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Budget 15' interconnect recommendation

After remodeling my basement I will need to get a 15 feet interconnect between my pre-map and power amp. I don't have a lot of budget for that, up to $300. I did some research here and other forums and seems like the following cables will fit in my budget. I am asking if some of you have owned them and provide some direct comparison. I like smooth mid, low mid, solid (not big/loud) bass, wide sound stage (don't like in your face forward sound), good dynamic range, airy high etc... Mostly listen to classical, vocal, jazz and soft rock. Both amps are SS.

1. Blue Jean LC-1
2. Audio Art AAC IC-3
3. AudioQuest Big Sur
4. Audio Envy Studio Prestige
hifi28
ghdprentice
7,292 posts
 
I recommend shopping used. Definitely not Blue Jeans. Cable company has used… that means you can get into the $600 if bought new. By your description you should consider Cardas Clear Reflection. Also, older like Harmonix, either copper or silver coated copper. Both were good for the money then, should be really good used.
Take your time. It is worth getting a good set and for that length, that is not a lot of money. I think mine are about 20’ and cost $5K (granted I have a very high end system)… but I am very happy with them.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
I’m going toss the obvious… why do they “need” to be so far apart? I can relate to space issues etc. what causes the distance?

@ghdprentice curious why you dismiss Blue Jeans as such?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,033 posts
 
i have the Blue Jean but in a low RF environment w cathode follower preamp, so driving the cable/amp load is not an issue. Of the four you mention, all acceptable. Given you dont have RF and preamp issues.
best to you
jim
hifi28 OP
50 posts
 
@geof3 The new room has a egress window behind the speakers so I can't put the amp table there. So I am putting the amp on a floor rack between the speakers and everything else on a side wall next to my listening chair.

@ghdprentice Thanks, I will look into the cables you mentioned, any more suggestion? 
ghdprentice
7,292 posts
 
I bought a couple pair of Blue Jeans for my headphone system. Reminded me of the ones that come with a rubber band around them with budget equipment… well, at least they sound that way to me.

WireWorld, Transparent, and Audioquest are the highest sold high end cables and interconnects… in that order. DH Labs I have always found to be very good quality (sound) for the money… but the silver are not warm… all silver construction never is (in my experience) warm. I tried a pair of Nordost Odin 2 all silver ($17K)… they were incredibly transparent, not slightly hard or cold… but not warm.. just absent. The level of detail they communicate was amazing… I had to take them out of my system before I started liking them too much.

Cardas is always warm… choose your level… the higher the level, the less warm.
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