Whatever brand you decide to try, do not buy new if you can find some used here or elsewhere. The retail price of most cables is a stunning rip-off, one which many otherwise sage audiophiles have been a victim of. Everyone has their favorite, because each cable reacts differently in every system. I will recommend Van den Hul, a brand not carried by many retailers because they do not pour thousands of dollars into glossy advertisements in the audio mags. Stores carry what sells, and maybe they'll pickup some new brand if it's the flavor of the month. Van den Hul has been researching different aspects of audio for many years, quietly obtaining patents on several items. Their cables approach neutral as closely as those costing far more. They are just not a very high profile company, and their products are not "revolutionary" enough for most US audiophiles. If you read any European mags, however, their cables are frequently chosen for use in the "reference" systems. A little speaker company called B&W uses VdH wire inside their speakers. Must be okay stuff!
Interconnects be as neutral as possible?
I'm thinking about replacing my generic cables (both ICs and speaker cables). I assume realistcally the components of a system (without cables) have its aggregate sonic signature (bright, warm etc.). Should I get neutral ICs first so the system's sonic signature is not affected. Then I can buy speaker cables last to tailor the sound of the system to my personal preference. Does this approach (thinking) make sense? Thanks for any opinions. Mike C