Dedicated Cable Solutions

ome electronics arrive with dedicated cables or the option to employ a dedicated wiring solution: Krell’s CAST connections or the DarTZeel 50-ohm system are cases in point, while Naim’s insistence on DIN connectors also qualifies.

Very often, these approaches will offer superior results, especially to a mix-and-match set of assorted cables using the conventional socketry, but that is at least in part down to the fact that these systems, consciously or unconsciously, adhere to many of the fundamental principals laid out in the other sections of this primer. Most notably, connector quality and cable consistency throughout are key factors. However, that is not to say that using superior cables within those systems will not in turn reap benefits, whilst many electronics manufacturers are skeptical about the sonic influence of power cords and tend to rely on standard items -- often bought on price rather than performance grounds.

The golden rule, as always, is to experiment and above all draw your own conclusions. If a manufacturer recommends a dedicated connection topology, then take it seriously. Examine it in the light of the rules laid out herein and see how many it incorporates, then give it a listen compared to the conventional connection options. If it sounds better, it is better. Look at the cable; if you can improve on that it will be better still. The best example of this is with Naim equipment, where the supplied leads are of basic quality but their consistency and the grounding topology they provide are key aspects of the equipment’s performance. But quite a few companies offer DIN-terminated cables suitable for use with the Naim electronics. If you haven’t heard a Naim system running on a better cable rig, you really haven’t heard what it can do!