Who else is using old cables/interconnects, and is happy?

Just had an interesting experience w/elderly cables. It didn’t go well:

• I pulled 2 pairs of 5 ft long Monster Cable M1 speaker cables (late-’80s vintage) out of storage
• I decided to biwire my ATC SCM 12 Pro passive monitors w/them. I’d been meaning to try it, but only had one run/pair of AQ Type 4 cables, so had been stalling.
• To make this work, I had to get 8 spade-lug-to-banana adapters. I affixed them very tightly on 1/2 the spade lugs (which my particular amp/speaker set up requires)
• With a lot of pain & struggling (those old spade lugs just don’t want to work w/WBTs!), got it done. Let the cables cook for ~100 hrs.

The other day I fired up the ATCs. Frankly, it sounded like shit--not very similar to my usual system of AQ Type 4 cables + 2 pairs of no-name 4" 12 gauge jumpers for the ATCs. Suddenly there’s a broad glare in the upper mids & lower treble; also some grain in the treble. The bass (which is otherwise epic for a 2-way in these ATCs + JLAudio sub) suddenly goes less deep with less impact.

I suppose the 8 adapters could be at fault. But I tend to think that those old Monster Cables just aren’t as good as up-to-date Audioquest type 4s.

Just swapped them back to original cabling this morning, and that great sound is back.

I have a bunch of 30 yr+Lindsay Guyer's and a pair of Kimber Select KS 1020 for my mains and I'm very happy!

With only a couple of exceptions, I’m still using Radio Shack interconnects and plain 14 ga. zip cord for speakers.  I’ve had a couple of occasions where one of my systems would develop a persistent hum and I’d have to do some chasing to locate it to eliminate.  Re-routing, replacement of interconnect with new, or replacement with XLR have always solved problem.  Obviously, I’m not a believer in the faux “science” that is pervasive in that segment of the audio equipment world.

Like inna6,071, I am still using Purist fluid cables from 25 years ago for my main speakers .... borrowed a few others to try and if anything they downgraded the sound.  Have  the entire main and secondary system on Monster Reference M1000 cables from 30 years ago, and haven't heard enough of a change with others to spend the money.  The only problem with the Monster's is physical .... some of their RCA connectors have required rewiring.

Just about everyone makes fun of expensive cables.  And yes cable prices can be ridiculous !  Cables and HT equipment are known for having the steepest depreciation curves in the audio sector.  Last year's $2k HT receiver is this year's $500 brick with outdated connections and features.  Cables ototh do not change much year to year.  Sure manufacturers try to come up with new ways to sell the same basic concepts, but really not much changes.  These facts make USED cables one of the true bargains in audio !  There is always a cornucopia of available choices, at all price points.  Prices are fairly stable after the first big depreciation hit, meaning one can buy and sell without losing too much cash (if any).   One can easily find outstanding, "expensive" cables that match your system and preferences, for a fraction of original price !  Go to Stereophile and other mag rec lists from 10yrs ago, note the recommended cables, then start bargain shopping !