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Cable Costs Relative to System

Since making a spread sheet with my audio system prices, I have been thinking(shocked) about my total investment in cables. My total system retails at $67,000 (Digital and analog front ends included). I purchased all of it here on Audiogon so my investment is about 50%. Of that I have about 10% invested in interconnects and cables and another 10% in Power Cables (Shunyata Hydra included). That's $13,000 worth of wire. I'm starting to question whether it might be more effective to put some of this budget into acitve components. It would take forever to listen to all possible combinations, but would like to hear others experiences with relatively high end systems and cable selection. It would seem to me that the point of diminishing returns would be reached sooner with cables than with speakers and amps. Do most of you follow the 10% "rule" for cabling? How do PCs fit into this rule? Are there any super bargain cables capable of keeping up with highly resolving electronics?
metaphysics
abex
322 posts
 
After hearing Transparent Cables I see why those with alot of $$ pay for the exotics!
While those at the lower end of the Tax paying spectrum must hope to find the most cost effective solution.For myself it was getting a 47Labs OTA Cable Kit which could fill in for my internal speaker wire and wire most of the rest of my system. I think it come to about $500 in cables I spent total with the whole system going for $10K New.

As for percentage that it made up I guess it would be 5%. I think now it comes down to getting better with diminishing returns.
wally_li
24 posts
 
Don't blame me, I really enjoy in changing cables. My current allocation is 30% to equipment, 45% to cables, 20% to rack & stands, and 5% to tips and spikes. So, it is time to upgrade my gears and I've almost squeezed the last drop from the existing setup.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
It's a system thing. Like one of the other posters said, they are not "accessories", they are an integral part of the "system". If you get chincy on a CDP, you will probably end-up spending more than you would like to "tone-control" out the harshness. If you buy inexpensive components, then expensive cables will probably not help the system much. However, if you spend the big bux to get components that are very extended and resolving, expensive cables will take it to a new level. You will never get the performance out of the components without spending some money on cables. You will always be limiting their performance.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Audioengr has summarized the subject--almost. There are rather inexpensive components that are stellar performers. For example, I recently purchased Channel Islands passive preamplifier. Give it a shot. Dusty's goal is to have a $6K system rival $30K ones. I'm on the bandwagon!
triumph
10 posts
 
Save yourselves some time, energy and Hassle. Start with the Signal Cable Analogue II IC's and maybe try the new Stu Weinstein design for around fifty bucks. Just start there to have a basis of comparision. You may be very surprised
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