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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 13:05:25 GMT
living in N. London and been a Hi-Fi enthusiast for the past 59 odd years. Although I have a decent 2 channel I’m spending 90% of my time listening to headphones as they take room issues out of the equation and it’s only me listening.
Having upgraded toStax 009S cans and a new headamp I’m trying to sort cables. The source is a ARC CD9 which I use via XlR ‘s into the amp. Problem is that I’ve discovered that the Chord Sarum T mains cable best suits the cdp at a nasty price whilst the same make of interconnect does likewise at an even nastier price so I’m considering my options whilst I’ve got them on loan. All fun though!
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Post by ChrisB on Jan 14, 2019 13:08:19 GMT
Hi Robin and welcome to the forum.
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Post by MartinT on Jan 14, 2019 13:28:08 GMT
Hello Robin and welcome to TAS!
Cables are such a personal and synergy thing that it's hard to make recommendations. I've never come across Sarum T personally.
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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 13:41:15 GMT
Thanks a lot. I’m aware of Tony’s coherent cables but not Black Cat though I see their Indigo XLR is priced at 10.5K + vat which seems a little steep to me.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 13:47:55 GMT
Hi Robin and welcome to the forum.
In my time I have tried the cheaper end of the Chord range and always found them a step up from the throw away cables you get with kit. I haven't heard the Sarum T but it appears to get good reviews.
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I’m Robin
Jan 14, 2019 13:56:29 GMT
via mobile
Post by John on Jan 14, 2019 13:56:29 GMT
Welcome Robin
Not really able to help
Nice headphones by the way
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Post by MartinT on Jan 14, 2019 14:07:59 GMT
The Coherent power cables are superb. For something more affordable, look to MCRU, especially the no. 9 if it's still available.
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 14, 2019 14:27:56 GMT
Welcome to TAS Robin. 59 years hifi seems to make you older than me  If you can pop down to the other side of Heathrow I have a load of mains cables and interconnects from my upgrading, plus Coherent you could check out |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 15:17:02 GMT
Mike
If my memory is working ok today, Robin (C) I believe used to have DarTZeel amp and older wooden Magico's he retired around 10 years ago
Nice chap.
Sarum T is the only Chord cable that really doesn't sound like a Chord cable honestly, its polar opposite from the normal Chord sound, recently we had a dealer event with a full Chord electronic system and Kef's, you would swear you were listening to Harbeths I kid you not!
Not your typical Chord fair!
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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 15:42:17 GMT
Mike If my memory is working ok today, Robin (C) I believe used to have DarTZeel amp and older wooden Magico's he retired around 10 years ago Nice chap. Sarum T is the only Chord cable that really doesn't sound like a Chord cable honestly, its polar opposite from the normal Chord sound, recently we had a dealer event with a full Chord electronic system and Kef's, you would swear you were listening to Harbeths I kid you not! Not your typical Chord fair! And I still have the DartZeel and Magicos! Can’t work out whether your Chord comments are a positive or negative. |
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Post by MartinT on Jan 14, 2019 15:44:27 GMT
Tony has a downer on both Chords (cables and electronics). At least he's consistent!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 15:45:27 GMT
Hi Robin
For a Chord cable they ok, safe, zero grain, tonally a bit lacking, but not Chord like at all.
From memory you like a more safer rounded sound I believe?
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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 15:53:24 GMT
Tony has a downer on both Chords (cables and electronics). At least he's consistent! Can’t disagree with the electronics. Tried the Dave a while back - lots of detail but no soul imo. Plenty would say otherwise though. |
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Post by zippy on Jan 14, 2019 15:56:32 GMT
...........I’m spending 90% of my time listening to headphones as they take room issues out of the equation ......... If you could sort out your 'room issues' would you still use the headphones, or would you then prefer to listen through speakers ? I ask because I too have room issues but I just don't like listening through headphones. Even with those issues unsolved I'd prefer speakers. Maybe I'm not paying enough for my headphones ?! |
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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 16:17:50 GMT
...........I’m spending 90% of my time listening to headphones as they take room issues out of the equation ......... If you could sort out your 'room issues' would you still use the headphones, or would you then prefer to listen through speakers ? I ask because I too have room issues but I just don't like listening through headphones. Even with those issues unsolved I'd prefer speakers. Maybe I'm not paying enough for my headphones ?! If you ‘get’ headphone listening then totr cans from Stax, Audeze, Focal etc coupled with a quality amp can sound extremely good. £ for £ against a 2 channel it’s a no brainier. My 2 channel does sound good but it’s rigged at present for vinyl only and most of my preferred music content is on cd. through an energiser. Stax headphones are excellent but finding the right amp for them can be a trial as the Stax offerings are a bit below par. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 16:20:52 GMT
From memory your listening space is a seriously tough call, personally I would look at using another room if you didn't go down the headphone option imho
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Post by robin5 on Jan 14, 2019 16:34:10 GMT
From memory your listening space is a seriously tough call, personally I would look at using another room if you didn't go down the headphone option imho Nothing wrong with your memory! Given most of my listening is now headphones I’m seriously considering ditching the 2 channel in the not too distant future. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2019 16:45:47 GMT
Robin,
I have a few customers who have done this thing over the years.
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I’m Robin
Jan 14, 2019 17:45:24 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Jan 14, 2019 17:45:24 GMT
Hi Robin, welcome from me too ...
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Post by brettj on Jan 14, 2019 21:35:18 GMT
Hey Robin
I went down the mobile route, when I realised I wouldn't be 'allowed' to buy what I was lusting for.
So 15 years ago ended up with an iMod 5th Gen iPod, portable amp and Sennheiser HD25-1 headphones.
Was good, for what it was.
Have since upgraded to Astell & Kern RWAK100s, Triad Audio L3, RSA SR-71A, RSA SR-71B with ALO Ref 8 and Custom Cans modded/cabled Sennheiser HD25-II headphones.
Tried an Audioquest DragonFly Red as well.
All of these are not tops, but still a good enough sound.
Now going in the other direction.
Have managed to purchase most of my 'dream' equipment, so getting time on the two channel.
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