entry level cables and Audioholics

I know reference level interconnects that cost $99. Really. They compete with anything out there. In fact, they are EXACTLY the same as a highly regarded cable that sells for $1400.

However, I see you getting bogged down in specs and measurements. The only thing that I will say is that drinking by the label, in audio as well as life, is a recipe for a lot of bad things to happen. Honestly, you will often not hear differences in cabling until other things are right.

I myself have put together what I considered high level systems which I could not discern meaningful cable differences in. It wasn't until I learned more did I realize that it was then time for cable. Not to be condescending or anything else, but your system is not yet there. You are much more wise to invest in amplification, then speakers, and music all along the way. But, we all need to learn on this journey, and if you are intent on trying cable now, have a ball. At the prices you are talking about, you aren't going to get hurt.

Trelja says it best I think, a lot of great advice.

Take everything you read on Audioholics and really think
about the advice, and who it's coming from. There is a very fine line between Audioholics and alcoholics!

Just kidding, I sneak a peek there from time to time.
Trust you ears, not your wallet!

For some further views on "objectivity", critics, and using what you got on the sides of your head, you may find this thread interesting too.

Marco

Hi Fred you're on the right track IMO. I highly encourage you to upgrade your interconnects & speaker cables, just don't go overboard by keeping things in perspective with your existing equipment.
UNfortunately I can't offer any specific recommendations at your price-point, although there are surely many budget-line cables that would do you a world of good. Case in point: my younger brother with his plastic Pioneer CDP, consumer-grade Kenwood receiver, little Infinity speakers. I had some old interconnects sitting unused, probably $10 or at most $20 a pair, & some classic Monster speaker cable. When we were visiting with their family, I installed my castoff cables & my brother was completely amazed at the improvement. The guy is a computer geek; complete non-audiophile, yet he heard the differences with no problem at all. We even swapped around some different pairs of my old budget cables to find out which pair most pleased him.

To get over decision paralysis, I just purchased some used Cardas Quadlink 5C speaker cables from usedcables. If I don't like them, I can trade them for anything else they have (and they have about anything). So far I'm really impressed with their program.