Speaker Cables, Is there really a difference???

[rroobbcc]

Let me start by saying that historically I have never been one to fall for all of the hype surrounding high-end cables. I do understand that characteristics such as better shielding and reduced oxidation of connectors make it a good idea to upgrade from the cheapo interconnect cables and "zip cord" speaker wire commonly supplied with most components. However, I have always had my doubts as to the value of a $300 cable over a $30 cable. Having said that, the used market can provide some good opportunities to pick up expensive "audiophile grade" cables for a fraction of their new price. With the desire to see for myself if all of the hype is justified, I have picked up a number of cables over the last few months from sources such as eBay and Audiogon. Among them was a 12' pair of MIT Terminator 3 (MIT T3) and a 10' pair of Monster Cable Z3 Reference (MC Z3R) speaker cables.

I have been running the MIT T3 in my main 2ch. system for a couple of months, and as this system has been stable for the last month I have had time to become familiar with its sound. I had made a number of upgrades this fall, leaving only the power amplifier and speakers unchanged. While the improvement was very noticable, I have remained a bit disappointed with both the quality and quantity of the mid- to low-bass. My choice of a pre-amp (PS Audio 5.6) was made for simplicity and purity of the signal path, and left me without any type of tone controls with which I might attempt to compensate in bass ranges. I also realize from my past experiences that my Infinity 9 Kappa speakers are at their best when bi-amped. While my Adcom GFA-5802 is no slouch, it has been given a tall order to try and tame the difficult load presented by the 9 Kappas, even with them set to the their "normal" mode.

Given my lack of equipment options, I decided to try swapping in some of the cables I had available, in an attempt to further improve upon the results of my upgrades. Some of you may have read about the simple system I put together for the livingroom, which consisted on an Adcom GCD-575 CD player, Adcom GFA-545II amplifier, B&W DM 602 speakers, as well as the MC Z3R speaker cables. Due to some reorganization of furniture by my wife, I have temporarily dismantled that system. This meant that the MC Z3R speaker cables were available to be tested against the MIT T3 in my main system.

I must confess that the main reason I used the MIT T3 in my main system and banished the MC Z3R to the livingroom, was the reputation of the MIT brand over Monster Cable. As it turns out my bias against Monster Cable was misplaced. Prior to the change, my assumption was that any difference between the cables would be minor. That proved to be true for the mid- and high-ranges, however the difference in the bass was nothing less than dramatic. First the quantity of bass was increased, providing a sound that was much more balanced from top to bottom. Furthermore the quality of the bass was much improved. It was well controlled, and had greater impact (or slam, or attack, or whatever word you like to use here). One of my primary test CDs since the early 90's has been "Time Warp" from Telarc. This is a compilation of sci-fi themes performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, including both delicate detailed moments as well as powerful dynamic passages. I find these selections can reveal a lot about the qualities of any system. One particular passage in the "Love Theme from Superman" consists of a harp and kettle drums playing together in the background. On most systems I find that I can only identify one of these instruments or the other. However, after adding the MC Z3R cables, both instruments came to life with great clarity. Additionally, the thunder-like kettle drum passages of "2001 A Space Odyssey" gained a depth and power best measured on the Richtor scale, and which was completely lacking with the MIT T3 cables.

One of the qualities of my living room system which surprised me was the bass response. While due to the small B&W speakers it lacked true depth, it did have "a mid- to upper-bass that is very tight and well controlled". Initially I contributed these qualities to the Adcom amplifier. I now suspect that the MC Z3R cables played an equally important role, allowing the amplifier to do its job of controlling the speakers without being choked out or limited.

So I find myself convinced that cables can make a significant difference, even between two "audiophile grade" cables. Once my listening room is complete I hope to do some additional cable comparisions, now fully expecting that I may yet uncover another layer of magic within the music.

[OvenMaster]

Of course there's a difference. Some may hear it, some may not, but even I can't see how two cables can possibly sound the same if they're not constructed the same way.

Case in point: I was using 12ga clear speaker wire from Home Depot, 59 cents a foot. I switched to 12ga landscape lighting wire, and just 30 cents a foot. Better treble, cooler running amplifier, cleaner bass, no oxidation (turning green under the insulation). No, it's not in the same league as MIT or Monster, but you get the point.

[clint e.]

Because a speaker converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to set up waves of vibrations, which is not an easy task... IMHo i do believe that we must consider every element of a speaker much seriously, and cables for that matter IMO are of major importance, simply because they are the only link between the amp and themselves.
Cables interact with speakers, with amps and of course with your (our) listening room.
Yes, i too belive that cables matters. Which ones? Is in our hands (ears) to find out what's the best for our system.
Tanx for sharing.

[dingus]

i used Belden 5000UE speaker cable, about $0.50 a foot, for a year or so before switching to what i think may be the ultimate in budget speaker wire, Canare 4s11. i feel no need to look elsewhere for speaker cable.

[clint e.]

I forgot to mention the speaker cables in action in my systems :

In my main system with Rogers speakers i normally use Wireworld Eclipse sometimes i change speakers to B&W CDM1 SE and than i have a better synergy with Qed Silver 25th Anniversary.

In my comp audio system i normally use Supra Rondo.

In my bedroom system i have an old Jamo High Definition Flat.

[emaidel]

I have been a "believer" insofar as differences in cables, whether for speakers, or for component interconnects ever since I replaced 14 guage zip cord with "ordinary" Monster Cable 20 years ago. I do, however, draw the line when price becomes nothing short of ridiculous. The Monster Cable Z-Series 12' speaker cables I'm currently using cost about $800 for the pair, and to me, were worth every cent. But then would I, or would anyone not high on drugs spend $17,000 for a 12' pair just because someone said they're the best? Not a chance!

My recent purchase of a Monster Cable Z-Series d200 1/2 meter digital coax cable cost me only $80 - a far cry from the $230 the "Illuminati" D-60 cable costs, and which the d200 replaced. Which one sounds better? Well, it's not the D-60...

So, price is very definitely an object, at least IMHO, but pricier isn't always better either.

Just my 2 cents once again...

[Grant Fidelity]

I've always suggested grabbing an entry set of cables from a good manufacturer and be done with it. A peace of mind type thing.

'The more expensive the cable the more chance it has of mucking up your sytem'

My rule of thumb is no more than 10% of your sytem's cost on cabling/conditioning.

As far as results and testing you can get way better results by simply repositioning your speakers or some room treatment.

If you are thinking rediculous money for cables, think horizontal bi-amping first.

Ian