I think that interconnects are integrally dependent on the system in which they work. I would recommend trying several different brands, all of which fit into your budget easily. then forget the prices and listen. It's often too easy to assume that more expensive is better. It has taken me many years to realize that is not the case. Take a week if you can to audition, but be prepared- I must admit that A/Bing cables is one of the most painful experiences I have ever had in this hobby/obsession. It can really take all the joy out of your favorite reference music. It will help in the end, however. Also realize that most of the time one cable will be better at certain aspects of the music. Rarely, do you find a true standout in all aspects. Usually it's a trade off and you need to decide what is important to your ears and emotional experience. I've had a long enjoyable and often disappointing experience with cable swapping. think of your emotional response to the cables as well. I have made the mistake in the past of going with brutally analytical components and cables that were incredibly accurate but took the music out of the music. Shortly after that I took the pendulum the other way and got into lush, sloppy cables with lots of directionless mush. It's a hard balance, but you can figure out what will make you happy. I will leave my soapbox now, sorry about that. I will leave you with a few cables I have enjoyed/ not enjoyed in the past. Retail prices are appx for one meter length. Nordost Red Dawn (400)- very detailed and enjoyable- a little too thin up high. Kimber KCAG (350)- too bright. Kimber Hero (120)-- excelllent cheap cable. Less refined than the KCAG and Red Dawn, AQ ruby (125)- OK starter cable- not too detailed. Nordost Blue Heaven (200)-- too splashy, highs not well defined and a lack of reasonable bass. Luminous Audio Technologies Monarch (140)nice cable- basically a little more precise AQ ruby- good price but poor build quality. My favorite in that price range is far and away WBT 5151 (around 190- depending on Deutsch Mark). It is an OFC double shielded cable with the WBT 0108 terminations . It is an incredibly honest cable. It has all the detail of the Red Dawn, but is more musical. It usually is not sold in the US, but can be ordered from WBT/Wattagate- they're in UT. I found a pair by accident a few months ago on the net and figureed what the heck. It has replaced my Red Dawn. Nicely too at half the price. It is hard to find something you like that is significantly cheaper than all the others, but it is refreshing. I have heard good things about Harmonic Tech from someone I trust. Also, make sure you audition well broken in cables. The used market on the net is a great, essentially low risk environment to experiment as you can usually get close to what you paid if you need to sell and the cables are broken in. I personally like trying off brands for fun, but to start you may want to stick with a few well respected names so if you don't like them, their name recognition will sell themselves for you after your trial run. Also, all cables are system dependendent and more importantly listener dependent, so you may hate all my recommendations and I am sure I have omitted some wonderful options. But in all honestly, the subjective nature of audio is what makes it such a wonderful pastime. Opinions are like something or another. Anyway, happy listening and best of luck. hope that was helpful. Todd (Tsquared)
