While Grant does have a point, there is still a piece missing, the listener's personal preferences. I've known people who have owned the same equipment as myself, yet we disagree on cables because our musical choices and tastes are different. So contacting folks with Rowland amplification and/or Avalon speakers does not hold much weight either, IMHO.
Another suggestion, which I find works better for me than The Cable Company (I have a 6% sales tax as well, since I live in PA), is to buy and sell used on AudiogoN. The money lost is very minimal, if any at all, with some wise buys.
I've demo'd many cables, power cords, speakers and equipment that way. It's the only way to try things in your own system, IMHO.
That said, certain cables do have certain common traits. Nordost Valhalla will be stunningly fast and transparent, but may sound lean and thin in a analytical system. Cardas Golden Reference will sound full-bodied and warm, but may sound lifeless in a warm system. These are not just experiences of mine, but have been replicated with experiences of many other audiophiles.
So I think Gary is looking for a couple good suggestions of starting places. Cables with known traits as neither too warm or too detailed. I don't think he's looking for someone to tell him what cable he WILL like, just a couple of ideas of where to start trying in the AudiogoN marketplace. It is easier if you do a little 'homework' with fellow enthusiasts first, so you don't have to try EVERYTHING.
Maybe with some help, and some searches, both here and at AA, he can come up with a list of 3-5 cables he'd like to try. Many Audiophiles I've talked to have similar impressions on cables 'qualities', we just disagree due to systems and tastes. So you can gain some insight as to where to start. If he could find a thread like you started Grant, about power cord flavors, for cables, that would be helpful.
Earlier I echoed a Tara Labs recommedation, as I've always found them to be well balanced. Gary mentions that he does like the PAD Venustas, so maybe looking to move up the PAD line is another option.
That's enough for tonight.
Cheers,
John
