Best Speaker Cable 20 Foot Pair

The other bit of information that would be helpful before responding to your question regards your budget for each of the items you propose to buy. For example, the "best" speaker cable may be the Nirvanas, but they are stratospherically expensive. Help us by establishing some cost parameters.

I think the second thing you should seriously consider is ra-arranging your system, so you can use longer interconnects and shorter speaker cables. Interconnects carry a much lower voltage signal than speaker cables, and they also tend to be cheaper than speaker cables.

Thanks for your response. I am looking for the best bang for the buck so to speak. I won't spend $5000.00 for a so
foot pair of speaker cable, but will spend $2000.00 if it is excellent. The system cannot be arrnaged as the speakers
are set up for me to hear at a prearranged listening area.
This is the final system arrangement. But thanks for your interest.

Kjl: what I had in mind about re-arranging your system was to move the monoblock amps close to each speaker, and then use long interconnects from the preamp to each monoblock. Many owners of monoblock amps place them close to the speakers because of the advantages offered by short speaker cables / long interconnects.

I have limited experience with the hyper-expensive interconnects and speaker cables, but I can say that I think the Alpha-Core and Kimber products offer a LOT of performance for the money. I have owned interconnects and speaker cables by both of these companies, and conclude that you will have to spend a LOT more money to do much better. The other reasonably priced speaker cable that has gotten favorable comments on this forum is the Analysis Plus Oval 9. If you decide to retain your current arrangement of components, you will need 40+ feet of speaker cable, which means that you will fairly heavy gauge wire (at least 12 gauge, and preferably 9-10).

For example, the Kimber 8TC (IM, the best of the lower-priced Kimber cables) now costs $14 a linear foot, and with factory terminations the total cost (from Audio Advisor) for a 20-foot pair will be $608. A 20-foot pair of Analysis Plus Oval 9's would be around $700.

Another product that you might want to consider is the new line of "DBS" (dielectric bias system) cables from AudioQuest. This new line of cables uses a 24 volt battery pack (attached to each cable) to keep the dielectric surrounding the wires charged. I have not read any reviews yet of the "DBS" technology, but the concept looks very interesting. A 20-foot pair of the least-expensive CV-6 model costs $880.

Last suggestion if you want to move into really expensive territory: look at the Cardas Neutral Reference speaker cable, which uses an 8.5 gauge wire (272 discrete conductors), and costs about $1600 for a terminated 20-foot pair.

Regarding interconnects: I have used both the Kimber Heros and the Alpha-Core TQ2's (currently in my system), and have been pleased with both as they provide a very high price/performance ratio. Infact, the Kimber Heros were chosen by TAS as the "Interconnect of the Year" not long ago.

I have no experience with the high-end power cables, so I'll leave that to others.

All of the products I've mentioned are available from The Audio Advisor.

Kjl writes:

My Quad power cords are plugged into a Ricard Gray 2100S

I guess you mean a RGPC 1200S (retail $2100) which lives in one of your two racks and powers all your items. Correct?

I'm thinking along the same lines as Sdcampbell. In fact, I said "Have you considered short speaker cables with longer interconnects?" in my initial response.

Can we at least explore this option? I hate categorical statements like:

This is the final system arrangement.

I'd try plugging the speakers and power amps directly into the wall, but that's just me.

If you are dead keen on the improvement the Richard Gray devices bring to your power amps and speakers, how about buying two RGPC 400MK II's ($780) and locating each one of these close to the back of the one of the Quads. Connect the monoblock and the Quad to the RGPC 400 with very short power cords which will keep the cost down. You should be able to plug the 400 into the wall with a standard Belden offering - they do make some heavy duty ones that should be OK for plugging the power conditioner into the wall.

Use very short speaker leads. Much cheaper!

Now instead of 15' power cords snaking across the floor from the RGPC 1200S in the rack to the back of the Quads (not to mention the loudspeaker cables) you have a 15' interconnect. That's gotta look way better.

The number of items plugged into the 1200S has gone down of course, and now that item is overkill. You could possibly sell it and buy another 400, and that may work out. Actually I'd sell it, buy a 400 and connect just the digital components, and plug the preamp directly into the wall.

Regards,

Metralla and Sdcampbell - at least in my imagination, you guys are offering GREAT advice on options for this setup. I like to see this sort of open-mindedness and the solid fundamentals your suggestions are built upon. Great posts!