2. cables
  3. 126133-85386

Recommend a Cable/Interconnect Set

I know this issue stirs controversy and can spark "vigorous dissent" (understatement), but I was looking for some recommendations on both speaker cables and interconnects for my system.

Can you guys suggest a modestly priced but high performance set of cables? I know 'modestly' covers a lot of ground, so what would be extremely helpful is some sort of "buyer's guide" to offer insight on what characteristics to look for, how to decide what you need, and how to set a budget so that I, and others reading on or those new to this pastime, can make a more informed decision.

Though I subscribe to the basic premise that the more you spend, the better it gets, I also know there is also a point of diminishing returns on the price:performance curve.

My equipment is:
HiFiBerry DAC
Krell KRC-3
Bryston 4BST
Dahlquist DQ10* (see below)
Polk PSW650

Right now, I have Monster XPHP going to the speakers, and an old set of Monster interconnects from the DAC to the Krell. Lengths for interconnects can be as short as 1.5 or 2 feet, since all my electronics are together, out in the open, and accessible from behind.

So, I figure I'll need:
1x Balanced (Krell to Bryston)
2x RCA (one for the DAC to Krell, the other Krell to PSW)
1 set speaker cables ~8-10 ft

Hit me. I'm all ears. Those of you who have indluged me in other similar questions of this type (i.e. power amp, preamp) know I take your input seriously and act on it, so this isn't just an exercise.

Thanks in advance for all your help!


(* - At some point in the future, I hope to buy a set of CLSII's, so kindly factor that into the recommendation since it doesn't make sense to buy a set of cables and find they're not up to the task down the road)
parabolic

Showing 1 response by bpruitt110498

bpruitt110498
2 posts
 
In process myself and best to consider "fun" and part of being an audiophile.  I was an AQ guy then borrowed some lower end Transparent Cable Gen 5 and was blown away by the difference (All ICs were still AQ it was just speaker cable).

My buddy was a huge help and I'd highly recommend doing a fully blinded test.  Pick 4-5 tracks that cover the range of music you like - listen to 1 minute of each, then, w/ same cable listen to all 5 again (Oh - cardboard placed over any spot where I could see which cable was hooked up and buddy switched them out and wrote down).  Then have buddy blindly switch them out and repeat the same music.  With higher end AQ and mid end MIT - MIT blew out of water.  (listened to the second set for about a minute it was so obvious).  

Then the bigger test.  ~$3-3,400 range for 10' MIT vs TC Gen 5 Ultra.  Blinded again and it took a little longer, maybe 2 more minutes and TC Ultra killed the 39 pole MITs.

I don't care about brand name- poles, geometry or any of that other BS - that's why I went completely blinded.

I don't have a great audiophile ear but I know what I like - and that is your challenge - take the time and find what sounds best to you (blinded)
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