Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Axiom speaker cable?

I've been using an integrated tube amp for a couple of months now, and to my ears there is a difference. The tube amp adds a certain texture to the music that is noticeable. Also, I seem to be hearing a bit more detail in the music, but maybe that's because I'm paying more attention. I do know that my music listening has grown to an almost everyday activity. There is a certain amount of life that has been added to the sound that comes out of my speakers. I could go on, but I don't want to start spouting audio cliches.

To my ears, and unscientific opinion, there is a difference between tube and solid state. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but more like using different brush strokes on the same painting. The difference in sound may be all in my head, but I don't think my ears can be that bad, can they?

Given that I haven't heard a tube amp, I am pretty sure there is a difference between the two, sonically.

As for biwiring, I'd say that's pretty bogus. But y'all know my opinion on cables.

I don't think anyone has every argued that there's no difference between a tube amp and a ss amp. The arguement always surrounds which is "better". A silly notion.

The one you prefer the sound of is the "better" of the two - for you.

Everything I've read in the past indicated a marked difference between tube and solid state. Having heard both,to my ear, there is a definite difference. Just trying to diplomatically state my opinion. Seems to be a lot of angst around here lately.

I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that which is better is entirely subjective. I wish everyone had the luxury of trying different things and expanding thier musical horizons with whatever component he/she chooses.

I am beginning to wonder if some of the cable/ wire "observations" were a result of poor cable to connector joints. I have seen some strange results that resulted from cold solder joints, loose connections, wear, and just plain crud on the fixtures. I have seen some cables that measured fine at DC, but were terrible at RF, but I digress.

I am also wondering if some of the cable manufacturers demonstrations weren't of the variety of the old "snake oil" salesman.

Perhaps these comments explain why some refuse to understand scientific fact. Sometimes seeing (hearing) is not believing. Wasn't it David Copperfield that had those wonderful illusions? Great, weren't they?

This thread won't die so let's enjoy it!

Anyone want to comment on what type of connectors that they use? I bought some "fancy" banana plug connectors from BlueJeans. First time I have ever seen banana plugs where you can actually expand the prong. There are two screws to fasten the cable to the connector. Pretty slick.

OK, 2X6, your turn.

I noticed on the Sunfire Grand you have connections to make the Sunfire sound more tubelike. Or so the literature says.

I mostly use banana plugs for connectors. I find them easier to work with behind my receiver. On these Monster Cable (gasp!) connectors I can unscrew the top portion and turn it into a spade if needed. Pretty handy, but expensive.

I use spades behind my rear speakers. I was thinking of the future when I'd get QS8s to mount on the wall.

The bananas are great because I am constantly switching wires to my speakers.

Bought my first dual banana plugs yesterday to use when I test 60s and 80s tonight (80s are on the FEDEX truck for delivery). $15 plus tax for 2 duals. Monsters (gasp!)

In reply to:

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Bought my first dual banana plugs yesterday to use when I test 60s and 80s tonight (80s are on the FEDEX truck for delivery). $15 plus tax for 2 duals. Monsters (gasp!)

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Bug, you are going to keep both the 60s and the 80s....right! You'll find a nice place for them in the house.

I use Radio Shack banana plugs along with Axiom and BlueJeans cables for interconnects, Lowes bulk 14ga speaker wire for all of the speakers.

I'm thinking I may look into the banana plugs that have the set screw rather than the 2 pc barrel type that screws together to hold the speaker wire, which is what my RS plugs are. Seems to me like there would be a better connection with the set screw type. Also I only use the plugs into the back of the reciever and amp, bare wire for the speakers.

I like the double set screw type. You can get those at Home Depot (no matter how wrong it feels!)