I upgraded my system last year from Atom HE/NAP250DR - Kudos Titan 606 and Chord Epic XL speaker cable.
Last autumn I replaced my Atom HE/NAP250DR with Linn DSM Selekt Edition with Dual Mono Organik DACs and a pair of NAP 350 monoblocks.
Whist I have been very impressed with the sound generally I often feel there’s a harshness at the top end even sometimes causing a ringing sound and I was wondering if maybe the speaker cable is the problem.
I decided to go down the (Google) AI rabbit-hole..
Without prompting, I listed my hi-fi components and asked if the components were a good match.
I was pleasantly surprised when it highlighted the Epic XL as not being ideal for the rest of the system-
The Problem with Chord Epic XL in this Setup
High-Frequency Overload: The Kudos Titan 606 uses a highly revealing SEAS-Kudos Crescendo K3 fabric dome tweeter. Some users find that Kudos speakers lean towards the brighter side of neutral. Combining the silver conductors of the Chord Epic XL with the hyper-detailed Organik DAC could tip the system into being overly analytical, lean, or “shrill” on sharp vocal sibilance. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Constrained Isobaric Bass: The Titan 606 uses an intricate isobaric bass reflex system designed to deliver deep, textured lows (down to 30Hz). Because the Chord Epic XL is known to tighten and thin out lower-end “blossom” in favour of polite separation, it may starve the Titan 606s of the rich, natural bass weight they are capable of producing. [1, 2, 3]
It recommended Kudos KS-1 speaker cable (£250) as the best option alongside Naim Super Lumina (£1,645) and Townshend F1 Fractal Interconnects (£1,018)
This is the absolute first cable you should audition. Kudos uses the KS1 internally to wire the Titan 606 drivers and relies on it during speaker development. It is explicitly voiced to eliminate top-end glare on Kudos speakers, offering a sweeter, more organic treble while letting the Naim amps drive the isobaric bass naturally.
When I confirmed that I did find the top-end a bit harsh it replied-
It makes complete sense that you are experiencing that top-end harshness. Your Linn Selekt DSM with Organik DACs and Naim NAP 350 monoblocks are hyper-revealing, and the Kudos Titan 606 fabric dome tweeters are incredibly extended. The Chord Epic XL uses silver-plated copper conductors, which inherently emphasise leading-edge transients—creating that “ringing,” fatiguing sharpness on vocals and cymbals when paired with such transparent electronics. [1]
To fix the harshness without losing the detail and control of your system, you need a cable that uses high-purity continuous-cast copper or a completely different geometry.
Is AI probably right?
So I’m planning on testing (if I can find a dealer who will loan me a pair) or buying the KS-1 cables.
Should I get the banana plugs or the Naim plugs at the amp end?
I have the same kudos speakers driven by Linn DSM Selekt. Note my DSM is in a different configuration (active with stereo organik DAC). I use Kudos KS1 speaker cable and find them to perform very well in my system in my room. I’d certainly give them a try at least. Of course you may have a bit of a room issue or speaker placement issue as well but I’m no expert in that area. I do note however that the 606s are pretty easy to position, so that might be a red herring. Again I’ll let others more skilled and experienced than me comment. I use banana plugs with no issues, always did even when using Naim amplification. I do not need the Naim plugs now as I do not use Naim amplification.
Whilst I believe that Epic cables can be bright, I always thought that from demos I did, have you considered that your interconnect may also be adding to the perceived brightness?
It may useful to audition some cables as the problem may lie elsewhere. I am not sure if the Chord Epic XL sounds almost the same as the Epic. I upgraded from Epic to Signature XL and finally Sarum T, the Epic sounds most rolled-off and lacks extension in the treble compared to Signature XL and Sarum T. In other words, the Epic is a warmer and smoother sounding cable from top to bottom. The Epic sounds just slightly brighter than NAC A5 but comes with deeper bass.
Sorry I can’t help, perhaps others might chime in later.
ps. I use Marten speakers which come with ceramic drivers.
Kudos used Chord speaker cables before they developed their own KS1, which is very similar in design to the lower level Chord cables. All of these cables are silver plated, so I wouldn’t attach too much significance to that.
By all means try some KS1, but using cables to fine tune your sound quality is always hit and miss, so I certainly wouldn’t do it without the chance to demo.
Naim bananas are as good as anything for a Naim amp, so that would be my first choice for the 350s.
here is some info on why it might be perfect for you:
“A superb cable ideally suited for continuous listening over a prolonged period without causing listener fatigue. Available terminated in Z (Z-plug) or S (Spade) versions.
Hyper 2.0 speaker cables feature dual high-purity OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) 2.0mm² conductors with a FEP Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) dielectric. The increased diameter conductors on the Hyper 2.0 offer improved bass performance over the 1.5 version.
The conductor quality and high-efficiency dielectric allow Hyper 2.0 to reveal more of the performance level your equipment is capable of, being fast and dynamic without suffering the over-analytical character sometimes mistaken for additional ‘detail,’ but which is ultimately fatiguing.
Our latest-generation Achromatic Z-plug is a proprietary low-mass, self-cleaning, precision-crimped (cold-weld) speaker connector fitted as standard. These cables are also available terminated with our cold-weld high quality OFC spades.“
I replaced Chord Epic XL to my 505’s with SuperLumina, haven’t looked back . I have tested KS-1, very, very good but not up to SL level, obviously much better VFM - if I had started with KS-1, I might/probably not have the SL today .
It may be a bit of a strange comment but have you tried your ears rather than AI, I use Kudos KS-1 cable with my Kudos 808’s and I don’t find the treble harsh at all?
Nice upgrade. However, you are now definitely in the world of a hyper-revealing systems and, as such, anything upstream or downstream will be ruthlessly revealed. Speaker cables causing the problem are a possibility but, as someone else has mentioned, it could be the interconnect. It could just as easily be a room effect or even a support effect.
On the other hand what you describe could also be ethernet noise generated somewhere on the incoming streaming side of things. I understand that Linn tend to be slightly more immune to these effects but I often hear ethernet noise as a very high pitched ring/edginess, so definitely worth exploring. What switches, power supplies, ethernet cables do you use?
I think the key here is to try and isolate the exact cause of the problem without dropping loads of cash, so I’d be tempted to beg, steal or borrow as much as I can and just try it out.
As someone who uses Chord Odyssey with 505s I suspect that any change from switching to KS1 will be nuanced. A switch to something altogether more expensive, Superlumina, Vertere, Chord Music etc MAY bring about a greater change but even then whether it be an improvement is ?
Speaker placement in a room can have an important impact on the sound presentation of your system. The optimal placement can also need adjustment when you change components in your system. Well worth experimenting with and a no cost option!
Failing that, I would be inclined to suggest borrowing some cables from your friendly dealer. The KS1 is a relatively low cost option and you would hope should work well with your Kudos speakers. I am a fan of Chord Sarum speaker cable as a great cost/ performance balance - I find it provides lots of natural detail without harshness and this is the one I would make a bee line for. If possible, it might be interesting to try Chord Signature cables - these used to be slightly lambasted for over warm delivery. My logic being if Signature cables sound bright, your issue may sit elsewhere in your hi-fi chain.
I would agree with this. I have Chord Sarum T with Luxman/Gryphon and Signature XL with Naim 282/250DR and wouldn’t describe the cables as bright or harsh. The speaker cables sound right with good clarity and detail with the Sarum T sounding slightly more natural, both good.
In comparison the lower range Epic speaker cables sound smeared and slightly bloated in the bass, it’s like a full and fat sound with reduced clarity vs. the lean and trimmed sound with improved clarity and natural detail with both Signature XL and Sarum T. In my experience, the jump from Epic to Signature XL is greater than Sig XL to Sarum T.
I wasn’t expecting quite so many replies and opinions!
But I’m very grateful to all those who have replied.
Going back in time a little more… With the ATOM HE/NAP 250DR / Titan 606 I originally used NAC A5 speaker cable. I had no such issues with the top end at that time.
My dealer suggested the upgrade to Epic XL and I demoed the cables for a couple of weeks.
At the time I thought the Epic XL cable revealed a lot more top end than the A5, and the definition and soundstage were impressive, so I considered it worthy of the cost.
However in time what I’d initially considered to be an ultra-clear top end was becoming fatiguing and not so much ultra-clear, but just excessive and harsh. Friends confirmed this.
So a few months ago I re-tried the NAC A5 - the harsh top-end disappeared, but overall there was less definition and narrower soundscape than there was with the Epic XL.
So that was what led me to suspect that the speaker cable was likely the problem.
I’ve found AI can be very helpful, but realize it has limitations can sometimes hallucinate or just give plain wrong answers. Nevertheless it is becoming a very powerful tool and one that I value.
As mentioned in my first post, I didn’t prompt AI that my speakers sounded harsh, I just asked it to highlight any potential conflicts or issues with a hypothetical hi-fi setup.
It’s immediate response was the the speaker cables may be an issue, and explained why.
When I confirmed that in fact this was the hifi system I have and that I did find the top end harsh it confirmed that the speaker cable is the most likely suspect and suggested alternatives with the Kudos KS-1 being the first (and by far the cheapest) choice.
I use wi-fi for the Linn but will install a MESH system in a few weeks when I get fibre installed.
I’ve been a hi-fi enthusiast for 50+ years so am well -aware of the importance of speaker placement etc etc and I’ve done as best I can in that respect. The hifi is in my lounge, not a dedicated listening room, so the hifi has to fit in with the lounge and not vice-versa.
Joking aside, did you try the A5 with the 350’s or was that just on the previous set-up? Also, I doubt you’ll be getting the best from your system using WiFi. Trying WiFi on my system was a serious step down in performance. On the plus side WiFi does keep you away from another rabbit hole but with a system like yours I’d be trying to maximise every ounce of performance! You’d be surprised what this additional ‘tinkering’ stage can produce with a top end system. Asking questions on here will help you to avoid a lot of the pitfalls and dead ends that experience brings. I think speaker cables are first but don’t ignore everything else.
@pete84 I believe you got the new system from the AB. If so have you spoken to Jack and the guys there about this issue. I think they would really want you to be totally happy with your system and be prepared to help investigate the problem and lend demo kit if appropriate.
No good dealer wants less than satisfied customers and I have always found the AB to be very good.
. I have tested KS-1, very, very good but not up to SL level, obviously much better VFM - if I had started with KS-1, I might/probably not have the SL today 
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