Speaker cable recommendations in my budget

Anticables 

Bought a set of QED speaker cables. Extremly nice set of cables for the money. great clarity. Under $100.

As someone who has been in a similar market (around $100-200 for cables), I've done hours of research and a few auditions.  I wound up being extremely happy with SignalCable (I bought their intermediate level, called the Ultra).  

The owner, Frank, talked to me on the phone for about 15 minutes and actually said in my system, he thought I'd be totally fine with his lower tier cable.  I was so impressed with his honesty I bought the more expensive option anyways as some "future-proofing." 

I've been extremely impressed with the build quality and the sound.  I'm not a huge believer in cables past a certain point, at least for the caliber of my system, but these are a nice addition.  

(No affiliation, just a satisfied customer).  

+1 soix. I would get Canare 4s11. A 10' pair can be had for well under $150. How much depends on termination. If looks matter check out RAM, also Blue Jean cable. 

Signal Cable

Belden 1313A. Quite a step up from Belden/BlueJeans 5T00UP. Lower capacitance and lower impedance. Can be obtained by the foot from Anixter, 248-475-8028. Here are the specs for the cable, great price, great performance and zero snake oil! I think it worth a try for anyone! Good luck!

https://catalog.belden.com/index.cfm?event=pd&p=PF_1313A

If the OP is still searching, I second the recommendation of looking for a set from MIT’s AVt or Terminator lines. Definite bargains can be had there that will fall in your price range and will give you performance way above what you pay. 
If you’re looking for new, another option that can be found at Amazon are products from the seller Worlds Best Cables. I’ve bought two sets of speaker cables for my PC audio/desktop setups and have been very impressed...Gotham cabling from Switzerland with high end Japanese connectors. Their RCA interconnects using Gotham and Canare cabling is very good as well. Again, I’ve bought multiple sets to use with my PC audio setups. You get a lot for the price with these guys...

Good luck with your search!

Arvin C

With a budget of $200,going used will get you about $400 worth of speaker cables. I have,Signal Cables,Anti Cables,Dyson Audio cables(eBay,no affiliation) and 2 pairs of Zu Libtech cables. I run the Zu’s with both my Monarchy Audio mono’s, and my First Watt F5. Big fan of Zu Libtechs. If you shop carefully,you can get some killer deals,you just have to do a lot of searching,and be patient. I picked up 2 10ft pairs of the Zu’s delivered for under $90 delivered. 

As if tochsii didn’t have enough good possible choices to consider, I’ll throw one more into the mix: SVS Soundpath Ultra. They’re a steal at 50 bucks for a 10-foot run and they sound terrific. Obviously, sound is what we most care about, but it doesn’t suck a bit that they’re also very good-looking, very malleable (easy to bend around corners if you need to), have gold-plated terminations and are made from top-quality materials, and have a 45-day trial period. SVS also has responsive, human customer service. I use the Soundpath Ultras in my HT rig (connecting a McIntosh power amp to Sonus-Faber towers), but just for shits-and-grins, I A-to-B’d them in my two-channel reference rig versus "audiophile-approved" speaker cables that cost five time as much; couldn’t hear a whit’s worth of difference. As we all know, everything is system-dependent and and room-dependent, but I’m a believer (said he, quoting The Monkees). I confess I’m a fan-boy, albeit sadly, an uncompensated one.
https://www.svsound.com/collections/accessories/products/soundpath-ultra-speaker-cable?wiz_medium=cp...

I have owned basic zip cord, AQ type 4 , GBC, and GLC. Morrow Audio too. Trust me. I am a solid unabashed +4 for the AudioEnvy cables. Heard his demo. Liked it. Bought speaker cables to try. Fell IN LOVE with the sounds of vibes,  triangles, etc. Anything with a "bell" tone was stunning! Every other parameter was as good, or better than any other cable. Give Captain a call or an email. He'll get you set. Now my whole system is AE!

AQ terminated by AQ. Buying used with the right terminations would help you buy up a bit. Good luck.

+1 on @moto_man post. Morrow has like %40 off now. And as others have suggested Blue Jean Cables are a solid value buy. I have used there interconnects for years until recently dabbling in high end products.
BJC thread:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/inexpensive-10-gauge-speaker-wire-blue-jeans-cable
PM me if you want to the code for the Morrow discount.

Nothing is going to rock your world regarding a speaker wire change! Maybe if what you have now is 22 gauge wire or similar 

When there is a sale, which is almost always, Morrow Audio has good speaker cables relatively inexpensive at the low end.  Remember that the less resolving the system, the less you will notice any change in speaker wire.

I had been using AntiCables with my Spatial Audio M3's and was well pleased with them until I found a more expensive Analysis Plus speaker cable . What is special about AP cables is their patented geometry which is used in all their cables ,regardless of price .
  I have not tried their cable in your price range, but feel confident that their impulse response should be the best you'll find . Less certain is the conductor quality at this price point vs competitors with simpler,cheaper geometry . The eBay vendor http://www.ebay.com/usr/cguitargear777 has the best price for new cable, but you can find used at times .

The PS Audio cables are sleeping giants.  They never got the accolades they deserved.  lots of cooper in those cables.  Great highs and mods, and the most amazing bottom end of any non network cable I have heard that are 5 times the price. 

I would say either the JW Audio cables or Speltz Anticables.  I had the Anticables for many years and it took a MUCH more expensive set of cables (over $700) to beat the sound in all ways.  I bought at least 5-6 different sets of cables and always returned to the Antis--at about $80 for an 8 ft. pair, it's a no brainer at your price.  

Bob

Without question: JW Audio.
Sold on Audiogon.
I'm using his cables with my Spatial M3 Turbo S and love them.

A used pair of Kimber 8T are still an excellent value.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33839
Monolith by Monoprice 12AWG Oxygen Free Copper Multi-Strand Conductors PE Insulated Speaker Wire, 25 Feet

I have used the DH Labs T-14 Silversonic cables for 10 years and have been pleased with the sound of my setup.
The 8 ft pairs are around $204 fitted with spades.https://silversonic.com/products/speaker-cables/t-14/

gdnrbob3,100 posts

  If you are looking for cables, know that many are system dependent, so doing a lot of homework will be to your advantage.
I would PM John Rutan (audioconnection) for some unvarnished information.
Bob

I didn't realise that some cables are system dependent. 
The OP has a Denon receiver, and speakers. It's surely, not too picky ay? What he buys maybe? What he has, as long as it's not damaged or undersize and of good quality, why change at all. Maybe millercarbon has a case and point.  I know the lengths are a factor in network style cables. I've had servo connects from the old Infinity RS systems, Polk (can't remember theirs), and a few DIY servo systems I cooked up through the years.  Live and learn. What cables are you speaking off? Is it because of a mechanical connection issue, or "that amp, that preamp, that speaker, this cable only" type deal.

Almost sounds like they left part of the passive XO out and put it in the cable.. please elaborate.  Thanks

Regards

..its a crap shoot.  All cables sound different depending on what they're connected to.  Get a dozen different brands on trial, and try them in your system.

@oldhvmec,
Yes, used cables allow you to buy a very good cable for at least half of 'new'. Cables by Transparent can go for pennies on the dollar if they are older iterations.
If you are looking for cables, know that many are system dependent, so doing a lot of homework will be to your advantage.
I would PM John Rutan (audioconnection) for some unvarnished information.
Bob

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MIT-Terminator-6-9-Feet-Speaker-Cables-Pair-Perfect-Condition/164033124157

$250  you won't regret buying these .

 I really only want to spend less than $150 but, I’d go to $200 if there some phenomenal cable that would rock my world.

Used an option? 
Lots of great deals ALL over. I've see 1000.00 cables go 1/10 their original price.

Second why change after 7-8 years. Just got the bug? I was just  wondering, WHY?

Respectfully

Thank you , glupson . 

schubert,

I think it was you who mentioned Zu cables and eBay in some other thread a year, or so, ago. I looked them up and bought two different pairs. Thank you.

+1 on Duelund DCA16GA hookup wire. For a sub-$200 budget you’re not going to beat it.

Go read the Audio Beatnik review. He came *this* close to getting rid of his 5-figure cables after using it.

AQ Type-4 or CV-8 on Music Direct's closeout. I have CV-8 which I clearly preferred to Blue Jeans, but possible Type-4 would do the job just as well and cheaper.

Actually, the Dueland cable you linked to is $10/meter, not /ft. I agree that this would make good speaker cable, although you probably want to double or triple up on this wire, depending on how long a cable you need and how efficient your speakers are.

Cable termination is as important as the cable itself, if not more so. Assuming you're going tom add connectors, make sure they are good quality, copper-based, and that you can use a good mechanical crimp. 

OP asked for speaker cable, let's keep with that.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/DUELUND-81415.html

This cable comes close to my Decware speaker cable which is quite good.  Remember, you need 4 runs since it's sold as a single strand.

24' = $240  Too rich?  www.signalcable.com

That is also very good wire for less money, but is not quite as good as the Duelund.  I have both, so have compared them.

NO ! ZU is as honest a company as there is in audio !Buy at their post on ebay and expect zero problems .

I'm not a speaker wire connoisseur by any means, but I use Mogami W3103 speaker wire. You can find under $3/ft and they sound marvelous

I’ve heard a lot of good suggestions on models & I appreciate the recommendation of isolating cones.  Do I have to worry about fake cables on EBay?  They find fake headphones & earbuds all the time.  Thanks for a of your suggestions,

Beyond ANY doubt the ZU cables selling for peanuts on ebay are THE
value supreme in audio.
The are built as well as average 1,000 $$ cable . Often better.AND have excellent  service !

After reading plenty of reviews from impressed users,
I took a wild punt on Mapleshade Clearview Double Helix Speaker Cables.
These were purchased as used items and imported to the UK.
I compared these against cables I had been using and the ones I thought were my best choice and in use.
It was not long before I could be assured the Mapleshades were a much better option, and were to become the successor to my other cables.
Mapleshades have a sonic signature, they are not a Bass Heavy presentation, with a colouration that I will refer to as a Muddiness, that is perceived in many lower priced copper cables.
They have a Clear Bass Note, that decays with a what feels like a honest portrayal.
The Mids and Highs have a projected presence that is very satisfying to listen to.

My Cables were taken to a Speaker Cable Comparison Event, where a system owner was looking to purchase a pair of speaker cables.
Approximately £5000 worth of Speaker Cables were present from
Six Brands with the Mapleshade being a additional wild card entry.
The group of attendees were in a unanimous agreement, that the system owners choice was correct for a pair of £700 Pure Silver Cables being the ones that worked best in the system, and these were selected over a few Cable Brands with a close to £1500 price tag.
The Wild Card Mapleshades were then Put on for their Audition, and the group of attendees now become split on their agreement as to what was the best cable in the system, and a few were Googling the Mapleshades to check for a deal like I got on mine.
I hope this info helps with your producing a shortlist.  
   
 

Straightwire.com full stop.

I highly recommend JW Audio Cryo Nova speaker cables.  At $10 per foot (pair), they compete with many cables 10 times their price.  They do nothing wrong and have solved treble glare in more than one system. 

Find Zu Audio cables on eBay. They sell there as auctions, or you can get them full price on their website https://www.zuaudio.com/ . Depending on length, you may be around $200. You pick the termination (or none at all). Libtec looks nicer, but all look good. Sound? Barrel of worms. Not any worse than any other you will buy. If anyone tells you that you could get it better, remind them it is a Denon receiver, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with Denon receiver.

At this level I’d see what member @grannyring has in his Acoustic BBQ line in your price range and just do that.  Best of luck. 

A cable that is often overlooked is the Supra line.  They have geometry similar to the Canare cable note above but I believe the materials of the Supra cables are superior.  An easy DIY project.  Suggest high quality terminations that are pressure fitted, i.e. fastened with set screws.  I think solder just messes things up and is difficult to do well on heavy gauge wire.

As important as the wire is, it is just as important to have the right connectors and how they are bonded to the wire. I believe that high pressure crimping by an industrial machine or ultrasonic welding is better than solder. Bare wire is also good but US welded bananas or spades are fine. I am also a fan of Blue Jeans Cables and the Canare 4S11 wire. You can easily cover it with nylon braid to improve the appearance. 

I just ordered 4 X 6.5 feet of Cardas 9.5 guage cable 
and 2 pairs of Kimber cable spades .
The spades are needed at the amp end
and the bare ( thined ) end will go to the speakers .
Each speaker recieves a + and - cable kept seperated .
I should have everything by a 7 to 10 days .
I'll update if interested .
I currently am using used Cardas Neutral Reference so I have a bit of a hurdle but for $217.00 with shipping it's worth a try for me .

tochsii-

How would I make my own?

Well first you would let someone sell you on the idea this is something worth doing. Then you would let someone sell you on the idea they know what materials and construction will be best for your budget and sonic preferences. Then you would shop around and buy the wire, insulation, terminations, solder, soldering gun, wire strippers, and electrical shrink wrap. Then you would let someone sell you on the idea they know what is the best way to put this all together. Because every single one of these things makes a difference, and you know nothing about it. So to say this is a leap of faith trusting someone you never met to tell you how to do it, don't even begin to cover it.

So let me tell you about making your own. I'm all for DIY. Did you look at my system???! Look at my system! https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 DIY turntable. DIY rack. DIY acoustic panels. DIY power conditioner. DIY subs. And practically everything that's not DIY has been modded. 

Now why do you suppose a guy this much into DIY has no DIY cables? Its not for lack of trying! I have a whole drawer full of old cables. Even at one point had some DIY cables. Because once long ago I was dim and gullible enough to be sold on the idea and so I tried. Then I met a guy who was as much a believer in DIY cables as anyone you will ever meet here or anywhere else. This guy had 30 years practice working on DIY cables. One time he comes over all excited to show me his masterpiece, the best IC he ever made in his 30 years. We plugged it in. It sucked. Well that was compared to some moderately priced cables. So I went to my old cable drawer, pulled out the oldest cheapest one in there. Cost a fraction of what he had in his just in parts. To say the guy was shattered wouldn't do it justice. His masterpiece was so utterly destroyed by my old discarded cheap cable he couldn't even try and deny it. 

So listen, you can buy cones. You can buy cables. But if you decide to make your own.... GOOD LUCK!

mofimadness-

I'm a HUGE proponent of BDR cones/pucks/pits/shelves. I have them everywhere. Don't think they'll solve your speaker cable issue though...

Right. They are awesome. And Right, they are not speaker cables. The OP will still want to upgrade cables some day. Fine. The improved dynamics and inner detail resolution Cones will bring will make it all the easier to evaluate and appreciate the differences between those cables.

In the big scheme of things where I dwell its all about picking the low hanging fruit. I never advocate anything hard and risky when there's something easy at hand. Components still connected with crappy plastic patch cords and freebie rubber power cords are only a little higher on the tree than components still sitting on the factory feet, but why reach any higher if you don't have to? Do you know any cones better than BDR? I sure don't. Which makes it a sure thing. I don't think anyone can honestly say the same about cables.

Finally, a lot of guys unfortunately are under the impression things like cones aren't serious components. Again, having used BDR you know this stuff is serious as a heart attack. So its worth it to the OP to learn this lesson early, and learn it well. For all these reasons I recommend BDR Cones over cables. 

Another vote for Audio Envy.Plenty of detail,sweet highs,great bass.

AudioQuest Type-4 - No Frills Build Speaker Cables, with BFA style banana plugs on both ends, from Audio Advisor. Relatively inexpensive, well built cables, with good, solid connectors

.

This........Solid core speaker cables really tightened up the bass in my system.   And at $109 shipped for an 8 footer it is a nobrainer to try.
https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AQT4NF&opt=474|492|494|498