The Graphites Are Here

[Marco]

Nice one, Mike.

The problem is that 'fancy' metal plugs, which look shiny, like jewellery, are perceived by the uninitiated, as 'better' - not only because they look 'sexier' but also because they're perceived as offering superior material value, than something made from a form of plastic.

That last bit, of course, is true. Trouble is, the 'blingier' you make plugs, the worse they sound (or rather, the worse they make the partnering cable sound)!

That's why clever manufacturers, such as WBT, Eichmann and Furutech, have addressed the problem by producing connectors which are constructed from 'audio-friendly' materials, thus ensuring that optimum signal integrity is maintained, and that the connectors themselves are also engineered to the highest standard.

My view is that most cable manufacturers haven't really cottoned onto the concept yet of just how important the role of the connectors used is in the overall performance of their cables, as the idea that such things can cause significant sonic improvements is a relatively new thing. Let's face it, how many other daftees are there, like me, who have the time and patience to properly test these things?

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

A good argument so far for using good quality plugs. Why doesn't the guys who makes these ultra expensive cables give any justification for using poor quality plugs? At five grand for a set of speaker cables you would expect pure silver or copper plugs as standard???? Additionally you'd think he'd offer this service as standard considering the amount of cables he's shifting

[MartinT]

Let's hold back any criticism until I've changed the plugs and tried the cable out. TQ were adamant that they already use the best plugs for the job (they refused to make me a Black Phono with either WBTs or Eichmanns). I'd like to cut them some slack until I've proven things one way or another.

Is Colin here? Care to comment?

[Russell Turner]

Martin

Take pics of the cable mate whilst you do the change if you can please, I am still intrigued!

Ta

[Mike A]

Andrew, you might find that the "poor quality plug" may be a better match with the cable then a possibly more expensive one.

Marco, I have to agree with you 100%.

[Marco]

Andrew, you might find that the "poor quality plug" may be a better match with the cable then a possibly more expensive one.

That may in fact be the case, Mike. The most important consideration is that the construction of the plugs chosen can physically accommodate the partnering cable, and thus ensure that it is optimally terminated. It goes without saying that this comes before anything else.

However, presuming that WBTs, Eichmanns or Furutechs would be able to do the job equally as well, as the connectors TQ have chosen, then it's difficult to see why their more 'signal integrity-optimised' construction wouldn't increase the overall performance of the TQ cable itself.

I also agree with Andy, to an extent, that if TQ don't have a valid reason (such as mentioned above) for terminating their (very expensive) cables in what are mediocre quality plugs, it's a rather poor show. The cynical amongst us could think that it's all to do with maximising profit margins...

Love or loathe Kimber cables, for example, they certainly ensure that their top designs are terminated with the best plugs!

Marco.

[julesd68]

I also agree with Andy, to an extent, that if TQ don't have a valid reason (such as mentioned above) for terminating their (very expensive) cables in what are mediocre quality plugs, it's a rather poor show. The cynical amongst us could think that it's all to do with maximising profit margins...

If I can afford to spend over £4000 on a set of cables, it is more than likely that I wouldn't be bothered about another couple of hundred pounds to pay for the likes of WBT plugs. The manufacturer would know this aswell so I would be very surprised if this all came down to profit margins, but what the answer is I have no idea!

[Marco]

Indeed, Julian. But the pricing argument is that any £5k speaker cables should automatically come supplied with the best plugs that money can buy!

What we need to establish is exactly why the TQs don't... The fact that they don't (if it's for any reason other than optimising the termination), would put me off from buying them, simply because on speaker cables at that price, I'd be expecting them to come fitted with the best plugs, especially as I know, sonically, what a difference doing that makes.

The fact is, with £5k speaker cables, there should be more than enough margin available to supply diamond-encrusted plugs, never mind anything else... If you have to charge even more than that, for the cables to come fitted with the best plugs, then it could be argued that you're somewhat guilty of profiteering!!

Marco.

[MartinT]

Guys - we were talking about interconnects and the plugs that TQ use.

There is absolutely NO evidence that the 4mm z-plugs they use on their speaker cables are inferior in any way. In fact they make a very tight connection with the WBT connectors on my amp and speakers.

[Wakefield Turntables]

For me its the arrogance of not explaining why they use cheap plugs. Where's the evidence that cheaper plugs are better, where's the evidence that more expensive plugs aere better. If i can see a co-herent explanation as to why the cheaper plugs are better or worse then fair enough. But to be simply told nothing is in my book purely arrogant. I await Martin's experiment with baited breath.