Not sure what your components are, but I’d suggest auditioning the full line of Iconoclast Speaker cables when time and budget permits.
Bhk pre
Dsd dac
P3
Mk1200
Using audioquest rocket 44 (i think) for speaker cables
Definitely gonna take your advice after i pay off these XLRS
In my opinion, if you can only hear “a smidge” difference ICONOCLAST GEN 2 over your Audioquest Mackenzie, I would send them back. Better cables are only a worthwhile upgrade if you can easily hear the improvement.
I suspect the AQ Rocket 88 is limiting the experience of the Iconoclasts. The Rocket 88, (why do I have images of an Oldsmobile when I see Rocket 88 ?) Is a fine starter AQ speaker cable, but the Iconoclast speaker cable should open the window wide open for him. Then it becomes a matter of personal preference.
understand your viewpoint but Im a guy that sorta believes that cables cant make a difference so for me even thinking I do is significant
I would leave them in as long as you can within the return period. They need time to break in. Depending on your mood, I would leave music running through them 24x7 to speed up the process.
I agree with @weedeewop, if your speaker cables are a point of congestion, the other cable changes won’t be realized. Perhaps you can get a pair of loaner Iconoclast speaker cables. No harm in trying.
Good suggestion, and if the Iconoclasts are not loaners, e.g. cables with significant time on them, I’d let the burn in with continuous play for a week, say 300+ hours. They should open up at 100 and will be all over the place during the break-in. Unfortunately that means there will be days when the sound may not be to your liking.
New cables are a test of commitment. Dealing with lesser performance temporarily while hoping for better performance is a recommitment to this hobby every time. Renewing your vows so to speak.
Are you running the XLRs on both the Dac to pre and preamp to amps?
Yes i am
@gd7288 i was the same, cables had to prove themselves, but there is a synergy of cohesion that should become audible when all cables are of the same manufacturer including speaker cables, and all fully burned in. Good luck
I’d have to agree. If you prefer Audioquest you have to move up the ladder to get the most out of the Iconoclast IC’s. A minimum AQ Robin Hood speaker cable or the Iconoclast speaker cables. All cables matter. Especially power cables.
Hi,
if I understand well you had 2 upgrades at the same time:
from RCA to XLR (and this is enough to improve sound, brands a part)
and
from AQ to Iconoclast UPOCC
We have the same components, in my experience I heard a huge difference, when I recently added these cables. I’m reporting my impressions on another thread here in this forum and during last days I’m focusing on synergies between 2 IC (for analog) and IC + AQ Dragon (for digital), two combos I found working better than others.
I hope soon to share my thoughts on this particular aspect.
Thank you all
Have pair of iconoclast speaker cables on the way to replace my current AQ Rocket 44’s
Preciate all your help
This is such a great community
That will be a happy when you add the Iconoclast speaker cables to your system along with the IC’s.
Give them a week or so before making any decisions but you should be able to hear the difference immediately.
I dont consider myself an audiophile per se but an enthusiast for sure and I could tell the difference immediately when the Iconoclast speaker cables went into my first system a few years ago. Same with the IC’s. Everything is cleaner / clearer / more detailed / blacker, etc.
for my pennies worth being in the uk i went with zensati zorro xlr cables between my perfectwave dac & bhk pre & bhk 250. tried well regarded tellurium q cables right up to the diamond series but as soon as i tried the zensati zorros i knew they were the one, music was much more defined clearer, on bass guitar it actually sounded like a stringed instrutment not just the usual boom. zorros are the entry level so can only imagine what the more expensive ones are like, their not cheap though £ 1000 + a pair not sure what your budget is but if you could find a stockists i can highly recommend
good luck with whatever you choose & enjoy the bhk its fabulous i was so impressed i sold my naim 500 series system & have no regrets
Thx Baldy
I remember when i got my AQ rocket 44’s i heard a difference so anticipating it will be the same for the Iconoclast
Very excited to try them out
While i have you thanks again for the Wireworld cable you sold me a bit ago
Glad you are getting some use out of it and enjoy it.
This is surely a great hobby.
It sure is but there never seems to be an end to it…i keep learning stuff and then buying stuff
…and your point is?