[laserboi]

Let me preface the following comments by saying that I do not, in any way think that people who hear big differences in sound from tweaks are crazy.

I have only heard the sound change in my system twice when changing out components.  The first time was switching from a $40 Sony progressive scan dvd player as my source to a Primare CD21 (current source).  My system lost some upper treble glare and I was better able to discern the sound of specific instruments in each recording.

The second time is when I upgraded my amp from an Outlaw Audio RR2150 to my Odyssey Stratos Extreme SE.  The stereo image became a little bigger and that was it.  I've changed speaker cables three times and added a tubed preamp and have heard no differences.  I ordered a NOS set of tubes to see if I can hear a difference in my preamp.  I think some people are sensitive to subtle changes in sound so that the changes are no longer subtle.  Others, like myself might be "tone deaf" in that we struggle to hear any, if at all difference.  What I can tell you is that I am very happy with the sound coming out my stereo so in the end I believe everything has been worth it.

Just my thoughts, happy listening.

Regards,

Pete

P.S.  I sometimes wonder if I put my Outlaw Audio RR2150 back in the loop (and took out my amp and preamp), what kind of changes I would hear.  Alas, I no longer have the Outlaw so that test does not seem feasible at this point.

[hpc]

The Stratos Extreme SE's are now Kismet mono's, but the speaker cables
remained the same - Goertz tri-wire consisting of MI-3 and (2) MI-2.  In fact,
the tri-wire Goertz is used on all of the HT speakers and MI-3 on the subs.

The music-only system is Cardas <something I forget> since Bruce Edgar
spec'ed and supplied the speaker cables for the mains and the subs.

I've been meaning to try some of Klaus' offerings.

[adamaley]

I use Straley's Reality Cables between Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp and Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers. Also, Straley's interconnects serve throughout the chain. Don't expect to change them anytime soon.

[nickspicks]

I used the Straley's reality for a while, but then switched to Hydra-Audio.
lloooove those cables.

[Nicholas Bedworth]

The Stratos is a very high quality amplifier, and if you go from zip cord to $5K cables to $10K to $20K cables, the system will just keep sounding better and better. If you're not thrilled with the sound from the Stratos, you should be. What I'm saying is that with good cabling, the amp is capable of delivering terrific sound.

[aaron.luebke]

Just switched out Signal Cable Analog II's and Ultra Speaker cables for Groneberg Quattro Reference RCA's and Speaker cables.

Frank makes a good cable at Signal Cable - but the Groneberg set just blew them away.  Bass is just amazing - and I run Magnepan MMG's!  Almost to the point of not needed the sub - not joking! 

I've used Canare 4S11's with Via Blue ends - Signal Cable's were a very nice upgrade from those and the pathetic rca's I was using at the time.  I still use Canare 4S8 with Via Blue banana's on my second systems - can't beat the price!  And my Analog II's from Frank replaced some Analog I's on my second systems - they are good, just not Groneberg good.

[machinehead]

I have Quattro's and had a pair of Neotech 3003's, but had to sell them because they were too short, otherwise I preferred the Neotech's.

[stereo5]

I am using MIT Terminator 2 speaker cables and interconnects with my Stratos stereo Extreme amp.  I have had these cables for 10 years so they are well broken in and I have no desire to change them at this point.

[srb]

The Stratos is a very high quality amplifier, and if you go from zip cord to $5K cables to $10K to $20K cables, the system will just keep sounding better and better.

If you go to $5K - $20K cables, the only thing you really need is someone to kick your ass some sense into you. 

[Jim N.]

I first used Canare 4S11 with WBT locking bananas between my Stratos Stereo Extreme and my Loreleis. Sounded great but when my petite girlfriend brushed against one on my Loreleis causing it to tip over, the locking WBT locking banana plug grip was so tight it snapped one of the WBT binding posts on the speaker in two. Not a lot of fun to replace a WBT Platinum binding post on a Lorelei!

Switched to Zebra Cable ZC-SP10SD, which is just a 4x10 of Belden wire with Vampire Spades and a nice jacket. About 100 bucks for an 8' pair at the time and a lifetime transferable warranty against manufacturing defects. Sounds just fine to me but then I'm not much of a believer in esoteric cable differences. Nothing makes me cringe like a cable with a fancy name.....

I have not changed a thing in my system in over 2 years.

[djbnh]

I have not changed a thing in my system in over 2 years.

Must be love, the girlfriend would have had to go. 

[Jim N.]

Must be love, the girlfriend would have had to go. 

Since she's a massage therapist she is very easy to forgive .

[aaron.luebke]

I've upgraded my preamp to a Rogue Audio Perseus (tube) and I have the Odyssey monos.  The sound is smooth and very detailed, but sometimes I feel like the sound could be just a bit more "open". 

Just wondering if you are using stock tubes??  Might be that the pre with better tubes would open up the sound for you.