I'm pretty sure you are using unbalanced connectors with your equipment. They are the little round rca ended cables. Balanced cables use xlr connectors which have three prongs, and have a little slider lock on them.
I would buy a couple of cables used and sell off what you don't need. Cables are very system (and personality!) dependent. They do indeed make an enourmous difference. I have found them to be one of the biggest bang for the buck improvements out there.
I do recall from the FOUR vandersteen speakers I have owned that they tended to be less improved by megabuck interconnects than most. This is because they are not hyper-detailed speakers. They also tended to appreciate brighter cables which tended to offset their natural laid back character. I commonly hear people referring to audioquest silver cables, and synergistic research's as goo d matches.
Harmonic Tech's are VERY impressive in the 125 range. They would be a good match for your components because they tend to remove some of the solid state nasties. I would definitely try a set. They might be a little sweet/syrupy for the vandersteens. Another great cable is the Audio research litz which can be had for 125-150. AR's have wonderful midrange and a nice glowy sound. The DH labs cables silver cables are supposed to be very good for the price too. Quite a few people pair audioquest cables with vandersteens too. The $350 (used) AQ diamond is a good cable and would probably be a good match. Very detailed, but little harsh in some systems.
In the 200-250 range, the harmonic tech pro-silway and nordost red dawns are very good and would add detail to your system.
Good luck !
I would buy a couple of cables used and sell off what you don't need. Cables are very system (and personality!) dependent. They do indeed make an enourmous difference. I have found them to be one of the biggest bang for the buck improvements out there.
I do recall from the FOUR vandersteen speakers I have owned that they tended to be less improved by megabuck interconnects than most. This is because they are not hyper-detailed speakers. They also tended to appreciate brighter cables which tended to offset their natural laid back character. I commonly hear people referring to audioquest silver cables, and synergistic research's as goo d matches.
Harmonic Tech's are VERY impressive in the 125 range. They would be a good match for your components because they tend to remove some of the solid state nasties. I would definitely try a set. They might be a little sweet/syrupy for the vandersteens. Another great cable is the Audio research litz which can be had for 125-150. AR's have wonderful midrange and a nice glowy sound. The DH labs cables silver cables are supposed to be very good for the price too. Quite a few people pair audioquest cables with vandersteens too. The $350 (used) AQ diamond is a good cable and would probably be a good match. Very detailed, but little harsh in some systems.
In the 200-250 range, the harmonic tech pro-silway and nordost red dawns are very good and would add detail to your system.
Good luck !