Pre-amp To Amp Interconnects


Hi,

I am trying to connect my NAD M15HD pre-amp to the NAD T973 amp with interconnects.

I have heard so many different opinions,

Are budget interconnects just as good for such a short length?
Is there a notable difference between Audioquest Diamondbacks at $90-150 compared to blue jeans or monoprice cable at $5-$30?

Can video component cables also be used as Audio interconnects? (as I have plenty of leftover video component cables)

Just want to keep the budget low on the setup and spend it on other items that are more important!

Any advice appreciated!
johnmadden

Showing 1 response by realremo

I run blue jean cables and I'm very happy. But I did do a shoot out between different grades of audioquest cables early in my amateur audiophile career. I compared audioquest G snakes to diamondbacks, also had some cheapo stock cables as a placebo.
The difference was greatest between the G snakes and the cheapos. This definitely means cables make a difference.
The difference between the G snakes and the diamondbacks was subtle, but it was there. More detail at the frequency extremes. It had to be the right recording, and I had to listen for it, but the difference was there.
Now consider that those tests were done using 15 year old Yamaha gear running new B&W 685s, I think the differences would be much more noticeable on my current system.
Elizabeth has it right, get the other gear first, then worry about cables. I'm upgrading speakers, probably getting a DAC, and building a rack before I fuss with cables. When I do buy new ones, they'll be AQ king cobras.
Happy listening!