why?
2. Do you like them?
3. What cables do you dream of owning?
4. What makes you want them?

1. Ratshack 14 gauge Megacable for Speakers
Ratshack GoldSeries cables for component hookup

2. You damn skippy.

3. The ones I have.

4. There are more important investments for ones home theater than wires. In fact, wires rank last.

good topic btw.