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Looking For 90% of the performane of the super expensive cables for much less money

I currently have a system which consists of Vandersteen 5A's, THor Audio TP-150 tubed monoblocks, Thor Line Stage and Thor phono stage, Marantz SACD player SA-114 and will take delivery of the VPI Prime Scout with a Sumiko EVOS 3 Cartridge. I am currently using LAT International Speaker Cables, Power Cords and Interconnects. (They are no longer in business). I am in immediate  need of turntable cables and would like to update my new speaker cables and interconnects. Not willing to spend thousands on this upgrade. Seeking to capture as much of the "magic" that the super expensive cables deliver but at a more realistic price point. I understand that I have really good quality equipment, but at this stage of my life cannot allocate mega dollars towards cables.
 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 
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tom1000
12 posts
 
Have you noticed which cable brands are rarely sold as used. There may be a reason.

The performance of a cable is directly tied to the materials used and the design. Where the materials come from will make a difference in performance. Personally I like a well designed cable fabricated from US made materials.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
A grade Materials + bad design = crap
Adequate Materials + great design = music
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Dave I believe there is some truth to that. It seems that when I use  Eichmann rca connectors it always sounds better, regardless of the wire used. 
hocheye's avatar
hocheye
39 posts
 
I would try signal cable speaker cables which I have very nice if your system is on the bright side they tamed my compression drivers in a very nice way.I have the Evo 3 on my table it is on the bright side for me, not sure how the vandys sound but a wicked nice speaker!I like synergistic research interconnects which I also have very neutral cable, again it's all about synergy within your system.I have tube amp tube pre which may factor into how the cables fit into my system.I am sure you can find good cables without spending s truck load of cash.
tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 
S/H cables are the best way to get top performance for much less.
Previous top of the line cables are available for a fraction of their initial selling price - the only problem can be finding exactly what you want.

FWIW I've just re-installed my Straightwire Maestro speaker cables that I bought back in the early '90's. They were relegated to my parts box when I required longer lengths after moving from mono amps to a stereo unit. I bought some longer lengths of Goertz Mi-2 because it was economical and had some good reviews.
Now with mono amps again I'm amazed at how good the Maestro cables sound - running bi-wire pairs to ATC SCM19's - the top to bottom clarity and detail is superb, as is spaciousness and imaging.
I'm kind of mad at myself for tossing these cables aside more than 20yrs ago.
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