Speaker cables

[michelino]

Hello everybody, I just registered in the Apogee Acoustics Forum, thanks for accepting my application.

I recently upgraded my system, description below, and I have some difficulties with the speaker cables.
Source: Audio Research CDT1
DAC: Audio Research DAC8
Pre: Audio Research LS-5 (recently serviced)
Power: 2 Krell 600 Evolution mono
Speakers: Apogee Diva (Graz knows the speakers, recently upgraded)
Signal cables: XLR Transparent Ultra.
Power cords: Transparent Plus and Shunyata for the two Krell.

I have difficulties in with speaker cables, tried a few:
1 – Transparent Plus bi-cable (not bi-wire)
Bass is weak, mid and high a bit too high, scene not too wide.
2 – Transparent Reference + Transparent jumpers
Bass is strong and controlled, mid and high very balanced, scene wide and focused.
3 – Transparent Ultra Bi-cable (not bi-wire)
Very flat and narrow, not sure why.
4 – Kimber 12TC + Transparent jumpers
Bass is weak, mid and high better than option 1, but scene is narrow.
5 – Shunyata Anaconda SP + Helix Jumpers
The best of all, warm, controlled and deep bass, mid high crisp clear (especially voices are fantastic) scene is wide and detailed (expand 3D in the room). Only problem is cost!

Although I am aware there is not such a thing as the "best cable", and I am also not willing spend a fortune in cables, I would like to hear your opinion and feedback.

Thanks a lot!

Michelino

[Zardoz]

I would check that the Transparent Reference are calibrated properly for your equipment and if they are, you should try their bi-cable instead of using the jumpers. I use Transparent Reference bi-cable on my Diva's and they sound pretty awesome to me. Very balanced top to bottom and wide deep soundstage. I also use Ultra Gen 5 interconnects, and MM2x power cords, with 2 Power Isolator 4's.
Z

[EldRick]

Consider the new Iconoclast cables:

Here’s a thread: http://www.psaudio.com/forum/accessorie ... r-cabling/

And here’s the (not very functional) product page: http://info.belden.com/iconoclast

Story on these is that they are currently available on 30-day trial. Fill in the contact form on the web site if interested.

I've got a set of their XLRs on order. They will be compared with Kimber Kable top-of-the-line KS-1136 cables.

[michelino]

I would check that the Transparent Reference are calibrated properly for your equipment and if they are, you should try their bi-cable instead of using the jumpers. I use Transparent Reference bi-cable on my Diva's and they sound pretty awesome to me. Very balanced top to bottom and wide deep soundstage. I also use Ultra Gen 5 interconnects, and MM2x power cords, with 2 Power Isolator 4's.
Z

Thanks Zardoz, got rid of jumpers, and went to full bi-cable.
Tried Transparent Ultra Fifth Generation (the latest) on bass, and Shunyata Anaconda Etron on Mid-High.
I was stunned, the stage turned 3D and extends outside the speakers, way more focus and details.

Although I am still working on the optimal speakers position, I definitely agree bi-cable is best.
I may find Reference or Ultra Bi-cable generation before-the-last, but I am not sure where and what they should be worth.