Interconnect recomendations, ~$500 new or used, RCA...

I've been steadily moving up the Audioquest line of interconnects. The starkest difference (to my ears) was going from Water to Earth. I found a good place to stop with the Earth cables. I'm more than satisfied with their performance for the $$. You can usually find them used for a reasonable price. Hope this helps.

Here's what I bought when I needed new IC's: Audioquest Silver Extreme's. HCM had them on sale for $100 a pair. List price was $500/pr.Can't beat that! So I got 5 pairs for $500. Happiness!

In my specified price range I'm researching Harmonic Technology, Analysis Plus, Siltech, Nordost, Synergistic Research, Cerious, Triode Wire Labs and Black Cat...

I’ve tried many lower end (hero, diamondback, etc) and never heard much improvement until I moved to Nordost. I’ve used Heimdall 1s and Heimdalls 2s and Frey 1s. For my money, I’ve stayed with used Frey 1s for all my ICs. Pretty much equal to Heimdall 2s but available used pretty reasonably. I’ve also been impressed with Acoustic Zen ICs but I found them stiff and hard to route. Lately I switched my speaker cables to Morrow SP5s and really like the sound and the flexibility. If I were starting over I’d test the Morrow ICs (well priced new I think) against Frey 1s (used).

@pmboyd - Take a look at KLE Innovations - I have tried many of their IC' and speaker cables. They offer superb detailed and musical sound

The QDLOW1 is in your price bracket.

also - Read the reviews on the web site for additional feedback

Regards