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Audioquest Makenzie XLRs

I have the opportunity to purchase Audioquest cables at approx 40% below retail... 

I cant spend hundreds or thousands on cables.

Is there a better XLR cable for the money at the price point of $110 a pair than the Audioquest Makenzie?  110 is my cost.  Next up the line in AQ more than doubles my cost.... cant swing that much on ICs.

Gear consists of Marantz 7704, ATI 1807 Amp, B&W CDM 9NTs.
Not high end by any means but it's far better than what I had.

So .... is there a better cable for the money?
Seems AQ Makenzie is well reviewed and well designed.

Thoughts? Comments?  Assistance and advice is appreciated.
lightfighter2018
gdnrbob
4,476 posts
 
I am a big AQ fan and think they are the way to go.
The performance of their cables is a step up from other cable manufacturers with regards to price.
Bob
dustsailor
28 posts
 
My experience has been the opposite. I've found that you can do much better than Audioquest at the same price point. I'd also avoid silver-plated connectors and silver-plated spades which is what Audioquest uses on most of their products.
lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
If I should avoid AQ.... what are a few solid recommendations that wont break my budget of <150ish a pair??


Also -- same goes for power cords and hdmi cables. looking for recommendations for my AVP and amp.

Although I dont want to spend 100 for hdmi -- 50-100 max

Thx
gdnrbob
4,476 posts
 
Either call AQ, or call or PM John Rutan with your questions. His Agon ID is audioconnection. He can give you great, free advice regarding your system.
Bob
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
Are you buying interconnects for 2 channels or 7 channels (or somewhere in between)?

Why XLR? I don’t believe either the Marantz or ATI are differential balanced. 

I’m a big fan of AudioQuest,  However, I’m not sure I’d throw a lot of money at cables for your system. I once did that for a 5-channel dual purpose AV system. Even with a good deal on cables, the $$$ add up quickly. 
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