Chi-com wire crazy

[henry]

Hey guys, I've been sucked into the aliexpr*** void.  I've been obsessed with all things wire for a long time and have made some pretty nice stuff using some cult-ish recipes.  Naturally, I look to some far east websites for inspiration and have come to the realization that I can't begin to make cables (power, speaker and interconnects) for the prices they offer.  I've ordered some power cables over the past year and I was shocked at what can be had for so little money.  The PS cables I have are beautifully constructed with nice quality wire and connectors.  In short, after my inventory of wire is expended, I see my cable cutters and such being retired.

As for speaker cables, I doubt the DH Labs Q-10 and T-14 cables can be bettered by the import stuff (I love that stuff).  I have enough speaker cables and won't be in that market to have an opportunity to compare.  The Q-10 cable is very special IMO and if you're patient, sometimes it can be found used on epay.  That's not to say the offerings from ali* aren't worthy of a look if you are feeling the need.

I highly recommend browsing their power cords.  I'm impressed with the quality of the ones I have.

[sonic]

I was shocked at what can be had for so little money.

Yes, the mark-up is very high with audio cables and that's why so many sellers are selling it.  Just like movie theaters, the ticket sales don't generate that much profit but the concession sales do.

As for the boutique cables like PS Audio and DH Labs, it's all cosmetics.  If you like the looks, diy-ing will save tons.  As for the performance, as long as the speaker and power cables have enough thickness (gauge number), hardware store bought cables will work just fine.

[henry]

Hey sonic, you are right once again.  That's why I started down the path of sourcing good wire and connectors as endorsed by guys with technical experience.  Hell, it's becoming difficult these days to find fossils (older than me) that are still vertical to glean info. 

Regarding the DH Labs Q-10, I tried a used set and was immediately hooked.  Ed's speakers and preamp are so reveling that it makes taking a leap to the dark side of wire easy.  It was so convincing that something good happened with those cables.  It's a testament to Ed's speaker when you keep the speakers and make ancillary changes.  99% of people just buy new speakers.  Just my take...

BTW, I have some highly regarded giant speakers that are fun.  The thing is, subtle upstream changes don't have the impact that I see with the Horns.  It's all about low mass, sensitivity, and efficiency.  My reference for evaluating sources. 

[Capt. Z]

Hi Henry;

Is that the basic Horns or the Hailed Horns?

[henry]

Hey Capt., I just have Model 2's with Heils.  Both versions are very adept at revealing the ugly.  No closing-time, audio beer goggles. 

Just a heads up, if you sign up for ESS emails, you'll be privy to some great specials.  Last week, they ran a deal for the signed-up guys where you could get both of their headphone models for about $60.  Crazy good.  I'd have jumped, but I have some phones and never use them.

The current offer is the large smooth plate Heil with a headphone (your choice of two models) for $150.  It seems the business model has drastically morphed.   

[Capt. Z]

Very interesting with the ESS emails. Unfortunatelly I have not signed up. May follow up on that once I return to the USA.

[henry]

Capt.,  I can't imagine your life. I do well to make it to the grocery store.  And you and my older sister are global.    I have respect for your efforts.  Carry on.