My system is sounding great this week!
...and I think it is the result of a few things I did over the past week that have created this sound. I really heard more detail and a more musical presentation on the excellent Neil Young at Massey LP that I just love.
Here's what I did and they are all cheap tweaks:
1. Used the same cable brand throughout the system. I use either Cardas GR or Kimber Hero/8TC throughout.
2. Cleaned the connections with Caig ProGold.
3. Now have Vibrapods or cones under every component except the power conditioner.
4. Employing a mix of good power cables on everything. Two Shunyata, A Gutwire B-16 and a Verastarr on the amp.
5. Fine tuned the speaker placement and have decided the tweeters on the inside toward the middle of the room is the best.
I think it was really a combination of the above. What is interesting is how close the Kimber mid-priced cable comes to the Cardas Golden Reference. The GR has better imaging and is a little smoother but the detail that comes through on the Hero and 8TC is really superb. Very dynamic too. The GR is a bit better in the highs also but I would say the Hero gets you 90% there.
The next thing I plan to try is the Cardas Clear line which I am hearing really good things about.
I've been reading a lot about the importance of reducing RFI and EMI with ac cords and I think this is really important for lowering the noise floor which just lets the music through.
It seems these things work. If you are looking for some nice improvements on a budget give them a try.
...and I think it is the result of a few things I did over the past week that have created this sound. I really heard more detail and a more musical presentation on the excellent Neil Young at Massey LP that I just love.
Here's what I did and they are all cheap tweaks:
1. Used the same cable brand throughout the system. I use either Cardas GR or Kimber Hero/8TC throughout.
2. Cleaned the connections with Caig ProGold.
3. Now have Vibrapods or cones under every component except the power conditioner.
4. Employing a mix of good power cables on everything. Two Shunyata, A Gutwire B-16 and a Verastarr on the amp.
5. Fine tuned the speaker placement and have decided the tweeters on the inside toward the middle of the room is the best.
I think it was really a combination of the above. What is interesting is how close the Kimber mid-priced cable comes to the Cardas Golden Reference. The GR has better imaging and is a little smoother but the detail that comes through on the Hero and 8TC is really superb. Very dynamic too. The GR is a bit better in the highs also but I would say the Hero gets you 90% there.
The next thing I plan to try is the Cardas Clear line which I am hearing really good things about.
I've been reading a lot about the importance of reducing RFI and EMI with ac cords and I think this is really important for lowering the noise floor which just lets the music through.
It seems these things work. If you are looking for some nice improvements on a budget give them a try.