Best interconnects from preamp to amps, within budget


Hi folks. This is my second post to these forums. I’m setting up my equipment again for the first time in decades. A lot has changed since then.

The first thing I did was get new surrounds on my JBL L100t woofers. Then I took one component at a time to the shop for complete inspection, repair and tweaking.

For setup, I bought a bunch of Audioquest Tower interconnects. It was the best I could come up with based upon my little bit of research and budget. I immediately noticed an audible improvement over the 30+ year old generic "patch cords" my equipment came with.

When I hooked up my preamp to the amps (bridged) I discovered I didn’t have any new interconnects that would reach that far. For now I’m using some that are at least a few years old and generic. So, what SHOULD I be using for the preamp/amps connection? I do have to stay within a modest budget, the equipment restoration isn’t cheap. If nobody laughs too hard, I could spend as much as $100-$200 for this connection. They need to be at least 8 feet long, assuming they each need to be the same length.

I have recently read that proper interconnect selection can vary widely depending on the equipment that one uses. For the record, my current system is as follows:

2 Harmon Kardon Citation 22 amplifiers, bridged together

Harman Kardon Citation 25 preamplifier

Harman Kardon Citation 23 tuner

Harman Kardon HD7600 CD player

Harman Kardon HD7400 CD player ( so the same remote doesn’t control 2 CD players)

Harman Kardon EQ8 equlaizer (Not currently in-line, to be used for goofing around with bootlegs etc)

2 Sony TC-K620 cassette decks ( need to be shopped yet )

JBL L100t speakers, until new surrounds are broken in

JBL L100t3 speakers after others are broken in

Thanks for any help with this. As always, it’s appreciated!

Todd K Stearns

128x128toddsyr

I would go to Blue Jeans Cables and pick up a pair of their standard interconnects. They are well-made and will get you up and running just fine. Under $100 for what you need. My advice is to get set up and listening to music. You will have plenty of time to worry about expensive cables later on. Just FYI, many people here think it’s a total waste of money to buy anymore expensive. If you insist on spending more, check out Signal Cables. The Silver Resolution cables are very good at $220 for an 8 foot pair.  They are a bit thinner and more flexible than Blue Jeans, if that matters to you.  Enjoy. 

I would look at Kimber Kable PBJ Interconnects. Should be able to get 2m length for $200 +/-

At a $200 price point strata, it’s largely distilled down to a “ just pick one of ‘em” exercise.

As you've had good experience with AQ, why not try their better cables? You'll need the non-paired versions for your monos. Look at the Red River at around $250 for a 3m pair. Search for the best price.