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Cable Costs Relative to System

Since making a spread sheet with my audio system prices, I have been thinking(shocked) about my total investment in cables. My total system retails at $67,000 (Digital and analog front ends included). I purchased all of it here on Audiogon so my investment is about 50%. Of that I have about 10% invested in interconnects and cables and another 10% in Power Cables (Shunyata Hydra included). That's $13,000 worth of wire. I'm starting to question whether it might be more effective to put some of this budget into acitve components. It would take forever to listen to all possible combinations, but would like to hear others experiences with relatively high end systems and cable selection. It would seem to me that the point of diminishing returns would be reached sooner with cables than with speakers and amps. Do most of you follow the 10% "rule" for cabling? How do PCs fit into this rule? Are there any super bargain cables capable of keeping up with highly resolving electronics?
metaphysics
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,472 posts
 
The idea is to find the cable that sounds best to you in your system. Do not buy by price (staying within your budget), but by sound. There are many inexpensive cables that sound great.
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,243 posts
 
IMHO, a good front end is incredibly important and like finding the speakers that make you happiest along with amp and pre-amp, are the first thing you should get right and stable in your system. My approach has been along this path and it has served me well in terms of overall baseline sound that I am looking for. After that, it's really a matter of what cables (regardless of price) 'finish' the system and compliment the synergy of components and overall system that you put together. I've heard all levels of cables; some of them give subtle improvements that are good, others cast a shadow on the system according to their house sound, etc. etc.. etc...It runs the gamut to be sure. I guess that when it is all said and done having an overall mix of component versus cabling (which really is a component too!) in mind is a good thing but regardless, the overall priority should be getting the sound you like!
scott_wolff
19 posts
 
Metaphysics,

It's possible you've received a ton of great data. My thoughts - experience, really - is that speaker cables and interconnects make the most dramatic impact to a system. I’d place their importance in the top 3 most-important. Amplifier, speakers and interconnects. My investment in cabling (Dynamic Design 10th Anniversary Nebula) is roughly 1/3 the cost of the system. It’s creepy the effect cabling brings.

All the best,

Scott Wolff
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,243 posts
 
Power cables should be added to Metaphysics list; my experience is similar with respect to the impact that interconnects and speaker cables have made to my system. Power cables also fit that same high priority category and should be explored...
audiokitty
3 posts
 
Power cables is a must for your system. Parts is one thing i will look at. and Matching is the most important. You can have the most expensive cable but doesn't match your system. = useless.
The more expensive your system goes, your power and power cord is more and more picky.
and power cable is best to change it form top - down of the system as well.
another important is the wall outlet as well. change that first, since most cost only $300, and sure will hear a big different even from your FREE power AC.
Just my 2 cents.
Happy listening.
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