Speaker Cables w/ VMPS

jasonc · « **on:** 9 Feb 2004, 11:52 pm »

What speaker cables are you currently using with your VMPS speakers? I've been using Anylsis Plus Oval 12's for three years now (w/former norhs and now vmps) and may be ready to try something new. Actually considering the Oval 9's because I haven't been offended by their little brother.
I'll most likely be picking something up on the used market when the time is right.

Juan R · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 12:06 am »

I have DIY pure silver death soft 14g for bass, 16g for mid an hgh(bi-wire).and very pleased with the sound. Before I used Bolder 2 and Transparent also DIY with 6g.

jgubman · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 01:09 am »

I have a single Acoustic Zen Satori for my LRC, and a pair of Tara Labs RSC Prime 1800 biwire cable for my RM-40s.

I'm probably the wrong person to ask though, since I can really not tell any difference btwn the Satori and 10 gauge braided copper "home depot" style speaker wire...

I did notice a nice change from a single run of generic speaker wire to the bi-wire Tara Labs on my previous speakers, but I attribute that more to the bi-wiring and replacing the cheapo solid-brass jumper.

Sorry, don't mean to rehash any cable wars here. For what it's worth, the Satori is VERY well shielded and looks cool!

John Casler · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 02:45 am »

Hi Jason,

Well that is a loaded question since so much depends on your equipment, room acoustics and preferences.

That said, I would say that the best cables I have heard with the VMPS are:

1) Brian's Kimber Cable (expensive)
2) My new AudioQuest "Pikes Peak" DBS (expensive)
3) Apature Black Beauty (reasonable)
4) Ridgestreet Audio Midnight Silver Edition Gen.II Cables (expensive)
5)AudioQuest CV-6 DBS (midpriced)
6) Lowe's VMPS 6ga (budget DIY, but hard to make correctly)

These are listed in no particular order

Each one of those had "little" things that made them different, but certainly great sounding.

sharper · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 02:25 pm »

Jason,
A while ago I did a head to head comparison of Analysis Plus Oval 9, Mapleshade Double Golden Helix, and some Cardas Golden Hexlink (I think it was called). Speakers were RM2s and the electronics were all CJ (Premier 15,16, & 12) with a Cinepro 3K6 (w/ volume controls) doing the woofers. I posted my impressions of this on this site...or maybe it was Harmonic Discord. Anyway, with this combo, the Cardas made things too syrupy and warm. The Mapleshade was quick and open but looks like barbed wire. The Analysis Plus brought out the tremendous bass power of the RM2s and great sense of space between the speakers. The level of impact it enabled for music and movies was amazing. It was NOT a "I put a Shakti stone or tuning dot on my preamp and my jaw dropped." It was real and obvious.

I currently have Analysis Plus Clear Oval (14), Oval 12 and Oval 9. I find the Oval 12 closer to the Clear Oval than to the Oval 9. I would think that if you have a VMPS floorstander you would really appreciate the increased dynamics that the Oval 9 provides.

JoshK · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 03:06 pm »

I will just chime in to say that a number of us use Bolder Nitro speaker cables with very good results (myself, Marbles, Tyson, others). Rup uses Empirical Audio cables (all around) on his RM/Xs and his system sounded wonderful as well.

kana813 · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 05:02 pm »

JoshK- did you ever build the RS cables to try with your MII?

JoshK · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 05:38 pm »

I have owned Spectron's RS cables in the past. They are fantastic in the bass department! However, they are expensive and use really really cheap parts (I can make for $25 what they charge for $500). I haven't made RS cables of my own yet because I can't seem to find out whether I can bi-wire using the neutrix connectors for the RS cables for the bass and the binding posts for the mids/highs at the same time.

audiochef · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 05:59 pm »

Jason, might I suggest you investigate the Walker Audio High Definition Links. I use two sets biwired with Taralabs rsc 1800 primes. I estimate they double the value of your existing cables because when I remove them, it makes my real world system sound like a lower budget system.
Unlistenable.
These list for around $300 a pair at Music Direct ,but you can find them for half price on Audiogon.

kana813 · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 08:50 pm »

JoshK- "However, they are expensive and use really really cheap parts (I can make for $25 what they charge for $500)." - I know, I'm the guy who sent you the wiring diagram.

"I haven't made RS cables of my own yet because I can't seem to find out whether I can bi-wire using the neutrix connectors for the RS cables for the bass and the binding posts for the mids/highs at the same time."- I'm sure if you call Spectron, they'll answer that question.

IMO- bi-wiring doesn't always produce better results. The Audience website has some good info on this issue. Aloha, dan

dubravko · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 08:57 pm »

I don't know whether it is widely available in US, but over the years I was very happy with Supra cables, particularly with recent models Ply 3.4 and Ply 3.4S (S is for screened). With this cable it is pretty easy to get very lively sound without harshness, which is a great thing with ribbons. 3.4 is their best cable, and price here is from $10 to $12/m. Their philosophy is nothing more than technical, copper conductors are entirely tin plated, and cable is very easy to terminate and use.
I've used many other cables, priced from lampcord to Siltech, and while almost the cheapest, Supra seems to be the best overall of those.

Their accessories like forks (great match with VMPS) and loudspeaker terminals are also excellent and reasonably priced.

http://www.jenving.se

kana813 · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 12:52 am »

dubravko- FYI- Spectron uses Supra Rondo 4x2.5 in their RS cables.