You might try a new (old stock) pair of MIT AVT1 8ft speaker cables. MIT is selling them for $299.
http://www.mitcablesexpress.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=465&category_id=67&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=14
They have 12 articulation poles, which is the same amount my MIT Shotgun S3 bi-wire cables have. I am very pleased with what MIT brings to my two channel system. Imaging and soundstage have improved over the Transparent TheWave 100 cables that I was using before.
Best regards,
Jason |
I am very satisfied with my Emotiva speaker cables. They seem to be neutral and clear-highs and lows sparkle. |
Guys, I've been around audio at a pretty high level since 69 or so. Yes, I was only 9, but I was hooked when I heard Klipshorn's with Crown electronics with the top of the line Garrard TT with top of the line Grado cartridge. There were no special cables back then. I wish there was. I then ended up getting the Polk 10's with the 'special Polk cables. Wow what a difference. Then it was onto Monster cables that Bruce Brisson invented and Noel Lee marketed. That was a great pairing who I wished worked together forever. I've known many guys who started their own cable companies and most were just smoke and mirrors. I have been inside cable makers (wire companies) when I was a recruiter. I've seen more than a couple of large companies cables being drawn and then made.
I only say this to share that in years past, you could possibly get cables via making them yourself, but things have changed dramatically. AQ and other top companies have entry level stuff that will most probably blow away the making them yourself variety.I realize that some of you will be upset over what I"m posting and if you are into making your own stuff, that's awesome, but I and others feel strongly that you will get a much better cable by buying the name brands. They terminate better for the most part. Most are using special tools to cold weld etc... The dielectrics really do make a huge difference. Should the prices be what they are? Of course not. They are selling them for what they are, because they can. That's at the top end though. Entry level stuff or just above isn't that expensive if you shop around a bit and if you listen to them vs the DIY types, you'll be amazed I bet. I've heard a ton of DIY cables, including some of the higher end ones and so far none have sounded better than a comparably priced pair of AQ or MIT or Kimber or Cardas. JMHO. |
Belden 5000 from Blue Jeans cable, and spend the leftover $250 on wine. |
Maxima,
Opinions on the 79 Special and SR? Thanks! |
Kit form for a cable? How in the world can you get the proper connection every time? That's the part I'll never understand about cables and DIY stuff. how much is an 8' run of those kit cables? Just curious. thanks. |
I have the 79 Special and SR; have not heard the 777.
Here is a review:
http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/nanotec/1.html |
Has anyone tried the Nanotech Systems 777 speaker cable? These are listed on the 'gon in kit form. Not exactly "cheap" but not crazy either, looks like they could be interesting. |
Ctsooner-Agreed! DIY guys are always complaining about cost and marketing practices of HEA companies. |
I guess for the price it does, but the AQ cables can't be that much more for better sound. That was my only point. it's all good. Written word and spoken come off differently, lol. |
All I'm suggesting is that 12 gauge solid core copper wire (the type run in the
wall for AC wiring) sounds ridiculously good for the price. Personally I use
HiDiamond D8 speaker wire in one system and JPS Lab SuperConductor 3 in the
other. |
I have to disagree with some of you who feel that solid core power cables will sound as good as or better than an inexpensive pair of AQ speaker cables. I've heard almost all the 'cheap', homemade cables out there over the years and NONE will stand up to an inexpensive pair of AQ cables on a system that reveals anything. I'd love to get together to test it sometime. I agree that some companies, even with BIG names in the industry ruin good music at times. i also feel that cable companies along with Cartridge companies charge way too much for their products, because we let them. That doesn't mean that their products still aren't better than nearly all the homemade stuff out there. JMHO |
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The best cheap speaker cable is the in-wall power cable in your house.
Go to any electrical hardware store, buy 10 meters of in-wall copper power cord with single solid core, cut them into two pairs and you have a nice speaker cable.
They will certainly compare favourably with any cable in the market under $300. Remember "single solid core" is vital. |
Devilboy, Thank you for the advice about DNM. Actually, I received an e-mail from a Mr. Morecroft claiming he sent the information I had requested. I checked my e-mails and junk mail back to the middle of April, and there was no e-mails from him or anyone else associated with this product.
He did say he would resend the information if I could not find it, or has been lost in cyber space. Hopefully, I will hear from him tomorrow. BTW, I don't recall if Morecroft's first name was Denis. Thanks for the reply |
Sunnyjim, I'm a bit surprised as to why you had a problem contacting DNM. Yes, the site is more complicated than it needs to be....WITHOUT QUESTION! It certainly is a PITA. I put an order in with Denis with no problems whatsoever. When I received my Resolution speaker cables and standard (not HFTN), I had a problem with the interconnects causing a loud "buzzing" sound from the speakers. It was during this time in which I exchanged NUMEROUS emails with Denis personally. In fact, his response time was extremely quick, so again, I am surprised that you are having such a hard time. Try sending an email to Denis personally.
Austin HIFI in Texas used to be the only US dealer I knew of, but I don't think they sell DNM anymore. |
Canadian(BC) dealer on Ebay was where I go my 2 pr. Jumpers as well .Reliable. |
To Devilboy. I have tried to contact DNM/Reson twice by e-mail about ordering speaker cable, and they have not responded. I was specific about length, connectors and whether I can get them assembled at their factory. I also about the difference in price and sound quality between the Resolution and Precision 2
There website and ordering process is confusing, and generally blows If you have a more accessible and reliable link, could you please provide it on this site. Thanks, Jim |
Just picked up some DNM speaker cables....older version but still DNM. I have the DNM HFTN interconnects so now the whole system is wired with DNM. Natural and organic presentation. So far away from being hifi"ish". I preferred the DNM HFTN over my Audioquest Colorado interconnects. Love 'em. |
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Hey Skipper! Gilligan here with another recommendation. Try some Tempo Electric silver speaker cables. If you go with bare connections, you'll keep under your target price. http://www.tempoelectric.com/cables.htmAll the best, Nonoise |
I agree with Savgam about Oval 9 but hard to find under $300 which OP set as limit.
I found Oval9 a star with Maggies with Oval 12 not far behind. |
D-boy, I have one pair of each.
One thing I like about DNM(and ZU) is it plays so well with other brands, like the good kid in kindergarten.
DNM even at its price, will really let you know if something is amiss upstream,Zu and Morrow not so much. |
Schubert, I'm downsizing my system and cables are a part of that process. My budget for speaker cables is $200ish. I'm strongly considering the "new" DNM speaker cables. For me, (89db speakers), I need the Resolution model. May I ask what DNMs you use? I have the HFTN network RCA interconnects and couldn't believe how I preferred them over my Audioquest Colorados, and this was in the main system BEFORE I had to downsize. |
I get excellent results with Tara Labs Master Generation 2 "Plus" on my Haydn Grands. The speakers are being driven by a solid state class A pre and class A amp, though, so I can't tell you how well my cables will do with a tube amp. I do have a tubed Conrad Johnson EV-1 phono pre in the chain with a Tara Labs Air 1 interconnect on it that also gives me excellent results with the Haydn Grands. |
DNM just get out of the way on any kind of music, I have 2 prs and they are good in any system or any room.
Best bang for the buck there is and I've tried them all. |
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Signal Cables are an excellent value, if you choose the "Ultra" model Is any member currently using them??
Also I have seen several recommendations for DNM/Reson speaker cable. The less expensive "Precision 2" model can compete with Signal Cable's "Ultra" in price. The DNM cable is a flat cable. But, why are they so often recommended?? What is their sound quality across the audio spectrum?? |
Since cables interact differently with each component, I'd say that there really can't be an answer per say, just like anything else in audio. make a list and try to get some loaners to see what you like best in your system and where. |
For under $100 I say try out the Belkin PureAV Silver OCC 14AWG Speaker Cables. I've used these cables with tube amplification as well as solid state amplification and they sounded really nice.
For under $300 try Morrow Audio SP3 speaker wires. Often on the Morrow Audio website they come up for sale used and there are times when the have a sale and you can get an additional 10-20% off. I used the Morrow Audio SP3 speaker wires more the my tube amps though. |
Kimber 4TC. You can get it bulk for around $10 per foot and then use termination of choice.. Great speaker wire. |
I actually had the chance to audition many of the above mentioned cables. I tried the level 3 anti cables, grover huffmans, Straley reality cables, morrow sp2, and Audioquest type 4. In my system, the reality cables won hands down. I won't bore you with all the usual audio terms. To my ears, they just sounded the best.
Cheers |
Walmart extension cords. I think they are outdoor models. I use them on my Vandersteen model 5 speakers. I know there is way better but I don't care, the system sounds really good.
Happy Listening. |
Get used cables...and I can highly recommend AQ Type 8 speaker cable...simply a great design, and my 10' pair are clear as a bell. |
One more recommendation.....Analysis Plus Oval 9. Hard to beat the performance for the price. |
Thanks for all the advice. I ended up trying out the level 2 anti cables between my Cary tube mono blocks and my vienna Haydn's. they sound amazing! ( thanks Mark)! Since i am never done tinkering, I am also going to give the reality cables a try as well. I will also try out a few of the other recommendations from you all. I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks again for all the advice
Best regards,
The Skipper |
Everything is system-dependent. I had the Clear Days in my system and they were too bright. My buddy had the Grovers and in his system they colapsed the soundstage. What works wonders in one system is a negative in another. |
I'll list the speaker cables I've had in my system and my thoughts:
Clear Day Shotguns and Double Shotguns- Most "fleshed out" sounding cable I've had in my rig. Great highs (i've not experienced the harshness that people associate with silver cables). Great micro details. Bass was slightly lacking in my system. Paul is one of the nicest guys around. He'll probably let you demo a pair.
Audioquest Rocket 44's- My least favorite cable so far. Bass and Highs were rolled off. Okay mids.
Tara Labs rsc prime- Similar to the sound of the Rocket 44's but with really good mids.
Blue Jeans Belden 10 guage- Really good cable for the money. Solid bass, solid highs, just lacked some inner detail and weren't fleshed out like some other cables I've had in my rig.
Signal Cable Silver Resolution- I went with these. They had a blend of the Blue Jeans Belden 10 guage wires and the Clear Day Double shotguns in terms of sound, in my system, to my ears. They have good bass extension (As good as the Blue Jeans Belden 10 guage), good highs and are fleshed out (not quite as much as the Clear Day cables.
I actually have all Signal Cable Silver Resolution cables throughout my system, made to the shortest lengths possible in my system; none of my wires touch each other, or the ground, or run parellel. I know, I know, lol.
I did have all of these at the same time so I was able to do a/b comparisons on the same system with the same songs.
I've been interested in Anti Cables, Morrow, Nordost and Grover Huffman, but have no experience with those. |
Regarding what Nkbg said about the Crimsons, I also think they're amazing....in the right system. I've owned a completed loom of Crimson cables: speaker, RCA and XLR for years, and they did sound amazing. Gave a nice warm, rich, organic and natural sound. I do believe however, that Crimson needs to be in a system with high sensitivity speakers and with components with proper input and output impedances to sound their best. Personally, after hearing actively shielded cables from Synergistic Research and Audioquest, I don't think I can go back. |
If the Transparent is the current version it's a very good cable and a very good deal. |
Any experience here with transparent wave? A buddy has a pair that he's looking to unload. He's asking for $90.00 for an 8' pair. Good deal? |
Strateahed,,
Went to the reality website. Do you know if the cables are available in bulk or if they offer shorter lengths than 8'? I use mono block amps and would prefer a bit shorter cable around 5 or 6' at the most. I dropped them an email, but wondering if you may have the answer. I also prefer bare wire ends. Do they offer an unterminated option?
Thanks |
I started out with Goertz Alpha, then switched to Signal cable ... which I kept for about two years or so. Then auditioned Morrow, Speltz, Audio Art, and Straley Reality cables around the same period. The Straley's are still in service and I have no desire to change any time soon. YMMV |
Cheap is a bad word its less expensive!! |
Supra cables are worth considering:
http://www.sjofnhifi.com/servlet/Categories?category=Supra+Cables%3ASpeaker+cables
On one of my systems I use the Supra Cables Ply S/3.4 |
Try Canare Star Quad 4S11 (or 4S8 if you prefer thinner gage) from Have Inc. (they have it in bulk or terminated in grey or black!)or Blue Jeans Cables.
Plenty of info on the net about this cable performing well above it's price-point.
Some would equate Aq Type 4 to Canare 4S8 as far as configuration/performance.
Remember cable-science will always trump cable voodoo. |
Grover Huffman or Crimson Audio (used should be under your budget). The Crimsons are absolutely amazing. |
AQ Type 4 is a great option, but if you go up the line to the Rockets, I don't think you can go wrong. |
I've been an MIT man for years and year. I've recently heard AQ with a ton of systems and all different price levels. All have impressed me by low noise and what they don't add or lose. Most neutral cables I've ever heard and I've heard most of them over the years. |
I share the previous poster's view on the Morrow.
I like this one better than the Morrow:
http://store.jaguaraudiodesign.com/nanotec-systems-sr-sp-speaker-cable-kit/
I bought a pair without connectors to see if I liked them.
But; one's blessing is another's curse. |
