Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat The Old Snake Oil topic

Just as a follow-up to my other posts -

I was quite shocked at how much difference there was between the Belden cords and stock. So I did some further listening tests and experimentation over the following weeks.

Just for anyone else who might be interested, the Belden has a clearer, better defined (although perhaps less natural) bass and sense of instrument separation. Soundstage also seems better, although maybe a less musical whole, but perhaps good for those who prefer more 'analytical' listening. On the downside, despite aspects I liked, it had a nasty etched quality in the treble which made it tinny to my ears, and also seemed to struggle in more dynamic passages with rising distortion.

Going back to the stock cords, they seemed more 'musical' and less analytical. There is a bit of mid-bass hump which adds some warmth, and the sound staging is not as good. You might say they sound more muddled, or potentially more of a musical whole rather than instruments playing separately, depending on your taste! I much preferred these overall, despite having got them for free with the speakers and having paid for the Belden cables.

However, I found some old Russ Andrews Yello power cables around the house which were just long enough to use as an experiment, so changed the plugs over on them and had a listen, they're of a woven design, but not made of esoteric materials or copper like the more expensive powerkords. Sound-wise this was intriguing after the other two, managing to combine the best of both the other cables and add some qualities lacking in the others. There was good sound staging and clear instrument separation without stripping things bare, but full, defined natural bass and plenty of detail in the high frequencies without the stridency of the Belden cords.

I'll leave you to guess which cables stayed in the system!

I believe it's worthwhile listening to a few different cables depending on your preferences. If anyone wants to experiment with the Belden ones, I'll not be using them so you could have them for the price of postage and packing