Glupson, I have read a few of the threads on the cable forum and asked a couple questions on one of them that is quite vitriolic.
Usually you can get an idea of what the better brands are on most audio products through reviews and their names being mentioned, or praised with some frequency on various forums, Audiogon being a better one for that. I’ve yet to find a pattern with cable recommendations yet.
There seems to be a wide range of opinions and an even greater diversity of manufacturers. With speakers, and with amps it was relatively easy to figure out the front runners and whittle the list down to size prior to demoing. Maybe that’s in part due to having prior experience with components. No such luck so far with cables. Maybe I just haven’t read enough yet or had any practical experience with various grades of cable to venture a guess, like I’ve had with speakers, amps, turntables and to a lesser degree CD players.
I used to subscribe to audio mags like Hii-Fidelity, Stereo Review and Audio and I don’t recall any reviews on cables other than the Monster Cables when they came out. As an aside, I always thought a pairing of Monster Cables and Ampzilla would have been poetic. So this cable arena is all new to me, has a certain gladiatorial element and prices startling for someone who’s never considered anything but zip cord for wiring components. Have you mentioned what cables you use? Just curious. I’ve written down so many brands I’ve lost track of who's recommended what.
Tomstruck, you’re lucky you have Audio Connection so close. You should mention to them they should set up shop in Roanoke. I’ll look at your link on the Aesthetics. I couldn’t find too much earlier except for one short positive review.
Mike