14-May-2020, 14:06
(This post was last modified: 14-May-2020, 14:08 by deviousalet.)
Markush: I'm very happy with my upgrades, but they're well into diminishing return territory for the most part. The difference between a computer-grade and audiophile ethernet cable is obvious, but the difference between the Audioquest Vodka and Diamond ethernet is relatively minor.
I've found the interlink cable to be one of the most important things in the chain, so I'd expect an upgrade to the Diamond to be one of the most cost-effective upgrades for you. The Coffee is a fine cable though, so maybe not. It all depends on your ears and system I think.
I was surprised at how much my B&W 804d3 speakers benefitted from larger speaker cables. If you're still using B&W 802d3 speakers I would not buy 15AWG cables, such as the Robin Hood. Even doubled (bi-wire) that's only a combined 12AWG. My Castle Rock were 12AWG and my Thunderbird are double 10.5AWG. Other speakers may be different, but with B&W I wouldn't skimp on gauge to get improved technology. I made that mistake, so pass it on for your consideration. When I bought the Castle Rock I was advised by Audioquest that 12AWG was probably not thick enough for my B&W speakers. The electrical math didn't make sense to me (plenty of wire for the load) so I ignored the audiophile advice then. As with so much else in this hobby the music matters more than the math.
It is easy to improve upon the stock power cords, and adding any good power conditioning will probably be effective. That said, when I tried a Furman power conditioner it was detrimental, so one must choose a good one. I haven't tried Audioquest power products. Their power conditioners apparently can hum, which would annoy me. Their high-end power cords are apparently really stiff, which might make them unworkable in my constrained setup. I bet both sound wonderful though. I keep thinking of using The Cable Company Lending Library to compare Shunyata, Audioquest, and Synergistic Research power cables. Comparing things in your own system seems ideal.
I've found the interlink cable to be one of the most important things in the chain, so I'd expect an upgrade to the Diamond to be one of the most cost-effective upgrades for you. The Coffee is a fine cable though, so maybe not. It all depends on your ears and system I think.
I was surprised at how much my B&W 804d3 speakers benefitted from larger speaker cables. If you're still using B&W 802d3 speakers I would not buy 15AWG cables, such as the Robin Hood. Even doubled (bi-wire) that's only a combined 12AWG. My Castle Rock were 12AWG and my Thunderbird are double 10.5AWG. Other speakers may be different, but with B&W I wouldn't skimp on gauge to get improved technology. I made that mistake, so pass it on for your consideration. When I bought the Castle Rock I was advised by Audioquest that 12AWG was probably not thick enough for my B&W speakers. The electrical math didn't make sense to me (plenty of wire for the load) so I ignored the audiophile advice then. As with so much else in this hobby the music matters more than the math.
It is easy to improve upon the stock power cords, and adding any good power conditioning will probably be effective. That said, when I tried a Furman power conditioner it was detrimental, so one must choose a good one. I haven't tried Audioquest power products. Their power conditioners apparently can hum, which would annoy me. Their high-end power cords are apparently really stiff, which might make them unworkable in my constrained setup. I bet both sound wonderful though. I keep thinking of using The Cable Company Lending Library to compare Shunyata, Audioquest, and Synergistic Research power cables. Comparing things in your own system seems ideal.
