high end cables

I’m pretty sure I was like most people into music and Hi Fi – I had the music, nice system components and was content to listen to everything through average, run of the mill cables.

So what changed my perspective? Well, I actually bothered to do some research and listen to some of the more esoteric cable brands. Result - A far more rewarding musical experience.

So why spend money on cables? They’re just bit of wire after all! Boy was I wrong. After many hours/days/months of research listening to some of the more well known brands available in the UK, I just wasn’t impressed with what I heard. Yes the more you spent, slightly more detail, a bit more bass, a slight improvement in sound staging, but just not worth the outlay. Even the supposed well recognised high end cable just couldn’t cut the mustard! Fast? Yes! Transparent? Yes! Thin? Yes! True to the original sound No!!!

It was time to look further afield, surely there were manufacturers out there who put science before science fiction, who have spent many years researching and developing their products, but that we just don’t get to hear much about in the UK, due to dare I say, the sales & marketing machine of various companies and consumers buying into the marketing hype, only to be disappointed in the long term.

Following my experiences, I now like to consider cables in two separate groups.

1)      The cables that have been mass produced in far eastern countries and re-badged for OEM international supply. We don’t like these!

2)      The cables that have a solid research and design foundation for their being. We love these!

Cables based on the Science of Sound, Purist Audio Design Cables.  Measurably better cables, Analysis Plus Cables.  Cold fusion and Micro Arcing solutions, VooDoo Cables. Monocrystal technology, Ecosse Cables.  Snake River Audio. Enhanced DCT, Townshend Audio. Reduced transient phase distortion, Black Rhodium Cables.

Of course, when it comes to equipment, at the price, you can’t beat the Electrocompaniet ECD2 DAC. There is no better Pre-Amp under 10k than Townshend Audios Allegri. For a solid state amplifier with a single ended valve experience, try the NEMO 600watt mono blocks.

We love the Shanling cdt 2000 CD Player. This baby just gets to the heart of the performance.

I’m sorry, but I’ve yet to hear a record deck that can beat the Townshend Audio Rock 7!

Speakers, say no more than Qudrals MP30 Platinums superb all rounder, or Ushers Mini Dancer 2, as a true entry into the high end.

Music is our main passion. Here are links to some of our favourite artists, without whom, all of the above would be futile! Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Coltrane

Can you name all of the artists in our photo gallery? Send us an e-mail with the correct list of names and we'll send you a free Mackenzie Hi Fi T shirt. (You will be informed by e mail if your list of names is correct. 2 name errors are allowed, Mackenzie Hi Fi decisions are final. UK only, purchase not required)
                                       Music with emotion ♥