Nope. But you also can't generalize... I was being specific in my claims.
My UPOCC copper litz cables are about as resolving as typical 4N silver. Some company's copper cables are more resolving than mine, like Jorma, so these are actually more resolving vs most less expensive silver cables.
However, I have never heard a copper cable of any sort that can match UPOCC silver which is 6N+... impurities are so small we are unable to measure them and the wire is also manufactured with no grain boundaries in the conductor. This is what I use, along with a silver/gold alloy manufactured using the same process, and it is much different vs typical silver wire.
Interesting comments. My copper litz cables (WyWires) seemed to be more resolving than Zu Event (silver/copper) which I didn't anticipate. Maybe this is why.
The only reason not to mix and match cables is because you like all the cables from one manufacture and how it sounds.Anybody who tells you different really is just trying to sell you something.
Interesting comments. My copper litz cables (WyWires) seemed to be more resolving than Zu Event (silver/copper) which I didn't anticipate. Maybe this is why.
It's nuts to buy even components much less cables from one manufacturer unless they all deliver optimum stellar performers. Never assume that a DAC manufacturer is also the best amplifier manufacturer for instance. I see people making this mistake all the time, making assumptions. This is my #1 rule in life, NEVER MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. You will usually be wrong.
in the case of cables, the distinction is probably IC's versus speaker cables, AC power cords or digital cables. I would predict that very few manufacturers are the best at all four. Each is a very different animal.
As for synergy, I don't believe in it. Cables should never be used as analog filters. They should be as transparent as possible. There are cases where a certain type of analog IC should be used however. Many DAC outputs have high-impedance outputs, so a low-capacitance IC should be used to prevent any roll-off or phase-shift. Likewise if you are using a passive attenuator linestage. This is a matter of matching the situation, not synergy.
Sometimes speaker cables can be seen as synergistic, but the reality is that if the speaker load is gentle, a cheaper cable is usually good enough. When speakers are inefficient, the cable may need to have lower inductance and capacitance. A good cable will work in all situations.
These attributes are mostly about geometry of the cable. The conductor metallurgy is at least as important. They are both important. The more expensive the cable, usually the better the metallurgy.
But one needs a cable , what do you use in your system if I might ask you also seem to use a more no nonse approach , i use cheap transparent link 100 s , plus multistrand copper /silver coated Teflon insulated wire as speaker wire , also as internal wire in the speakers.
And if one was gone invest in cables , where can one make a rather big diff if any , powercables ?
I don't have any specific wire brand recommendations I still prefer and use inexpensive commercial ones I bought 15-16 years ago. Basic criteria hasn't changed for me, stranded or Litz copper based ICs, same for speaker wires preferably 10-12 gauge. High quality copper or some OFC but not a fan of OCC wires, I hear a distinct coloration in every cable I heard using their conductors. Same for power cords use industrial ones as do almost all my clients replacing their mega dollar cords with these. It's a matter of taste and expectation I want my wires to do nothing, no black backgrounds, no deeper bass or carved images, etc., etc., etc. just let the signal through with minimal change or editorializing.
Hey, if anyone wants to do a cable tour I'm down. We can send a few versions of cables around to WBF members... my cables, ddk's, Sablon and whoever else would like to participate. Just one set of IC cables from each would be enough and not put us out too much.
Some members here might find it useful or interesting...
Hey, if anyone wants to do a cable tour I'm down. We can send a few versions of cables around to WBF members... my cables, ddk's, Sablon and whoever else would like to participate. Just one set of IC cables from each would be enough and not put us out too much.
Some members here might find it useful or interesting...
I have had more success mixing and matching than using any one manufacturer.
To me, I find one manufacturers weaknesses become more apparent the more of their products I use.
Obviously, many others have had more success from one manufacturer than I have.
My experience it is better to have the core cables all the same brand. I do use different levels within the brand and PC's seem to have different noise floor levels. After what I call core cables i.e. source,preamp,speaker,amps it seems using other brands has little effect. I use NBS and the other cables are Gepco quad microphone cable. After doing my grounding thing, they all have the same signature. I do use a different brand for my digital...Nirvana..no longer in business.
One of the issues with silver cables is that the gauges deployed are often rather small and this exacerbates the innately ‘white / light’ tonal presentation by not having sufficient conductor area to provide the low resistance / impedance needed for full bass dynamics.
I have played with a variety of silver cables in the past but superseded these designs a few years ago with a more transparent sounding copper conductor.