cable recommendations


I just took the plunge I bought my first proper 2-channel system, which consists of a pair of VTL MB-450 tube monoblocks, VTL 5.5 preamp and Dynaudio C1 speakers. The only things missing from my system are cables and better front end (I currently a Technics SL-1200 going into a Cambridge Audio 640p phono preamp, and a Squeezebox for my digital stuff).

I listen to a variety of styles of music, so I guess I'm looking for a speaker cable that's pretty neutral (since I'm guessing the VTL amps in triode mode will color the sound a bit anyway). I'm currently thinking of using Nordost Red Dawn for speaker and balanced connection between pre and power amp. For source interconnects I'm thinking either Red Dawn or Cardas Cross.

Thoughts?
jibbonacci
Morrow audio is now charging a 8% restocking fee to return the cable or full store credit towards a future purchase.
Try Kubala Sosna and take a look at there upgrade and return policy. Best I've seen in the business.
If you are looking at Red Dawn I would also look at Blue heaven v2 which is cheaper than the Red Dawn. I liked the Blue heaven better but never owned either. I owned some of the SPM line which is better than both of them and a little more expensive.
Hi

You should try Morrow audio cable...i'm not affliate with them but i'm happy customer...I have ma3...it's awesome cable.

try it from ma1 sp1...then upgrade. they have 60 days audition time and if you like it...you keep it or return it!

enjoy!

I auditioned Red Dawn on Graaf GM200 and EAR and it's a great match. Found NOT a good match on both Pass and Krell. Better match with Tube components.

Check out Zu Varial MK3 interconnects. It works especially well with tube components. Varials replaced most of my very expensive cables. Check out the 6moon review.
Thanks for all the recommendations. I actually decided to try out the Grover Hoffman cables and with his 60 day return policy if it doesn't work I'll come back to this thread to look into some of the other cables mentioned.
CongratÂ’s, you have some great gear.

Crimson is a little heard of English company with only one or two US distributers, but the cable is first class. They'll blow you away... Turned my Special 25's into a whole new speaker. Great speed, very detailed top to bottom, they sound great with tube gear... Use them throughout. They need to break in for about 50 hours but OMG.
I think that silver cables are a nice match with systems with tubes. I've personally found that silver in my systems have brought out the best synergy with my tube components.
I have heard those amps and Dynaudio speakers work well using either Shunyata or Harmonic Tech wires at a local hi fi dealer.
Consider Pure Note new or used. Much better than Red Dawns or Cardas Cross. Trial period makes it a "no brainer."
Suggest checking out Clear Day Cables - very reasonably priced and amazingly good sound - no emphasis on one spectrum over another - much better than Signal Cable Ultra Bi Wires I had and enjoyed - 30 day monet back guarantee - I am not affiliated , just a very satisfied recent customer
In addition to Signal Cable or Blue Jeans Cable you may consider Canare Star Quad 4S11 available as DIY or assembled from haveinc.com. These are all good cables that give a more neutral signature.

Many of those "expensive" cables are more apt to give their own sonic signature.

p.s. very nice system you have going - congrats!
If you haven't tried the red dawn cables you should. I tried them several years ago and thought they had a very steely bleached out sound and that was with a pass labs amp and veinna accoustic speakers both considered to be on the warm side.
Thanks for all the responses. I initially considered getting something from Blue Jean Cable since they seem to be a quality cable for the money. But then I thought that since I already invested quite a bit of money in amps and speakers I might as well getting some of good quality to get as much as I can out of the system, which is why I came on this forum to ask around.

Thanks again, I will look into those suggestions.
If you want best bang for the buck, try PNF Audio. it will impart the least sonic signature of its own on your system and will do what a cable should, cleanly transfer a signal. The PNF Symphony speaker cables and ICON ic's together can't be beat unless you spend orders of magnitude more, and even then I'm not convinced you'll get truly better performance.
I'd try copper only first with the great equipment you've assembled. Give them plenty of time to settle in and give yourself time to discover how much information is there, copper's richness and detail aren't in your face, so be patient and listen the detail is there. It took me time to go from silver to copper but now I don't see myself going back. I don't think you can go wrong with Cardas or Kimber if you want to move up in the line or out of the line both are resellable at a minimal of loss.
I would give Signal Cable or Blue Jeans Cable products a try, and then later try some more expensive stuff if you want to.

Mark