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Recommend a Cable/Interconnect Set

I know this issue stirs controversy and can spark "vigorous dissent" (understatement), but I was looking for some recommendations on both speaker cables and interconnects for my system.

Can you guys suggest a modestly priced but high performance set of cables? I know 'modestly' covers a lot of ground, so what would be extremely helpful is some sort of "buyer's guide" to offer insight on what characteristics to look for, how to decide what you need, and how to set a budget so that I, and others reading on or those new to this pastime, can make a more informed decision.

Though I subscribe to the basic premise that the more you spend, the better it gets, I also know there is also a point of diminishing returns on the price:performance curve.

My equipment is:
HiFiBerry DAC
Krell KRC-3
Bryston 4BST
Dahlquist DQ10* (see below)
Polk PSW650

Right now, I have Monster XPHP going to the speakers, and an old set of Monster interconnects from the DAC to the Krell. Lengths for interconnects can be as short as 1.5 or 2 feet, since all my electronics are together, out in the open, and accessible from behind.

So, I figure I'll need:
1x Balanced (Krell to Bryston)
2x RCA (one for the DAC to Krell, the other Krell to PSW)
1 set speaker cables ~8-10 ft

Hit me. I'm all ears. Those of you who have indluged me in other similar questions of this type (i.e. power amp, preamp) know I take your input seriously and act on it, so this isn't just an exercise.

Thanks in advance for all your help!


(* - At some point in the future, I hope to buy a set of CLSII's, so kindly factor that into the recommendation since it doesn't make sense to buy a set of cables and find they're not up to the task down the road)
parabolic
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,457 posts
 
ClearDay is much less expensive than you might think....I'm using DoubleShotgun....the most expensive.  I was surprised how cheap considering they're silver (but don't sound like what people think silver sounds like)...  If you're an inquisitive audiophile, just get the review samples he lends out.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
I agree to at least look into Clear Day Double Shotgun speaker cable; start there and use Mogami, Canare or Belden IC’s until your budget allows to upgrade later. I started with the Double Shotguns and later added Pauls single and balanced IC’s. Great cables for the money... you’ll have to spend much more to better them. As mentioned earlier, Paul will send you a set with no money upfront to make sure you like his cables first so what do you have to lose? Clear Day single IC’s are fairly affordable so not sure you can buy much for much less anyway. Paul’s balanced cable is a little pricier but it’s a great cable.
simao's avatar
simao
1,817 posts
 
Paul at Clear Day will sell you only what you need. His cables far outperform their price point and he's one of the most personable audio people I've talked with. Plus, he makes all his own stuff right in the Southwest. 
mesch
3,469 posts
 
Regarding budget determination for cables, I allocate 10% to 15% of the price I paid for the components to be interconnected to the cables to do so. Then buy used off AG or Ebay.

I purchased Audioquest Columbia interconnect cables and Kimber 12TC speaker cables.

As can be noted here and on many other cable threads, Clear Day Cables (and Paul) come highly recommended for quality budget cables. If I was looking to change cables I would give Paul a call.
inna
7,296 posts
 
If you wish to try those Clear cables, I suggest you first get his best RCA and put it on your DAC, then the second cable and so on. First cable in the chain is the most important. Another approach is to get all Clear cables right away, all top of the line, burn them in for 200 hours and then decide. Since you can return them there is no risk except that you may like them a lot and would have to pay perhaps a little more than you planned. Personally, I would probably take the first approach. 200 hours no less. Do not judge any cable before that.
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