Could some one explain how to buy best cables?


Economically that is. I am really confused. I look at clasified and there is price range from few hundred to few thousands! I am in market for interconnects for my new 'small' Jadis electronics based system.

Could you explain how to differentiate between snake oil and real thing?
What constitutes SOA cable?
What does $X000 cable does that $x00 does not?

thx,

Nil
nilthepill
Anyone else notice that every cable discussion reads like another version of "Groundhog Day"? It's the same go-nowhere discussion over and over. Author professes naivete and confusion about cabling with the ubiquitous reference to snake oil, followed by the broken-record flaming of hypothetical cable-mongers (otherwise known as "they") who have been duped by the smoke-and-mirror tactics of people like George Cardas and Ray Kimber, only to come full circle to the inevitable confession by the author that he/she already had the answer in pocket.

Cabling is one aspect of this hobby that can potentially bust through all of your forgone conclusions. Room treatment is certainly another. However, it would appear that inside the circuitous boundaries of this banter, most would rather be right than curious.
I would definitely try a pair of Speltz Anti-Cables ($100). They compared very favorably to my Jena Labs Symphony cables that sell for $1,100. I think the anti-cables would work best with tube electronics as they are very revealing. I haven't figured out which I like better so far, the Jena's or the Anti-cables. I think my preference would vary by system makeup and tube vs: solid state. However, the Anti-cables do work well in either. No real cost to try them as I think he gives you a free trial period. However, mine aren't going back. They are keepers at any price. Who'd a thunk it?
Just go to something cheap secondhand one. Anything you think to fit into the sonic you want to have. Than try others compared to it. If you bought cheapo, you could easily sell with minimal loss. Preferably, buy from a company which does not have higher up cables. Like Rscables. Normally, those ones which have a cable-hiearchy making the cheaper line coloured in order to force you to upgrade... Or buy such a well respected cheap cable like Goertz Mi2, Kimber 8tc or whatever else which could be the reference point. Than who knows what would happen...
As far as speaker cables go, you'll do just fine with a decent 12-16 gauge zip cord. Unless you're worried about aethetics. Otherwise you're wasting money. There's some good info at audioholics.com about speaker wires & snake oil.