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1st System - Help with cables

Hi Everyone,
I'm in the process of putting together my 1st quality audio system. At this point it consists of; Simaudio Moon I-5 Integ Amp, Rega Jupiter cdp (on the way) and Dynaudio 1.3 mk2 speakers on dyn stands. It's taken me quite a while to research and choose these products and I wound up purchasing each through Audiogon classifieds.

Now I just have to get speaker cables and interconnects.I'm mainly focusing on the speaker cables and would like to find something in the $300 or so used range that would be a decent starter/baseline cable for this system. Something transparent that won't add any uncessary color to the sound. Since I haven't used the system yet I can't say that I'm looking for a cable that will alter the sound in any particular way. I can always look for that later after I've had extended listening time and develop some preferences.

Any suggestions would be very helpful as the choices are pretty overwhelming. Thanks for the help...

John
jroth
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
For speaker cables, I recommend Luminous Audio Renaissance, which proves you don't have to spend big $$$ to get a great cable.

For IC's, try one of the magnet wire cables.
gustavog
36 posts
 
I got discounted Audioquest Granite. They are quite neutral and sell relatively cheap at Audio Advisor. For interconnects, I used Nordost Blue heaven, very detailed but perhaps a bit on the bright side (used might be $100). I changed to Nordost Red Dawn, more expensive (around $300-$400 used) but more balanced. Hope this helps.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
I think that Acoustic Zen Satori is an especially good deal. It competes with some of the big boys and has a real down to earth price. Read the review in Stereophile about it. It can be had at your price on the used market.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Military grade silver plated copper, Teflon insulated will beat just about everything tha's in your price range (12 ga, about 37-41 strands). The surplus wire I use has replaced in other ystems Kimber 8TC, XLO, Cardas--and when cryo treated was *uncomfortably* close to Pure Note Epsilon.

It's best to spend your $$$ on neutral ICs. I am using Ridge Street Audio MSE Gen II, which are extremely transparent, neutral and musical.

Don't forget noise control and room acoustics. You'll need to get them right before you can start making educated choices...
potsey
58 posts
 
We've all been in your position. I have found the intercons and power cords to have the most affect at this stage of the game. Some good value components to consider are Synergestic AC Master coupler power cords, Straight Wire
Virtuosso intercons and speaker cable (excellent value) and performance. Also YBA power cords.
good luck and good listening
Potsey
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