2. cables
  3. 135068-154

Appropriate quality interconnect between Oppo 203 and Denon AVR? Suggestions please!

I've always listened to my Oppo players via HDMI into my AV receivers, but a recent visit to an audio store has me looking for a set of analog ICs.  At this shop, the rep played me a comparison of the same CD via HDMI vs the analog outputs.  There was better clarity and immediacy, sound stage, and imaging via the analog outputs of the CD player vs the HDMI version.  This would be for two channel listening to CDs, SACDs, DVD-Audio discs.

So, I think I'd like to try out a set of interconnects for my Oppo 203 player and Denon AVR.  The question then is, considering that I'm not talking here about high end components, what price level and quality level of interconnects would seem appropriate?  It seems that the benefits of more exotic and expensive interconnects might be lost due to the quality level of the actual components that are in the Oppo and Denon. 

So, what level of ICs do you think would be reasonable for this application, and can you recommend any specific products?  What might be the point of "diminishing returns"?  I guess my budget would be up to a few hundred dollars.  Thanks! 
mtrot
mesch
3,476 posts
 
What interconnects were used in the comparison? 

In general I spend about 10% of the cost of the two items to be connected on the connecting cable. Other opinions will vary greatly.
In your case I would not put full value to the AVR as much of its price was for the multi channel processing. I would consider ICs from Audioquest, Diamondback or King Cobra.  Buy used, possibly check out Music Direct. 

tomcarr
1,501 posts
 
I'm very happy using Anticables ICs between my Oppo 103 and Krell s300i integrated. They cost about $300 or so.
chayro
2,983 posts
 
Signal Cables, available on Agon.  Very good quality at a low price.  The Analog are like 50 and the Silvers are like 80.  Can't go wrong.  I've had several pairs of the Silvers and they were fine.  
tomcarr
1,501 posts
 
Just checked the Anticables site. IC prices start at $50 per pair.
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