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Audioquest Makenzie XLRs

I have the opportunity to purchase Audioquest cables at approx 40% below retail... 

I cant spend hundreds or thousands on cables.

Is there a better XLR cable for the money at the price point of $110 a pair than the Audioquest Makenzie?  110 is my cost.  Next up the line in AQ more than doubles my cost.... cant swing that much on ICs.

Gear consists of Marantz 7704, ATI 1807 Amp, B&W CDM 9NTs.
Not high end by any means but it's far better than what I had.

So .... is there a better cable for the money?
Seems AQ Makenzie is well reviewed and well designed.

Thoughts? Comments?  Assistance and advice is appreciated.
lightfighter2018

Showing 4 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
I am a big AQ fan and think they are the way to go.
The performance of their cables is a step up from other cable manufacturers with regards to price.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Either call AQ, or call or PM John Rutan with your questions. His Agon ID is audioconnection. He can give you great, free advice regarding your system.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
@OP,
You can also PM Ralph Karsten (atmasphere), and get his take on this.
He knows the 'Balanced' standard and can give you the best route to take.
bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
This thread seems to have run its' course, but I'll bite.
Paying more doesn't necessarily relate to better performance.
Most manufacturers will stage their products with greater resolution in conjunction with price.
Also, system symmetry comes into play.
So, whether or not a 'higher' priced cable will be an improvement is something that can only be verified by trial and error.
There also comes a point of diminishing returns with regard to price increase.

If there is some advice I can give, it is to find a seller offering free returns or a trial period and giving their cables a try to see if it works in your system.
B
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