I concur with two remarks above: 1. Buy used cable - it's a lot cheaper, is broken in, and if you don't like it you aren't out a lot of money (and it's pretty damned hard to damage cable, short of gross misuse). 2. Try Kimber Kable - I've used it for years and think it is virtually impossible to beat for mid-priced cables (both interconnects and speaker wire). I do not profess to be a "golden ear", but I have been an audiophile for more than 35 years, have been a high-end audio salesman several times, and have had the chance to play around with a reasonable selection of cabling. Personally, I think audio cabling is the best illustration in high-end audio of diminishing cost returns. I believe that ultra-expensive cable is justified ONLY if you have a mega-buck system ($25K and up). I am currently using Kimber 8TC speaker cable in a bi-wire configuration between my Bryston 4B-ST amp and Vandersteen 3A Signature speakers, and have been very satisfied. The interconnects in my system are a combination of AudioQuest and Kimber Kable models, plus some digital and video interconnect made by a relatively new company, BetterCables. I tried several products from BetterCables and am very impressed with the build quality and performance. I suggest you look at their Web site at: www.bettercables.com. If you decide to try used cables (I have bought a lot of used cable and interconnect and never been disappointed), Audiogon has numereous listings, as does the web site called "Used Cables", which is a division of Fatwyre (Web address is www.usedcables.com). If none of the less expensive or used options appeal to you, then find a good dealer who will let you try several brands and models of cable and interconnect in your home. Get your wife and/or girl friend to listen to your system with the different cablings, because their hearing is usually a lot better than us guys. Then, make an objective decision and don't get caught up in the "audiophobe" or "hot product of the month" mentality. Bottom line: trust your ears. If you can't hear positive improvement as you move from medium-cost to high-cost cables, buy the less expensive stuff.
Inteligent high end cableing
Good grief.....I thought mating my electronics, speakers and budget was tough, but getting any consistancy with cableing advice seems impossible. I have recently acquired Proceed HPA3 amp (250/Ch), Proceed AVP pre-amp, Proceed PMDT DVD transport and will be linking them to either Watt Puppies 5.1 or to Revel Salons (there's a conversation right there). However, my real issue is what speaker cableing will match this setup. I can rationalize spending $40,000 on my system, but cannot get past $895 per foot for Audioquest top of the line. There's got to be a better 'mousetrap'. Any intelligent advice will be appreciated.