RCA analog cable choices


I will preface that I am not looking to spend more the $500 on a pair of RCAs. I want a decent pair of RCAs but I have too many other expensive hobbies. Less is even better.  I am sure there is a point of diminishing returns somewhere in the ether - way above my price point - but I am sure there is some version of diminishing returns somewhere in the $200 - $500 price point... so given the limitations of my own system - I am looking for that sweet spot. No sense in spending more than I have to or want to spend. 

I picked up a Cambridge Audio: MXN10 and the DacMagic200M for a decent price and need some decent RCAs to go to my preamp. All in my entire system is less mid fi comparable to what is out there... but its my system. :)

I don't have a dedicated  2ch system yet. But working on it - my current system:

ATI 200 X 7 AMP
MARANTZ 7704 preamp
b&w CDM9NT - KIMBER 8TC speaker cables
Cambridge Audio MXN10 AND DAC200M

It was a system that was dedicated to home theater use - but we honestly don't watch many movies ever.  So I really am migrating to just 2ch ... I am looking for a stop gap until I can invest in a real system with real money but for now -- 

I was considering the following: 

kimber: pbj, hero
tributairies 6 or 8 series
BJC - LC2


I know there a dozen others that are out there - small custom shops etc... 

Given my system - anyone have any input or thoughts on where I should 'start'. I was leaning hard for the kimberr pbj and hero just because I have experience with Kimber products - and I am happy with the result -- but I am open to suggestions. 

Note:
My room acoustics are not ideal - hardwood floors with large area carpets. In great  room with kitchen and couch etc... have drapes etc.. but not professionally tuned by any means.

Thanks in advance.



 

lightfighter2018

You will receive many recommended cable choices here.  It seems you want reliable, relatively economical, RCA analog cables that accurately transmit voltage signals between your equipment.  A good pro audio cable from a company such as Mogami, Belden, Canare, Gotham, and others should accomplish your goals. Pro audio type cables are typically designed to achieve neutrality, durability, flexibility, and resistance to interference. Beyond that, personal preference and money come into play.

Third party constructors such as Blue Jeans Cables, Worlds Best Audio Cables, and others supply customers with terminated bulk pro cables. I would look for a shielded twisted pair, foamed PE insulation, and reasonably good connectors.  I like the Gotham 10666/10561 GAC-2 UltraPro 110 Ohm Digital Audio Cable (link), for both digital and analog purposes.  However, if you cannot terminate them yourself, it may be easier to find offerings from Belden and Mogami in the USA.

Mogami 2549 ($25/pair, 6 ft) - low capacitance (23 PF/ft), neutral

Mogami 2965 / Neutrik connector ($30/pair, 5 ft) - low capacitance (17 PF/ft), 75 ohm, neutral, you could use it as a digital cable as well.

Veritas Fidelis ($350, 1.5m) - Smooth, slightly warm side of neutral

DH Labs Air Matrix ($500, 1.5m) - Neutral, more bass presence

* If you don’t need to use cable for tuning your system, try Mogami first.

Test out WBC New ultimate series cables 

... Very reasonable around 169 to 29. Depending on length you can always return them. I have a lifetime guarantee. Quite a deal

Thank you for all of the recommendations. Where does Morrow Cables fit into recommendations? Good to go? Cullen Cables?  Anti-Cables? I have seen these mentioned on AG several times - so just wondering what the experience if any was good, bad, indifferent - and did anyone ultimately stick with these?

Thanks.

In your situation I'd be looking at Triode Wire Labs and DH Labs.  Both make very good cables with excellent price-performance ratio.