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Interconnect Cables for Pre-and Power amp

Hi, I’m searching for a pair of interconnect cables connection my pre-amp (Ayre K-1xe) and power-amps (Pass Labs XA30.5) – both Solid State. FYI, the speakers are a pair of Harbeth C7-es3.

Preferably, I’d get the Balanced interconnect cables to get the full potentials of these amps. What would you recommend for mid-end/used cables (brands, models, etc)? What’s the typical lengths of the cables – 1.5m or 2m?

My choices of music are mostly vocals, jazz, pop songs, symphony, chamber and some blues and rock(no heavy metal or other modern music types). I look for cables that deliver extended highs, natural/full-body mid-range and dynamic bass with excellent imaging and soundstages.

Thank you for your recommendations.
r0817
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I believe I listed a few specific models. Any one of them should bring you in well under budget. You may want to consider another resource. For cables, I use The Cable Company. They have a demo program where they lend you a bunch of cables that you want to try so you can demo them in your system. I use them all the time, as do many other people on this site.

If you just need something to get you buy and don't mind taking a small chance, find a good used pair of AQ Jaguar. You shouldn't have any problem finding them in the $100-$200 range. Its a true high end cable that sounds very good with just about anything. You can use it as a reference for judging other cables and you'll always be able to sell it for about what you paid. I have a pair of TARA The 2 that went for about $1500 and they sound just as good. Even a little better in the bass.

Like I said before, you have really good, well matched components. You don't have to play the cable game.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,926 posts
 
Try some Darwin Silver ICs and be done with it. If it's coherence you're after, and all the attendant qualities, plus the other ones you're after, you really can't do better for the price you mention, and they'd be new.

All the best,
Nonoise
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,912 posts
 
Audioquest SKY.
listener57
730 posts
 
Realitycables.com products are top drawer and there is no sticker shock with XLR balanced IC at $275 for new three foot pair. I have used the slightly cheaper RCA interconnect version for many years.
While all the customary virtues are present, the most outstanding is the illusion of performers and instruments physically present within the listening room.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Why Sky? Its all silver and its almost exactly the same cable as the Cheetah, and double the price. Also, its very hard to get silver sounding right between an amp and preamp. The OP's components are very revealing. There's a very high chance that using a cable like that will deliver high frequencies that are a little bright and have a detached sound from the rest of the music. There's always the possibility that it will work OK but I wouldn't take a chance without a demo first.
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