Two things: what I like and what your friend likes may be very, very different. The only sane way to buy hardware is to audition, audition, and audition some more. Then make a decision. A specialist dealer is your friend. But remember: your ears, your money, your decision.
Second, cables (power, interconnect, speaker) offer the least bang for the buck. I suggest that you spend the money on better components, which, if chosen correctly, will offer much better return on investment. Connect them with literally the cheapest cables you can buy.
Yes, cables can make a difference. Just not much of a difference compared to upgrading a major component.
My interconnects are made from microphone cable, $1 a foot, connectors $30. That’s good enough for a system with a phono cartridge valued at more than your budget. I suggest that you set up with cheapest cables and test any cables before you buy. Compare cheap to expensive. Your ears, your money, your decision.
IMO
Second, cables (power, interconnect, speaker) offer the least bang for the buck. I suggest that you spend the money on better components, which, if chosen correctly, will offer much better return on investment. Connect them with literally the cheapest cables you can buy.
Yes, cables can make a difference. Just not much of a difference compared to upgrading a major component.
My interconnects are made from microphone cable, $1 a foot, connectors $30. That’s good enough for a system with a phono cartridge valued at more than your budget. I suggest that you set up with cheapest cables and test any cables before you buy. Compare cheap to expensive. Your ears, your money, your decision.
IMO