Signal or Zebra cables??

iskandam

I'm currently using monoprice 12 awg cables hand-terminated with banana plugs on all my speakers. After hearing all the benefits that people have been getting when they upgrade to signal cable ultras I'm itching to get some taste too. After doing further research I found that Zebra cables are also well-reviewed and comparable to Signal price-wise. So now I'm split.

I'm looking to pick up some ICs for my amp and speaker cables for my fronts. For the same $$ which brand would you guys recommend? Are there specific characteristics that each cable has or are they more similar than different? Also, would I get a significant leap in sound quality using the bi-wire configuration, or am I okay with just the regular single wire... or single wire plus jumpers? I read that changing the default jumpers that come with the speakers would improve SQ and that bi-wiring is esentially doing the same thing.

SolidSqual

Signal. I've never heard Zebra, but I love Signal. My whole system is wired with it.

george daniel

Give Signal a try,,good solid cable,Frank also offers a discount for CP members,,and he stands behind his products.

Face

Signal FTW.

ESavinon

Signal cable. Good quality cables,great service.

iskandam

well, looks like Signal it is then! So my next question is should I use bi-wire, single run, or single run with jumper? Does it really make any difference at all?

This is the one area that's still confusing me. Is single run with the default jumper just as good as replacement jumper, or would bi-wire be a significant step up in SQ from any of those two combinations?

zingo

My 2 cents, I think you should go with Z Cables , and I think you should bi-wire. Bi-wire is better than the stock brass jumpers.

RuSsMaN

Zebra is good stuff, I've owned both - and prefer Signal's offerings.

iskandam

In what way is Signal different from Zebra? Better detail, extension, soundstage, clarity?

WilliamM2

iskandam wrote: »

In what way is Signal different from Zebra?

Appearance.

dorokusai

They use the same core coaxial from Belden, much like many DIY style designs but the connectors are different as well.

markmarc

I've never had the opportunity to experience the Signals. Zebras are very good for the buck and have great service. Now, if flexibility is a concern, go with AudioArt SC-5, it's as pliable as Home Depot 14 gauge, nothing else comes close in this price range IMHO.

mhartman29

I can't comment on Zebras, but I love my Signal Ultras. And Frank (owner) provides great customer support AND supports our forum.

Sherardp

I use Signal products throughout my setup. Great service, etc. From the Magic Power power cable to the ICs on to the Ultra Speaker Cables, you cant go wrong.

iskandam

Do you guys do single run or bi-wire? I'm curious to see if there's some added benefit in sound quality in either configuration

marvda1

i second the audio art cables, a little more expensive than the signal or zebra (both of which i have had in my system) but well worth it in my opinion. you might also check zu oxyfuel interconnects and julian speaker cables but the audio art outperform these.

iskandam

What kind of improvement should I expect by changing the default power cord that comes with a subwoofer or amplifier with either a Signal or Zebra power cord?

If it's significant enough I'll take the plunge too

treitz3

iskandam wrote: »

What kind of improvement should I expect by changing the default power cord that comes with a subwoofer.....

If it's significant enough I'll take the plunge too

I can't say for sure what you will experience by changing the stock power cord in your sub, but I can give you my experience with what an Analysis Plus copper cord did to my PSW1000. When I rec'd the sub, I wasn't too impressed with the sub. It presented too much "boom". After about two months or so of listening, I purchased the upgraded PC for my Rega Apollo because it made a slight improvement to the sound with that.

That said, in typical treitz3 fashion, I went to swap the PC around in my rig to find out where the best improvement came from. It came from the sub. I went from not really being impressed to actually liking the sub. The sound of the lower frequencies tightened up quite a bit and the integration between the sub and mains were improved to where I could actually turn up the sub without any additional "boom" present. I have since had 3 or 4 PC's I have tried in the PSW1000, but the Analysis Plus is still there today and it has made the sub quite musical [of course in my setup, I am also using a Velo SMS-1] and now I'm impressed with the sub.

I have tried the Signal Cable Digital Reference in the sub, [pictured below] but it sounded better in the CDP and SACDP in my rig. I have not used it for amplification.

iskandam wrote: »

So my next question is should I use bi-wire, single run, or single run with jumper?

A good friend of mine has had good results from running bi-wire, then adding another non-stock jumper and it works for him. The best way for you to learn is to experiment and let your ears decide. That's the only thing that you need to please.

marvda1

here's a good read on budget power cords dec. 2007 issue.
http://www.affordableaudio.org/

iskandam

What about subwoofer cables? I'm using the monoprice RG6U coaxial sub cable but would consider upgrading if there's some benefit to be gained from this