Buying speaker cables on-line: Is this advisable?


I am in the market to upgrade my speaker cables for my system and will definitely be interested in considering used cables because of cost savings.  I've started doing a considerable amount of research on selecting cables and it's very possible that I will buy the cables on-line.  The dilemma I have is being able to see/hear all of these different cables that I am considering before making a decision.  Are there certain questions I should be asking about performance or construction when making a decision?  I have a solid state amplifier, Ayre AX-5 twenty.  Are there certain types of cables that perform better with solid state amplifiers?  Is there a way of getting performance information from manufactures like MIT, Purist, Kimber, etc?   Is there is any situation in which one could consider purchasing cables without first hearing them in a system.  Any and all thoughts are welcome as I continue this journey.  Many thanks.
phono27

Showing 1 response by twoleftears

Check out the recent thread with comments about the Cable Company.

Cables on Audiogon and the other selling site are less expensive than on usedcable website.

Unless you're working with a dealer and buying new, and unless that dealer has a range of manufacturers and is willing to lend out, your options are limited.

First, decide on a price range for a given length.

Then read several threads etc. on the relevant cables.

Be warned: for every 10 posts you will find 18 different recommendations.

When you get a sense of what interests you, look for a good deal.  Hifishark is a good way of checking prices.

OR... you could look at Ayre's own, which I believe are based on Cardas.