Cables recommendation

I also have the 803 D3s and an Oppo player. I'm using Anticables for speakers (bi-wired) and interconnects. Very happy with the sound. 

I agree with calling TheCableCompany for advise and their lending library. I just received a Shunyata Research Venom X EF Power Cable, 1.75 meter. Shunyata stated for the price, the Venom X EF performs well outside of its cost, some have compared it directly to Delta NR v2 and feel it competes favorably in most applications.

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@el_it Audience is a solid recommendation. SR Foundation were not great in my system and certainly not a match for AZ Matrix II which I had and used in many iterations of my system including with B&Ws.

Audience OHNO XLRs should be good. 
Audience AU24SX speaker cables are just ridiculously good. I would spend less on interconnects and focus more on speaker cables first then power cords. 
 

Iconoclast- designed independently by experienced Belden engineer and construction and science are explained on their website (see white papers)- you know what you’re getting and why the cost

Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables are thought to be a sonic bargain amongst many on this forum.

@el_it 

My power cables consisted of Furutech FP-S55N cable and Furutech ACFL-50(R) IEC and 50M(R) plugs for the main power cables to my power controller and the mono amps. All others were Furutech FP-SO22n cord and Furutech FI-11-N1 (G) IEC and FI-11M-N1 (G) connectors.

@el_it I think the thought was more related to taking your time, maybe trying a few cables on demo before spending up too much unnecessarily.  While I'm I'm a cable nut and tried far too many different cables myself - - many of my 50+ year in-audio buddies settled on mid-level cost cables from Audioquest and did just fine. Lots of good recommendations on this thread to try. Best of luck. 

Thanks again for all the great recommendations, it is very well appreciated!

For the moment, after hearing several recommendations, I ended buying used Acoustic Zen Matrix II XLR cables to connect the C2700 to the MC462. Now onto other cables that will have good synergy with them 😅

@orgillian197 I very much agree that in order to evaluate each cable I need to change each time one of them and keep the others but since I dont have the privilege of renting cables for testing nor have other cables in my possession, I would need to get all at once and hope for the best:( That is the main issue I have and the inner fight of spending money on basic cables and then start upgrading each which can lead to even further expense or just get good and solid cables that other people had great experience with to minimize that risk. I am leaning toward the secondary.

@jetter What would be your recommendation for higher tier? 

@sns Well said. I had a chance to even hear some great speakers with bad configuration that sounded awful while much inferior models sounded much better. It all comes down to the small details.

@decooney I just got these set up so no plans in the near future to upgrade anything. The cost is already beyond my initial budget so spending even more on speakers is out of the question right now 😂

@larry5729 Thank you for your post. I did contact The Cable company but not with Jason Ressler. I was advised to get Audience Ohno or Synergistic Research Foundation but these recommendations just seems to be based on price range rather than on gear specific.

@fbgbill Thanks, I will definitely look at Morrow cables. Which power cables models of Furutech did you made for the Mc's? 

I would recommend calling Jason Ressler at The Cable Company.  He is the most knowledgeable person I have ever talked.  I like his Synergistic Research.  He will sell what you need and give you the right recommendations.

Whatever you choose, be wary of changing them out all at once. In fact, it's best to do one component at a time, factoring in any breaking in period, etc.

Be objective and open to the possibility that a difference in sound might not necessarily mean better.

Once you find a brand you like, it's probable that its tendencies will sound the same as you expand to more components, but again be wary of jumping too far at once. Only then can you be sure you're hearing the actual cables rather than your hopes and expectations for them.

I have had good luck with Shunyata cables. Price range for every budget.

Here are recommendations at the lower end of the cost spectrum:

Canare 4S11 Speaker Cable, Terminated with choice of connectors from Blue Jean Cable - For example a 10’ pair at $106 from Blue Jean Cable

Canare L-4E6S interconnects built to your specifications by Redco - For example 1 meter pair at $25

Power cables - Cullen Cable Avius at $129 for a 6’ cable. Patrick volunteered to update the connectors at no cost to very nice looking connectors.

Zavfino also makes beautiful power cables for slightly higher costs.

@jasonbourne52 Just in case you missed this offer.  I know you'll be all over it. 🤣🤣🤣

I've been observing cable threads for far too long. I can never makes heads or tails of them, I'm sure I could collate the entirety of them and find reviews claiming a particular cable or line of cables as best ever, others would state it being terrible, totally inferior to some other best cable or line of cables, and this goes on and on and on, and likely extends to every cable manufacturer.

What are cable reviews and recommendations worth in this case? I came to this conclusion many years ago, result was I auditioned wide variety of cables over many years from lending library at Cable Company. Yes, cables sound different, but  my system totally unique, and changes to system have often necessitated  changes in cables. I find cables to be fine tuning device, trying to generalize effects of cables extremely problematic IMO.

I agree with a lot of the cable choices they're all OCC single crystal wire, that has been proven now for over 50 years to be the best wire for audio, there's no Crystal barriers in OCC single crystal wire, ofc wire has 700 Crystal barriers per foot that the signal has to jump through and that causes all kinds of bad things to happen.

+1 to what @mesch said.

Many start like this with cables along with their first pair of speakers and sources - - aligning their cable spend without going overboard. However if you suspect that you will upgrade speakers or upgrade core components again later, its definitely worth the extra time, money, and energy to investigate loaners or demos. Some retailers offer a 45-60 day return policy, and this can be super helpful to decide.

One thing that u find .any times to be true is that most companies  start of the line cables are decent  mid way up the line they have parts of that are wonderful  and parts that are bad. And most tip end cables are wonderful  flavors  are different  but that is your pick. Generally  I find the top end and the entry level to be musicality  satisfying.  Also starting  out many  systems  sound there best with one wire companies  wire. Harder to get miss matches  that way. After the skill is there and the ability  to really hear the difference  wires for different  companies  at different  parts of the system  can be wonderful.  Some of the worst systems  I have heard are systems  with different  kinds of wire where the wire was fighting  one another. Just something  to think about. 

Anything Cardas Clear line

loom if possible

@decooney I agree 100% those Chi-Fi counterfeit cables are junk. 

But to each their own. Some say snake tastes like chicken, well I have eaten snake and if you are buying chicken that tastes like snake, find a new butcher. 

A fake is a fake. 

Ordered the Zafino Prima MKII OCC Speaker cable and the Arcadia IC. Figured I will give them a try. Can always send them back if they are less than what I am currently running in my system.

@baylinor is correct, if you have not addressed the room acoustics and equipment synergy then follow @jasonbourne52 advice and buy some cheap cables like Monoprice.  My goal has always been to make sure the cables did not detract from my system. If you take the time to match your components and install cables that make you feel like there is more to be gained then send them back. 

Some times this audio cable component game is like the age old question. 

"What came first the chicken or the egg" ??

Enjoy your journey I know I have enjoyed mine for the last 25 years. Made some not great cable choice guess that is why I have a duffle bag full of them. As my children leave the nest I set them up with a starter system and a clear some of those cable out. I help them on their audio journey, fun for all. 

Two left to go so the bag should be empty soon. 

Have a blessed day. 

I am with those that recommend the purchase of budget (think used) cables to set up your system. Position system within room for best sonics.Then after becoming  acquainted with your system think about switching out cables.

Blue Jeans is a good place to start. 

Check out a thread here on AG concerning cables that can be bought direct from manufacturer.

+1 on Morrow, especially at their sale prices.  Replaced much more expensive (Purist Audio Design) cables and have been pleased with the result. 

@mazian If you don’t have problems with ethical issues try the Chinese clones of Nordost, Cardas, XLO etc. Amazingly good at ridiculously low prices.

Good grief. Have you seen any of the photos of the inside of these total junk pretend cables - - or, reports of people complaining how poorly they sound?

These counterfeits are nothing close to the genuine articles. Not slow annealed high quality oxygen free pure copper, nor dielectrics. Complete garbage designs.

People send in copies to Cardas to authenticate fakes passed off as the real deal when they suspect they’ve been ripped off by con artists and poor sounding cables.

Save your $ and better off to buy "any" of the authentic cables already mentioned.

My system is all McIntosh and I went with Morrow Cable throughout. I use their mid priced cables and they sound superb to me. My power cables are DIY using Furutech components. I had a lot of fun making my own. FWIW.

Noel Lee made a lot of money because of his monster cables? I guess people know they make difference? Yes I agree they make a big difference.

If you’re a DIYer, I highly recommend RAMM Audio OCC copper cables and connectors. They sound amazing. Not snake oil as some would have you believe.

@baylinor is spot on:

if you can’t tell a sound difference with cables, your listening setup is not revealing enough.

I tried cable changes early on. Couldn’t hear any differences. Started to feel skeptical. Then, I learned about acoustic priorities and the magnitudes involved in what affects the sound. Then, I didn’t deal with cables until I had dealt with (a) equipment matching, (b) speaker positioning, (c) sub additions and setup, (d) room treatment. At that point, I did cable tryouts and chose what made a difference.

At this point, cables are off the table because the next changes to make a difference will be among major components/speakers.

I used to be like Jasonborne. Then I got my equipment in a proper room. Now I can DISTINCTLY hear a difference in every cable I use except power cables. That is likely due to having an independent electrical feed to the house of stereo completely separate from the main house. Bottom line, in my experience, is if you can't tell a sound difference with cables, your listening setup is not revealing enough. 

I shop used for such things, and there are bargains to be had.

I have Analysis plus for interconnects and speakers and pangea for power.

Gene is a bit too much of a denier for me, but he makes sense in this video when he suggests that getting the room correct is a necessary precondition for any cable choice. It is a far bigger factor.

I would recommend a neutral cable that won’t color the sound from your nice speakers. As suggested try a few different brands to find your favorite. I’m using Nordost Heimdall level in my system. Reasonable price and great performance. Good luck!

@cd45123 

Glad to hear you’re enjoying Zavfino cables. IMO, they punches way above their suggested price. I am now using Zavfino and HIJIRI cables. I mentioned WAY cables other day due to their unusual appearance and Unique Xtreme Damping System for each audio cable type. Thought they look interesting and worth an audition some day :-)

Zavfino is really good - had the Prima mkII SC/PC, sold them and just got the Nova SC again - it’s a fun/addictive sound - they’re like the Naim of speaker cables.

@lalitk you have WAY Cables now?  I think I saw mention those somewhere.

@jasonbourne52

not believing in capacitance, induction, conductance/conductivity ...nor differences in quality of materials , shielding etc...

most certainly places you in your "alternatve universe."

 

My primary cable company of choice is Transparent. They have a trade up program but I haven’t taken advantage of it.  I’m using their power and speaker cables for my MC312 powering a pair of B&W 702 signature speakers.  My signal cables for primary and secondary system (Rotel 1582 MKII powering a pair of B&W CM9’s) I’m using Audioquest cables.  Both systems sound great to me.  Good luck on your search and final decision  

See if you can buy cables with a return policy. The only way to see what you like is to try them on your system. Used cables come with the added benefits of being cheaper and already burned-in.

try lots of different wires and have fun.

I have compared a lot of products and I promise you they all have made a very big impact on sound characteristics…!

I’m now using  Nordost speaker cables and balanced interconnects, Shunyata power cords for amp and preamp and an Anzus power conditioner.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/wire-cable-non-terminated.html

You might want to look at furutech cables.  Look into these kine of the do it yourself. If you are a bit handy you can put ends on there power cable sleakerwire and interconnect s. The house sound is detailed and warm. 

@jasonbourne52 cables are passive tuned filter networks, they have resistance, capacitance and inductance, LCR, and those values will always vary from cable to cable based on its materials (conductor and dielectric), geometry and length. To think that these tuned filters don’t affect the sound, when well established pure electronics theory says it will, seems a little strange to me.

Wow you guys are awesome, I will have to look into each cables you suggested. Thank you very much!🤗

audphile1 Thank you for your detailed answer. You're right, I haven't mentioned but what I meant is that I do not want to need to rob a bank. My system is relatively expensive so I am not looking spend a lot more on cables like few people advised me. However, I am willing to spend the extra on the things that will really be worth it and will give the best return on investment. I am not chasing the cables that will give me very little improvement on top of the others while need to spend a fortune (I am looking at the balance where the diminishing return is very little where the expense is much higher).

So what I had in mind was about 400-600$ on interconnects, 400-600$ on power cables and around 1,000-1,500$ on speaker cables which most of the cost will go on the length as I need 3 meters. I also don't care to buy used cables. I even prefer so to get a better product for the same price of new lower tiers ones.

I was once advised to get Tara Labs Apollo cables, Synergistic Research and Chord and it is quite interesting that no one here suggested them.

Thanks 🙏🏻 

If you don't have problems with ethical issues try the Chinese clones of Nordost, Cardas, XLO etc. Amazingly good at ridiculously low prices.

All so good recommendations here.  Hope you can sift through it and find what works for you. 
 

Zafino cables are impressive. Buy what you can afford.

Doesn't matter.

Blue jeans 10 gauge cable is good 

Have a look at Stager’s. My entire system is set up with Stager Silver Solids - and nothing at any price has ever come close, including these I've tried and tossed: Siltech, Tara Labs, Audioquest, Kimber Select.

No coloration, pure accurate sound.
They are remarkaby inexpensive pure solid silver, unshielded. Check the website:

( Googlgle Stager Silver Solids )

Innerconnects, spkr cables: 

Audience OHNO

Mogami or Belden: both equal in quality but have different sound characteristics. 

Powers: Audience 24SE

I think those who do NOT believe that wire has an effect on sound quality are "living in some alternative universe" where ears are used solely to hold up their eye glasses. 

There is a lot to on[ack here. It would be great to see some photos of your system and venue (there is a place to put them under your user ID). I have a few Oppos. I’m going to have to plug them in and see what they sound like. But I have found that a high quality streamer is as important to digital as is a good turntable and cartridge. I prefer Aurender.

The big names in cables and interconnects are:Audio Quest, Transparent, WireWorld and Cardas. You can try cables through The Cable Company. Just for fun I tried sets of Blue Jeans and a couple other low cost ones and found them to be no better than the ones in the box with your Oppo.
 

The better your system the more difference interconnects will make. Your system is very good. As a test, I recommend you buy a single power cord… an AudioQuest Hurricane… ok, if that is over the top… go one step lower in the AudioQuest line. You are likely to be shocked at the performance gain. This is likely to be a great demonstration of the value of this stuff. This is a good way to tiptoe into these accessories… by experiencing what they can do. Buying inexpensive stuff you are likely to be disappointed and disillusioned.

You didn’t mention your budget but you did say keep it reasonable so here’s my take on this…you should go balanced between pre and amp…

Interconnects (go less crazy here)

• Mogami Studio Gold XLR (this is a ridiculously good cable to get you started and even beyond that point)
• Audience OHNO (you can find a special deal on this online)
• Acoustic Zen Matrix Ref II

Speaker cables (go a bit more crazy on this)

• Audience OHNO
• Audience AU24 SE or SX

Power cables 

• Triode Wire Labs 7+ (Amp)
• Audioquest Thunder (amp)
• Audience AU24SE MP (preamp)
• Audioquest Thunder (preamp)

Zavfino probably decent, never heard their power cords, interconnects or speaker cables but there are a lot of user feedback. 
You want to be careful with cables. Keep it neutral pure copper OCC is the best. Don’t go for silver cables with McIntosh and B&Ws