I need some input from those who know cables (dum, dum, daaa . . .)

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited June 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
My new Emerald Physics CS 2.3 will be wired with a custom Canare cable. I can get the cable in bulk from Emmy to make DIY speaker wires. Would this be recommended over something like WireWorld Cables, MIT, Signal Cable, etc., etc.?

Knowing so many people have rave reviews for their speaker cables, while also knowing many manufacturers wire their speakers with less "technologically advanced" cables than what audiophiles connect to the binding posts, it seems obvious something is gained with a good wire between the amp and the transducer. But, this concept conflicts with my other instinct that says synergy is key in this hobby. So, would it not be better to keep the same cables throughout?

Shoot, should I just be real hardcore and find some great cable I enjoy and wire it directly to the drivers? That's basically what I am doing now on compression driver of my CS2. I can do the same with the CS2.3.
Post edited by SolidSqual on

Comments

  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited May 2009
    Goes to retrieve popcorn, wine, and a comfy chair :cool:
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,484
    edited May 2009
    I have no answer here but have actually wanted to ask a similar question with regards to SDA's. I am thinking of rewiring my speakers when I redo the crossovers, so I guess any answer to your problem will answer mine as well.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited May 2009
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Goes to retrieve popcorn, wine, and a comfy chair :cool:

    I was hoping for a civil conversation. I am a believer in good cables. But, what matters more. Good cables or Synergy? Or is it . . . the good cables that add synergy between the speakers and the amps? Now I'm confused. Are cables supposed to add anything?
  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited May 2009
    Don't over think it or get ahead of your self.

    If you can use your same wires and setup as before. I say go for it. Break the speakers in. Then go from then there. One thing at a time.....




    Nick
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited May 2009
    I think synergy is the critical goal to try to achieve. I'm a believer that certain combinations of gear just works together better and the result is more than the sum of the individual components. Finding synergy is a b$tch, it really is. Good cables help without a doubt, but a cable that makes my system better might make your system worse. So now that I've used a lot of words to say very little, I'm crawling back in my foxhole!
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited May 2009
    nikolas812 wrote: »
    Don't over think it or get ahead of your self.

    If you can use your same wires and setup as before. I say go for it. Break the speakers in. Then go from then there. One thing at a time.....

    Nick

    Right on. I agree. But, I am going to want to tweak it out later.
  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited May 2009
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Right on. I agree. But, I am going to want to tweak it out later.

    I hear ya and feel ya. But like I said. Get them,, set'em up and break'em in. Then teawk them. I think you have a better appreciation of the upgrade or the tweak this way and a better understanding of the affect on the said speaker..




    Nick
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2009
    MIT has worked in every rig I've run just fine, no problems with synergy. I've had dozens of rigs.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2009
    I rewired my SDA's with AQ type4's on all the mids, and silver on the tweeters. I also use AQ CV4's dbs on the mids, and did the custom silvers on the highs. If you can wire directly to the drivers that would be awesome. You are running 2 channels per speaker active correct?
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,221
    edited May 2009
    Go MIT or go home
    "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 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited May 2009
    I want MIT.:(




    Nik
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,820
    edited May 2009
    I gotta say - I have been incredibly impressed with MIT's Shotgun.

    And you can do 25% off on the discount store, search google for MIT Discount Cable Coupon - it will take you to a link that allows you to use a 20% off coupon for the next hour...

    I bought my subwoofer ICs with this and got a pretty good deal since they dropped the 50% off.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited May 2009
    Zero wrote: »
    Solid,

    You're a wealthy kid (considering your age). Why not experiment with both the canare cable and a few aftermarket cords? Plenty of manufacturers offer 30 day (or more) trial periods... and since you aren't the type to shy away from putting effort into getting a good sounding system... I gotta wonder, why make a post about it? Just do it, and find out for yourself!

    After you've done some, come back and report the results!

    Well, I was hoping someone might be able to offer some insight into the contradiction I first stated. However, I will take your advice by first testing my current signal cables against the canare and then later moving to Wireworld and MIT.
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2009
    If you like the sound of your Signal Cables, you'll love MIT Shotgun series.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited May 2009
    I have MIT Shotguns all the way around in my rig and I love them and have no synergy issues.
  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited May 2009
    Personally I would agree that higher quality well designed wire/cable would enhance the performance.

    As a rule, companies will use bulk wire. It's a matter of cost savings. Of course a higher quality will perform better. if you can use the same throughout the signal path, go forit, it it's economically feasible. Now, as far as direct hookup, I think it would be a real PITA, but you do remove one connection...
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2009
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I was hoping for a civil conversation. I am a believer in good cables. But, what matters more. Good cables or Synergy? Or is it . . . the good cables that add synergy between the speakers and the amps? Now I'm confused. Are cables supposed to add anything?

    Remember, any cable is going to pass the signal; question is what kind of flavor do you want? Don't get wrapped around the axle about what you think you should buy--get what works the best regardless of brand/type.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,279
    edited May 2009
    That, Steve I can agree with. ;)
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited May 2009
    Solid:
    You've hit upon one of audio's great conundrums, best bang for the buck thru mixing and matching, or synergy. In my own case I was lucky to find two brands that fit both. In the end, I chose Audio Art cabling across the board because of the greater flexibility with their speaker wire.

    My recommendation (and you already know this with the CS2), spend time over days getting the positioning just right. Room acoustics and proper speaker placement offers a far greater reward than cable-chasing. I spent many, many hours getting the CS2's set right in my room for the review. Then I played a bit with wiring, the difference between the choices was maybe 2-3%, compared to 20% for placement.

    Then let me know how the 2.3's sound. I'm very curious as to what improvents Clayton came up with besides appearance.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited May 2009
    Go wireless. End of discussion.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
  • conservi
    conservi Posts: 1
    edited June 2009
    Just surfing the web on a search and stumbled upon your cabling question and thought I would pose a question concerning your opinion of these new and improved speakers. I currently have the CS 2”s and am thinking of an upgrade.

    As far as your cabling issues, I agree with some of the thread comments and your initial philosophical approach, but I personally do not have sufficient experience with the wire manufactures except Wireworld of which I have a few different single ended interconnects. So, I will not provide an unfunded opinion.

    Thanks

    Conservi
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2009
    Welcome to Club Polk conservi!
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Synergy,,, elusive sometimes,,when that happens,,I always go back to MIT, works for me anyway.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited June 2009
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    My new Emerald Physics CS 2.3 will be wired with a custom Canare cable. I can get the cable in bulk from Emmy to make DIY speaker wires. Would this be recommended over something like WireWorld Cables, MIT, Signal Cable, etc., etc.?

    I have been less than impressed with the Canare 4S11, if that's what you plan on using. Could have just been a synergy thing with my system, but I've stuck it in there on 3 different occasions over a couple year period and it just did not do it for me.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited June 2009
    Cables are merely tone controls. It's the high end audio's answer to the lack of tone controls found on integrated amplifiers and pre-amplifiers. Remembering this; you can experiment with what works for your setup.
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,028
    edited June 2009
    dkg999 wrote: »
    I think synergy is the critical goal to try to achieve. I'm a believer that certain combinations of gear just works together better and the result is more than the sum of the individual components. Finding synergy is a b$tch, it really is. Good cables help without a doubt, but a cable that makes my system better might make your system worse. So now that I've used a lot of words to say very little, I'm crawling back in my foxhole!

    Doug hit it....the whole synergy think which boils down to trial and error.You might have to kiss alot of toads before you find your prince of a cable.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • MLZ
    MLZ Posts: 214
    edited June 2009
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Go wireless. End of discussion.

    But then do I have to treat the air in my room :D