I usually measure the distance between the components I am hooking together and add a foot or so as I do not have a cabinet where I can take off the back to run the wires. (We made these when I had my shop--made changing components easy!) I need a little extra length to move components in and out without scratching anything.
Then, I make sure they have gold-plated ends as they do not seem to corrode as much as others.
After that, I pick a fairly well-know manufacturer--Monster seems to have a fairly good line, but there are others. As for speakers, I run 12/2, and boy has it gotten expensive! BUT, since I only need a few feet--maybe 20 at the most, and since I use Maggies, I only run one pair of speakers on my main music system (as opposed to the A/V system for TV), so not so bad.
I know many believe that very expensive cables are "better" and I have no problems with that--as a dealer, I LOVED it! The mark-up is wonderful. For me, normal cables are just fine, but you buy whatever you think is best for you.
I have been running Audio Research and Magnepan gear since 1974, and I have never had an issue with any of these cable choices.
Cheers!
Then, I make sure they have gold-plated ends as they do not seem to corrode as much as others.
After that, I pick a fairly well-know manufacturer--Monster seems to have a fairly good line, but there are others. As for speakers, I run 12/2, and boy has it gotten expensive! BUT, since I only need a few feet--maybe 20 at the most, and since I use Maggies, I only run one pair of speakers on my main music system (as opposed to the A/V system for TV), so not so bad.
I know many believe that very expensive cables are "better" and I have no problems with that--as a dealer, I LOVED it! The mark-up is wonderful. For me, normal cables are just fine, but you buy whatever you think is best for you.
I have been running Audio Research and Magnepan gear since 1974, and I have never had an issue with any of these cable choices.
Cheers!