2. cables
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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
sgunther
187 posts
 
I have been very pleased with Grover Huffman cables. Reasonably priced, 60 day trial and trade in if he comes out with a upgrade.
parabolic OP
106 posts
 
@inna Since I built my system using older components that were pre-owned, would it not make sense to compare apples to apples by looking at the cost of pre-owned cables?  I have all of about $3000 into the DAC, Krell, Bryston, Polk and Dahquists.  Do you think I possibly get a decent set of cables other than what Best Buy carries that would do justice to my equipment by spending $600?

@lowrider57 That's a clever business model, and I'd certainly do that especially given the fact that they're only about 2 hours South of me in PA.  However their prices don't exactly seem competitive.  In fact, they look to be anywhere from 25% to 50% more than everyone else for any given item.  It's one thing to apply the 'rental' fee to a purchase, but holding you hostage by not being price competitive is a real turn-off.  I'm from New Jersey originally... I know what making an "offer you can't refuse" looks like when I see it.  ;-)
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,367 posts
 
parabolic,
I was about to recommend ClearDay, as stringreen had mentioned.

But if their prices are high, then I would recommend the Analog Series from Signal Cables for interconnects. For speaker cables, you could go with Ultra series. Talk to Frank from Signal. He can lend you some cables to try in your system. They are pretty good.
inna
7,296 posts
 
No I don't think $600 will be enough, you need a lot of cables. But I can't say how much would be. Besides, price/performance ratio varies. It would probably be at least double of those $600 for four sets.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I've written about this topic before but my experience with many brands and models of ICs and speaker cables has led me to settle on Audioquest budget level cables and AntiCables. Especially AntiCables products, which I feel offer one of the best values available.
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