Cables. They have always been a hot topic in the hi-fi realm, and the subject has never been hotter. The questions on our customers’ lips right now are: do cables make a difference? Will any old cable with the right wires and connections for the job do? Is buying a hi-end cable worth it? Well, the answer is – and always will be – yes, but to satiate everyone engaged in this debate, we have collated a list of our favourite cables which don’t cost the Earth, but will still make a big difference to the sound in much the same way a hi-end cable will.
The world of cables is vast and varied and full of knots and tangles, so to keep things simple we have selected five types of cable: speaker, interconnects (audio cables), 3.5 mm, mains and digital, with one of our favourites of each. And yes, this list does include a few digital cables, which is by far the most hotly contested type of cable. Many of you argue that they don’t make any difference to sound as they’re carrying 1s and 0s – as opposed to a wave which can be affected and distorted by all sorts of things – so this should be the same at either end. However, we have found that different digital can make a difference due perhaps to jitter caused by differences in the timing of 1s and 0s that could occur over cables. Whether you hotly contest this or not, all we can say is, have a listen for yourself before passing judgement. If you fancy giving it a try, we recommend blind listening tests on cables. And yes, we can do this in our showroom. Why not give us a shout and arrange a session?
Thoughts on digitals aside (for now!) here are five cables – one from each of the five major categories- which have been proven to make a considerable difference to the quality of audio.
Remember, all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Speaker Cables: Chord Carnival Silver Screen – £6.20 (p/m)
First up, we have speaker cables, and the lovely Carnival Silver Screen. This cable created a bit of a sensation when it was released due to it being the first cable anywhere near this price to be fully shielded. Thanks to this and a great design which was very well reviewed when released, the Silver Screen and gathered a host of awards. Quite aptly named, wouldn’t you agree? The combination of an OFC copper cable, twisted pair construction and that silver shield over the PVC jacket has resulted in a cleaner, clearer and with a great improvement on detail and timing. This unique comibination is also available as a bi-wire.
Why do we like it?
As one of our all time favourites we have used the Silver Screen with all types of amps and speakers and it sounds fantastic with both budget and higher end kit. We believe this is ne of the best value investments youll ever make for your system)
Why do they like it?
‘Marks a big step forward for Chord’s mid-priced cables…a sound packed with authority, clarity and insight, detailing is excellent, tonally balanced’ (What Hi-Fi Magazine)
What else is there?
The Silver Screen is extremely affordable – for this type of cable. However if that’s still a little too steep then the QED Classic 79 Strand is a decent alternative at £2.20 p/m. In stark juxtpostion, if money is no object, then you may wish to consider the Chord Epic Reference or perhaps our reference cable the Chord Signature Reference which we use on our highest-end system in the showroom. Seeing as Chord feature quite heavily, it’s also worth mentioning that we offer a Chord Speaker Cable Termination Service.
… one last thing. If you can afford a few pounds more per metre than the Silver Screen, we can whole-heartedly recommend the QED XT40, which just won the What Hi-Fi Awards 2014 “Best speaker cable”.
2. Interconnects (Audio Cables): Chord Crimson VEE 3 RCA – £49 (0.5m)
The hugely versatile and reliable Chord Crimson Vee 3 was a version of the very popular Crimson. There have been a number of versions since, but this one has remained a very firm favourite throughout the years. Its attributes only improving the older it gets, and a good ‘budget’ choice of interconnect. The VEE 3 uses two sets of multi-stranded OFC conductors, arranged in a twisted pair configuration, what makes it truly sparkle is it’s protected from interference by a dual layer shield. Whatever your system and whatever components you need, the Crimson VEE 3 can (and will) rise to the challenge.
Why do we like it?
It sounds excellent with a wide variety of kit and walks all over its successors. Hugely impressive whilst still managing to be affordable.
Why do they like it?
‘A nice, easy-going cable.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine Awards October 2013)
What else is there?
Following the rule that the cables should cost 5-10% of the system, you are encouraged to choose one of the higher model cables as you upgrade – the Chord Cobra VEE 3 or the Chord Chameleon VEE 3 are sensible points of natural progression.
3. 3.5mm Cables: Chord iChord Minijack to RCA Cable VEE – £59.95
They may not be quite as popular as they once were – considering they were mostly used for connecting a whole host of phones and mp3 players to various systems and now streaming wirelessly is the new vogue – but they still have their place. Either for those who still prefer a wired connection, or for connecting a whole host of other kit such as the tremendous Arcam MiniBlink. If you’re in the market for one of these versatile little cables the iChord Vee is one of your best bets. It’s probably more expensive than you’re used to, but this is an UAX with a difference, This version of iChord is fitted with VEE (vibration eliminating enclosure) RCA plugs. These feature a unique ABS enclosure (chosen for excellent vibration damping) around a non compression gold/silver (low mass) centre signal pin and return surround. The result is a dramatic improvement in overall sound quality: richer, more dynamic, more coherent and detailed.
Why do we like it?
Digital audio needs all the help it can get in the sound quality department, owed to the systematic compression of digital audio. As we said before, it’s getting better and better all the time – but if it can be improved, we approve. And this cable really does make a difference.
Why do they like it?
‘…retaining all the fantastic sound characteristics of the Apple player. Cheaper cables are available, but not better.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
What else is there?
If a shade under £60 is a little rich for your blood, then we can recommend the QED Profile J2P. Much more affordable at £15.95 – and its OFC connectors mean sound quality is still significantly improved when compared to a standard AUX.
4. Mains Cables: Supra LoRad Mains Cable – £38.95
The second most hotly contested (losing out only to the digitals!) are the mains cables. Surely a power lead is a power lead – how can a few metres of hi-end cable make a difference when that power has travelled through hundreds of miles of cable since the power station? It’s a fair argument – but not entirely correct. In the world of hi-fi any improvement is worth making, and a power cable can still pick up interference in the two metres between the socket to the equipment – and if you can improve upon, why not? The LoRad is a fine example of how much difference a hi-end mains can makes. It’s shielded to 99.99% and features tin plated multi-stranded OFC.
Why do we like it?
The reduction of interference can have an effect on everything – from audio to visual – and the introduction of a cable like the LoRad will benefit anything that you use it with. Sound will improve, picture will improve and your attitude to cables will improve.
What else is there?
Believe it or no, there is a way of taking it higher! The Ecosse Big Red HC is the power cable we use in our demo room. It’s double shielded with aluminium, has tin copper wire and a cotton filler, for sound dampening. Not only does this cable prevent against interference, it is also incredibly quiet – which means it will not create interference either! Mains cables – regardless of how much you spend on them – will improve performance when they are used in conjunction with a dedicated mains filter.
5. Digital Cables: Supra USB 2.0 A-B Cable – £23.99
And we finish with something a little controversial – digital cables!As we said at the start, this is a hotly contested catagory – and probably always will be. But a reduction in jitter – which can affect timing – really does make a difference in the quality of sound. And we invite you to come and hear that difference for yourself, if you’re not convinced. The USB 2.0 is a very popular cable which – owed to it 24K gold plated connectors, dual screens (one for data and one for power) and moulded connections for extra toughness.
Why do we like it?
Considering the quality of the components it’s a great value cable which ensures you have a good connection from your Mac, PC or laptop to your DAC, headphone amp or active speakers. The discerning ear will notice.
Why do they like it?
‘It has impressive detail and secure timing. Its presentation is relaxed, and listening is an easy-going experience.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
What else is there?
The TCI Coral Optical Cable is another popular choice, a very high quality cable and still within the realms of ‘budget’.
This is the briefest of glances into the world of cables – you wouldn’t believe the wealth of variety in price and choice that exists in this world – but the bottom line is: a good quality, sensibly priced cable is a worthy investment. As the old saying goes – a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and a low quality cable could be preventing you from getting the absolute most of of your system. Think of it in the same way of the ingredients in a cake – better ingredients means a better cake.
Still don’t believe us? Then come and see us. We have a demo room full of cables and can easily set up for a blind listening test. But if you trust us – we can wholly recommend any of the cables above as an affordable way of ensuring your system has the right ingredients for the cleanest possible sound.