Decided on using the Christmas break to have a move around in the lounge, which means I’ll need longer speaker cable (approx 7m pair). So, is NACA5 still the best sounding option? Never tried other speaker cables before, what is the definitive opinion on Kudos KS-1 in comparison? Since recently changing to NAC252, it’s refined the sound quite a bit. Will KS-1 further add to this refinement (which I don’t want more of) or am I just best just sticking with NACA5 again? Ideally, I’d love a bit more openness and detail, without losing any punch!
Seen lots of threads, but there’s no clear rule of thumb.
Any feedback on KS-1 in comparison would be much appreciated!
Works just fine on both my systems.
Tried Chord, didn’t sound any better or worse.
Never tried Naim SL or Kudos KS1, but both are said to be good.
There are people who have changed and been happy and there are people who have changed and switched back.
Only way you’ll know if alternate cables are what you’re looking for is to try them I’m afraid
Just thought if I’m buying another £600 set of cables, thought I’d better ask before jumping straight to NACA5 as default, without looking at other options.
Definitely not buying them for a sonic gain, I need them regardless… Just want to make sure I’ve not missed something before doing so.
A5 is very good value and hard to beat dramatically imho. On the other hand, it is fat, ugly and inflexible enough to be really annoying (no jokes please).
Kudos KS-1 sounds slightly different (see many threads here) but the biggest difference may be that it is small and flexible. I am likely to get 7m of it to replace A5 in the second system when I remember - that won’t be because A5 sounds bad (but try bending it around a doorway).
For marginally cleaner highs and a cable that goes under rugs and carpets, I picked Tellurium Q Black for the main system, but that now looks pricy to me.
Many here are also fans of Chord with Naim, or Linn cables, and of course there is always Superlumina for the wealthy.
None of these sound identical, so trying before buying is a very good idea.
I’d agree with that. If you can live with A5’s foibles, stick with it. It’s a perfect match for SBLs. The cables from the crossovers to the sockets are A5 so it makes sense to use A5 from the 250 all the way to the sockets. It’s easy to find A5 used, in order to save a few Pounds.
Thanks guys… always find it worth asking in case anyone else has tried.
Have always used NACA5 in this and previous systems, but yeah, it’s awful to hide! Thought I’d ask as to what KS-1 is like as a similar cost and easier to hide option was like. As you say though, probably makes more sense to stick with the usual with my SBLs. I don’t have Kudos speakers and I’d also be gutted if it didn’t sound as good!
Ok, no joke Nick. Perhaps more used to handling copper cable than many, despite not being a sparky, I find NACA5 easy to tame. The secret, to achieve a shape, is to ensure the cable is warm. No need for hairdryer or blow torch, simply coil the entire length carefully, so that the entire length becomes a flat circle, with the sides to the top and bottom of the coil. Consistency of the coil, avoiding a tight one, use cable ties and then place in a warm place like an airing cupboard for twenty four hours.
The cable will then be mineable and can be shaped and once shaped, might need temporary support, the shape will remain as the cable cools.
I have two runs of Naca5 buried in conduit for my main system - when I needed a third run ten years ago, it was placed around the fire hearth, right angles - still in place ten years on.
To op, Naca5 for SBLs with 252/250DR is a good choice. Whilst I have SL i/cs, SL speaker was tried and didn’t remain.
ps there is also a trick using a pair of pliers held backwards, such that the handles are used to help alight or straighten any cable, drawing the cable thru’ the handles. Perhaps difficult to envisage until it is seen done!
