Could this be a 'giant-killing' tonearm cable?

[MartinT]

The filigree detail that you mention is all well and good but I want to HEAR what's on the record and not have the thing glossed over by a wave of discolouration.

Interesting comment, Andy. What I heard with Marco's 423.5 'special' in my system was a combination of great wealth of detail within a fantastic (and I mean strongly better than with my Dynavector cable) soundstage with greater width, depth and, intriguingly, height. The sense of a real space with dimensionality was palpable and all three of us heard it clearly.

Now, I think that there is an important symbiosis going on with tonearm cable, SUT, and interconnect to phono preamp; in fact, I think this is critical to success. So in my case, the 423.5 'special', Choir Audio SUT-H7 and Tellurium Q Black worked very well together although Marco preferred the G1000HD/WBT in the latter position. I have ordered a 223.5/WBT to compare with the TQ and get the very best symbiosis I can achieve.

As for your comment about valves, bear in mind that my system is all solid-state, so I'm not sure that the chosen technology is a factor.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Martin and marco,

Points taken guys. I'm happy with what I have at the moment and I thank you for taking the time point out that the improvements the other cable may add to my system. I need another 3 to 4 months evaluating the new internal regs and sut before I change to earn cable AGAIN I have some speakers to fettle and cross overs to build so it would be nice just to let the system sit in a state of stasis for a few months and enjoy what I have I do intend to try some new ic's and they won't be tellurium based, well not for the SS system.

Lots of love and kisses

A

[Wakefield Turntables]

I got a mail today from Paul Hynes stating that the regulation mods have been posted so I may be able to give a little more insight into how the SPD-4 works in my system over the next few weeks

[MartinT]

Excellent, Andrew. Take your time, lay everything out carefully and study what you have to do before doing it and you will be fine.

[Marco]

Interesting comment, Andy. What I heard with Marco's 423.5 'special' in my system was a combination of great wealth of detail within a fantastic (and I mean strongly better than with my Dynavector cable) soundstage with greater width, depth and, intriguingly, height. The sense of a real space with dimensionality was palpable and all three of us heard it clearly.

Indeed... It was one of the most clear-cut, 'no brainer' cable comparisons I've ever taken part in during 25+ years of my interest in high-end audio... The 432.5, from Yannis, is undoubtedly a rather special tonearm cable.

Rarely have I heard another (to all intents and purposes quality tonearm cable) be rendered to sound so fundamentally 'broken', as your Dynavector did. Not to worry, mate, you'll soon have a 423.5 Special of your own - then prepare to rediscover your record collection!

Now, I think that there is an important symbiosis going on with tonearm cable, SUT, and interconnect to phono preamp; in fact, I think this is critical to success. So in my case, the 423.5 'special', Choir Audio SUT-H7 and Tellurium Q Black worked very well together although Marco preferred the G1000HD/WBT in the latter position. I have ordered a 223.5/WBT to compare with the TQ and get the very best symbiosis I can achieve.

I would agree, regarding the symbiosis, although the 423.5 Special pretty much tells it 'as it is', so if your T/T is doing the biz, then exactly what it's doing in that respect will be reproduced in all its glory.

I liked the way that music appeared to flow better, with the TQs, but I could hear the dynamically restricted, rather 'opaque' quality, and lack of 'sparkle', I now (from many hours of listening experience) associate with ANY cables fitted with heavy metal plugs.

If you can do the job properly, I'm confident that the silver WBTs will liberate the inherent sonic qualities of your TQs, adding to the openness, expansiveness and clarity that they're undoubtedly capable of. Keep us posted on how you get on!

Marco.

[MikeMusic]

Indeed... It was one of the most clear-cut, 'no brainer' cable comparisons I've ever taken part in during 25+ years of my interest in high-end audio... The 432.5, from Yannis, is undoubtedly a rather special tonearm cable.
Marco.

I assumed at the time that this was all normal workaday comparison
Glad to have been present as the music was unveiled

[clap]

Hi Tristan,

Yes, that's the theory. However, in practice, I've always found the 0110 (Ag or Cu) to be sonically superior in all applications (by a significant margin), be it analogue or digital.

The 0102s are a little more expensive, and of course have to be sold too, so it's understandable why WBT would pitch it the way that they do!

Therefore, you can save yourself some money AND end up with better sound, by going for the 0110s

Marco.

I've just been looking at some top of the range nordost, it seems they use the plastic bodied copper wbts, not the metal ones. Looks like there listening tests re metal vs plastic match your findings.

The cables I have with wbts definitely add a lovely sparkle to the music. Its not artificial, just less getting in the way. More emotion comes through.

[Marco]

Hi Tristan,

Interesting about Nordost... For me, the effect of the plugs is obvious and easily heard, so if they have actually listened, it's interesting that they've reached the same conclusion.

The cables I have with wbts definitely add a lovely sparkle to the music. Its not artificial, just less getting in the way. More emotion comes through.

I concur. That's exactly what I hear in my own system

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

How stiff is the plastic compared to the metal?

[Marco]

No idea, mate, why? The plastic housing underneath is pretty rigid, but no more so than the metal one.

Marco.