1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 197304-119892

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
lanx0003
1,926 posts
 

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.

cymbalton85
2 posts
 

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

lightfighter2018's avatar
lightfighter2018 OP
91 posts
 

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.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,358 posts
 

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

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
942 posts
 

I like Morrow cables, and use the level 5 RCA interconnects. They have level 4 at 25% off and level 5 at 35% off. If you wait for a sale they are usually 40% off. They have great tonal balance and do not add any glare. That would be something to consider with B&W speakers. I’m in the process of going from single ended to balanced and even with a 50% upgrade offer , I’ll keep my RCA’s as I like them that much. If you purchase Morrow get the break in service ! Get a minimum of 200 hours, as they take 3-400 for full break in. My system is more revealing than yours and I promise you will not be disappointed! Plus they offer a return policy. I’ve compared them to Anti-Cables, Audioquest and Cardas at a similar price point and I prefer Morrow. Kimber was mentioned and I’ve not owned them so I can’t offer an opinion. I’m also considering some budget cables that do not have any silver and Pine Tree Audio was recommended and upon contact they said they’d build me whatever I wanted without any silver. I had a conversation with Terry London regarding my amp/ speaker combo as I bought some speakers on his advice. When I contacted him regarding budget cables he recommended Pine Tree and has written a review on their products. Regards  , Mike B. 

More to discover