What cables are you running with your ARC gear

The sp16 does not have balanced inputs or outputs. A lot of ARC gear does. If mine did, I would lean towards using that.

I've had a variety of ARC equipment over the years and have had good luck with Empirical Design cables. The interconnects are particularly good--very neutral, flexible and harmonically correct. Best of luck!

I had an ARC system very similar to yours for quite awhile and used Audio Magic cables with satisfaction. During that period of time I auditioned cables from two other companies which did not match-up to what I had, so I came to the conclusion that Audio Magic must be a pretty solid product line to fend off the pricy cables they were up against.

I like Kimber Select for ARC. Audioquest and Tara are also very good.

The ARC branded cables from around 1990 were made by Cardas without the "Golden Ratio" wire laying. At the time they must have tried many, and partnered with Cardas. I do not know what their reference wires are today.

I like the older Cardas for single ended RCA connections with ARC equipment.

For balanced I prefer Pro cables like MarkerTek Canare or Mogami.

Ralph Karston (Atmosphere) believes inexpensive "Pro" balanced cables are all that is needed..

Look down this link for his take on balanced.

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?11472-BALANCED-v-UNBALANCED/page3