Interconnects - Opinions Wanted

[MSport911]

Hi everybody,

I am looking to gather opinions on what kind of interconnects head-fiers are using for their headphone amps. My focus is on home based headphone systems, not portable set ups.

Specifically, what kind of interconnects do you prefer for: clarity, detail, neutrality, and transparency?

I do not want an interconnect that adds "color" or "enhances" the sound. I want to hear the recording in its purest form. Price does not matter.

All opinions are welcome!

 

[Aman]

Here are the best ones I've ever heard, especially pertaining to the characteristics you've described.

http://toddthevinyljunkie.com/produc...uct.php?id=196

 

[Len]

Silver Audio Hyacinth or Appassionata. www.silveraudio.com

 

[sclamb]

About as neutral as I have found and ones that I currently use are the Stereovox BAL 600.

Simon

 

[bigshot]

I use the better grade of Radio Shack cables because they don't seem to short out as easily when I plug and unplug them. They fit snug and sound as good as any other cable I've ever used.

See ya
Steve

 

[meat01]

I got some cables from cable wholesale and have been pretty happy with them. Another thing you can do is get some cables from some of the sponsers on the front page and listen to how they sound.

 

[Audio Addict]

Right now, I have some Groover UR2 or maybe they are the 3, not 100% sure since they were in with Groover about the time he switched to the new version. I also have the Audio Metallury GA-2 along with ZCable v3. I just sent in a deposit to audition Michael Wolff's new interconnect.

I have done some A/B ing with each and starting to find it difficult to distinguish between them. A few years ago, my ears could have possibly picked out differences, but the aging of America has hit my ears as well as the overall quality of the interconnects have improved significantly.

Good luck.

 

[vo_obgyn]

I've been a fan of KimberKable for sometime. For what it's worth, I'd recommend Kimber PBJ's:

Kimber PBJ's

which are reasonably priced, and IMO, sound great. BTW, you can buy these at Headroom, a HeadFi sponsor at:

Headroom Kimber PBJ's

 

[MSport911]

Good opinions guys!

Has anyone listened to the Monster Cable Sigma Retro Gold?

 

[bigshot]

I don't know about that specific model, but I've read that Monster cables have been measured as being the least efficient cables made. They seem to be designed to make the sound warmer by conducting high frequencies less efficiently than mids and lows. If you want that effect, go ahead and get them, but to me a tone control is simpler. The top grade Radio Shack cables are rugged and a lot cleaner.

See ya
Steve

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot I don't know about that specific model, but I've read that Monster cables have been measured as being the least efficient cables made. They seem to be designed to make the sound warmer by conducting high frequencies less efficiently than mids and lows. If you want that effect, go ahead and get them, but to me a tone control is simpler. The top grade Radio Shack cables are rugged and a lot cleaner.

What you've read sounds highly illogical: Whereas it's possible that high capacitance attenuates the treble (to some degree), it's almost impossible to build interconnects which attenuate the whole spectrum; it would have to have a resistance in the thousands of ohms -- considering the common input impedances.

 

[Leporello]

I'm using the no name wires which came with my Stax system.

If they are good enough for Stax, they are good enough for me. So far, I have not had any reason to believe that they change the sound in any way.


Regards,

L.

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leporello If they are good enough for Stax, they are good enough for me. So far, I have not had any reason to believe that they change the sound in any way.

A rather diffuse and unreflected field report (?) / recommendation (?), no?

 

[sclamb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leporello I'm using the no name wires which came with my Stax system. If they are good enough for Stax, they are good enough for me. So far, I have not had any reason to believe that they change the sound in any way. Regards, L.

I have used Chord CHorus RCA interconnects, Ayre balanced and my current set-up, the Stereovox BAL600 balanced with my Stax. They all sounded different, and the openess and neutrality of the Stereovox is quite easy to hear over the other interconnects I have used.

Yes, they are expensive, but I can hear the difference, and considering the cost of the Stax set-up, it was worth it to get cables that allow it to perform at the peak of its potential.

Simon

 

[milesbeyondjazz]

Rihjt now I'm useing AR cables I bought At Best Buy and for my systym they seem to work just fine.Now if I ever upgrade my source I may consider going to higher end cables but right now I don't think I could hear the difference.