budget Cables / Interconnects recommendations?

Bean,
The interconnect between a phono amp and a pre-amp doesn't have much impact. But if you are using a MC step-up transformer, the cable connecting the step-up and the pre-amp will change the loading of the MC cart due to the effect of the transformer.

Bean151: The subject of cabeling/interconnects , Cable A vs Cable B is exaustive and expensive. Exaustive because of the minute varations cable manufactures build into these products do change how we hear certian frequencies and expensive ... well just look at the cost new and used wire. No matter what the biz' guys show in the glossey pics under the covers is wire ...copper, silver and combos of metals plus a few other things that would make for several hundreds of words for explanation but not today. Some manufactures have been making their products in China and China has been making some great cabeling that on occasion becomes available at the big box discount houses for cents on a dollar. Recently, I picked up some excellent interconnects @ Ollies a discount company located in the middle eastern coastal states. The interconnect Acoustic Research/Master Series retailed for $40-60 per rail $80-120 per pair. I paid $16 per pair and use them between my transport & dac as well as my tuner. Deep soundstage refined detailed sound. My motto: Educate yourself as to what your needs are , understand that the interconnect you want may very well be awaiting discounted nearby.

I will give another vote for Signal Cable. Easy one stop shopping, reasonable prices and very good resale if you find something later you like better.

Many cables will not make much difference... and then there are the ones that do, even in an inexpensive system, regardless of where in your system you put them, and not necessarily for the reasons of basic engineering that the engineers will point at when dismissing the bulk of what's out there, especially if it's expensive. And then there are the cynics that will always enjoy cleverly pointing at all the ususal reasons for their cynicism. It doesn't make them right, just smug.

...and now the cynics will cleverly point at the fact that I'm a dealer.

The bottom line is that there are some cables that for many people will make an obvious difference, both inexpensive and otherwise. If you find yourself hearing that kind of difference, you won't have to worry about the naysayers. You'll know for yourself.

I'd make suggestions but...

Thanks Tvad for hopefully shortening this thread.

Hmm. I'll have to try Signal Cable. In the meantime, I'm very happy with my Zu Cables bought on eBay for a good price with a 60 day trial policy...