Speaker cables
January 31, 2009
I hope you are doing well! I have a question in mind that
is pretty important to me.
Here is my system:
Technics 1200-series analog and digital turntables
Technics 1200-series mixer
All connected with Monster cables
JoLida 801A vacuum-tube amp (fully upgraded)
JBL E100 speakers
I am trying to get the best out of my system. The only
problem is the speaker cable. I do use regular-market stuff: 3.5mm copper (not pure
copper). If I upgrade my speaker cables, will there be a dramatic change in the sound or
it will be hard to differentiate? I am just thinking that I have speakers worth $500, so
do you think that it will be necessary to upgrade the cables, and if so, what will be your
recommendation?
Serkan
It is always a hard proposition to define what might be
“dramatic” to one listener versus another. A good set of speaker cables will
definitely be noticeable, but I’m not sure I’d define that type of upgrade as
“dramatic.” On the other hand, sometimes it is the subtlest of improvements that
can be the difference between really good sound and a special musical experience. I’d
suggest that you look into some good copper speaker cables, but you don’t need to
spend a ton of money. For instance, you could go to a company like www.bettercables.com
and get a good set of cables for about $150. There are other alternatives as well around
that price point, which seems about right for your system.
24/96 playback?
January 23, 2009
I was recently looking around the selections at
HDtracks.com and found several releases I’d like to try that are recorded at
24-bit/96kHz resolution. I have a DAC that can support it, so at this point I just need to
download the music and feed my computer’s digital output into the DAC. What is your
opinion of 24/96 playback? Is it better than CD?
Ralph
Music recorded and played back at 24-bit/96kHz
resolution flat out sounds better than music played over a CD, which is limited to
16-bit/44.1kHz resolution. To generalize, you’ll hear greater resolution of fine
detail, more of the acoustic of the venue the music was recorded in (if the music is from
a live concert), and an effortlessness to the sound that will encourage longer listening
sessions. Basically, the music will sound more like music and less like a recording of
music. So I would encourage you to download from HDtracks.com. I had a great conversation
with David Chesky at this year’s CES -- he’s the brains behind the HDtracks.com
website. He was very high on the greater resolution that the 24/96 recordings offer, and
he’s got a pretty good ear. So, to sum up, yes, it’s better than CD.
Paradigm and Definitive
January 16, 2009
I have mostly been looking at Definitive Technology
speakers, really enjoying the Mythos line. However, I decided to look for something less
expensive and found the Paradigm Atom v.5 and the Definitive Studio Monitor 350. Have you
reviewed the Definitive? I'm wondering how you think they compare. Do you have
recommendations for speakers below $500 in addition to these?
Jay
The Paradigm Atom really carries the day at its price
point. I have not heard anything else that really beats it across the board. As you move
up in price, things get interesting, however. The Definitive you mention is about double
the money versus the Paradigm, though they are both small two-ways with woofers just over
5”. We have not reviewed the Definitive Studio Monitor 350, but one thing I see from
their website is that it is about 50% heavier than the Atom and has an 8” passive
radiator -- it might produce a bit deeper bass, but that is just speculation. One thing to
consider with the Atom, however, is that with the money you save by buying them,
you’ll almost have enough to add a small subwoofer. I think that’s they way
I’d go.
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