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speaker and interconnects, how nice do I need

I am putting a system together, It is a NAD c356bee integrated amp, dynaudio x14 bookshelf speakers, and Marantz sa8005 cd player.  I put this together used for 2000, so I don't really want to spend another 2000 on cables.  What level of cables matches the level of components, I was hoping to stay under 200 for the pair of interconnects and speaker cables, so @ 100 each, is this possible.  Is my system still on the economical side to the point that it does not matter much, or will I notice a big difference between cables. 
thanks
sam
128x128sam_peloton
jl35
4,017 posts
 
Transparent makes some great cables in your price range
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I second the Type 4
terry9
2,342 posts
 
Make your own, make your own.

I would go SUPERcheap - the cheapest you can possibly buy. A few bucks. Then try more expensive cables, and see if they make a difference. You may find that cabling is the least cost-effective way to improve your system,

For line level interconnect, I use pro microphone cable, Canare StarQuad L-4E6S with ETI connectors. Mogami W2534 and ETI connectors is a good alternative. For speakers, I use Goertz. About $200 all in for two interconnects and two speaker cables.

Just one caution - if you are soldering teflon jacketed wire, be very careful to exhaust the fumes. Mogami is probably a better choice for that reason, but I have a soldering station with a fume hood, so I can get away with it.

Works for me, and my system is far from cheap. I would rather spend money elsewhere.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Before trying anything else....order some Canare 4s8 speaker wire and make your own cable. Super inexpensive and I was impressed by how good my little Dynaudio Dm 2/6 sound w/this wire. As far as interconnents, make your own. I made some using Mogami 2549 wire. Recently bought some Wireworld Luna7 and I was impressed how good they are for $40 a meter. Lots of choices and good luck finding the right combination! Bill.
mesch
3,511 posts
 
Buying used is a great Idea. The cheapest speaker cable I have used is 12ga. jacketed in wall cable for ~$0.50/ft..  That and Inexpensive interconnects can be found on Ebay. This would get you by while exploring the market.

A pair of 10" Audioquest Type 4 cables could be had for ~$65.  Check out Ebay also. 

The Canare cable may serve you well. The 4s11can be had for ~$1.50/ft and the 4s8 is less. I bought 20' of the 11s however never put them into service so can't speak to how they sound against the Type 4s. Guess I need to do that. 

Music Direct was selling Audioquest Diamondback interconnects for $75. Can't say if they still are. I bought from them a 0.5m pair sold as demo for $45. Check them out online.
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