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Cables - Where to begin?

Hello all... man you guys have sucked me in fast. Not too long ago I would have scoffed at the idea of spending >$50 on a power cable, but here I am. So it begins:

I am currently running a Jolida 302B (stock preamp tubes, Svetlana matched EL34's) with Soliloquoy 5.0s and a Philips DVD963sa. Speaker cable is Canare 4s11 biwire and IC is an older mid level monster cable.

So I am looking at IC's and PC's...I'm looking to spend $100 each or less (the less the better.. I'm a student here) on two PC's and a good IC. The DIY PC is now my style, but I'd consider doing DIY IC's. Any ideas?

The REAL QUESTION: how do you guys go about auditioning these things? Do you buy a bunch nd return the no-gos or just do research and try to throw the dart at the right target so to speak? Do you have local dealers that are willing to loan you cable?

With so many options, it seems daunting to really make th eright decision. $100 is still a bit of money and I want to make

Thanks!
MAtthew
mkwhitley
ekistler_sj
60 posts
 
Check out Ernie M's DIY power cord kits. He's here on Audiogon, just do a search for Ernie and his info should come up (he's also known as Subaruguru). His kits are inexpensive and the product performs well.

I have one of Ernie's PCK12+G power cords and it outperformed a Tara Labs cord and a DH Labs cord - both retailed for a LOT more. I don't think that you could get a better bang-for-the-buck, IMO.
distortion
571 posts
 
I just acquired a used Virtual Dynamics Power Three, about 100.00 dollars or so. I am mightily impressed with this PC. Having compared MIT Zcord, Transparent Powerlink plus, and Signalcable Magic power. It is easily the best of this bunch.

I equally impressed with a custom DH Labs BL-1 bought from A’gon member Drubrew. This IC compared very well against Signalcable Analog 2, Monster Cable Reference 2, and Transparent Musiclink 100s. Less than 60.00 dollars with WBT RCA termination.
audiotrest
12 posts
 
I ordered 3 of the PCs from www.alexcable.netfirms.com a few weeks back and put them in my system - finally rid myself of some stock cables. Wow! Probably the best "bang for the buck" I have spent so far. I paid just $48 for each cable. I tried some $450 PCs from a few of the big name companies, and these seem to be their equal to my ears.

Good luck
mikesinger
572 posts
 
as far as ic's. if you can stretch a little more, here a couple of suggestions.

the coincident interconnect is a fantastic ic cable. they can be had for $140 to $160 used. this is "the" bargain high end interconnect in my opinion. the only cable i have found to be a smigen better is the xlo signiture II.

also wireworld eclipse and polaris ic's are very nice too and can be had for the $100 to $150 range.

hope that helps!!

mike
iseekheils
131 posts
 
Two cable companies that sell quality cables at reasonable prices are Alpha Core, and LAT International. You can get copper micro-purl interconnects from Alpha Core for less than $100 per pair. LAT power cords can be had, used, for a little more. You would probably have to spend a lot more to beat these wires. I have both, and I'm not thinking about upgrading. At least not for a while. Good luck.
Sonny
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