Reasonable but not outragious interconnects

Diy from Parts Connexion using Eighman bullets and Connex silver.

Anti-Cables, Kimber PBJ. Used Kimber Hero if you get lucky.

Either build your own, buy used or spend a little more. Your gear is nice enough to justify better that’s for sure but understand not wanting to go crazy. If you don’t know how to use a soldering iron then you really need to expand your budget a little or just keep what you have. If you build your own spend a little on the ends or you’re wasting your time, then look at Canare, Belden or Mogami bulk mic cable. 

https://m.markertek.com/product/nf2cb-2/neutrik-nf2c-b-2-rca-professional-connector-pair

https://m.markertek.com/product/l-4e6s-bk/canare-l-4e6s-star-quad-microphone-cable-by-the-foot-black...

The Canare comes in multiple colors if you want something more fun than black. I have the purple on my drum kit and love the color. The Canare is a very nice cable; not the most revealing but it does nothing wrong either. You won’t feel you’re missing anything but the top end is a little rolled off. No cable in this price point is going to be extremely revealing. The pro studio mic cables are very good but just because they are widely used in studios don’t buy into there’s nothing better than what’s in the studio because that’s not true. Studios use this stuff because it’s indeed very good, flexible and durable, shielded but it’s cheap and gets the job done. Really easy to build your own and if you have questions on the construction there’s plenty here to walk you through it.

I have both canare and mogami interconnects (and cardas and others)..

I recommend that for about $45 a pair that you purchase interconnects made with mogami W2534 neglex quad microphone cable from Markertek. They will build them to your specifications, length and connectors, and I like the Connectronics Deluxe RCA Plug with Spring. I like this RCA connector because I like having spring to relieve tension on the RCA jack, but there are others to chose from..

If you don't want to build your own there are a couple of good choices, Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 are about $40 for a 3-ft. pair.
 https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/audio/index.htm
Signal makes good, reasonabley priced interconnects.
http://www.signalcable.com/analog_interconnects.html

If you do want to build your own I would concur with the recommendation of Mogami or Canare microphone cable with your choice of connector. I've made several pair from the Mogami with Vampire RCAs and am quite happy with them.

I think that sfar has inadvertently somewhat muddied the waters in this low cost interconnect discussion. You can buy any of the cables already assembled. This would be my recommendation: https://www.markertek.com/product/msc3rr/mogami-neglex-quad-audio-cable-rca-male-to-male-3-foot-blac...


The reason I did not recommend Blue Jeans LC-1 is that of the big three good but reasonable priced speaker wire manufacturers, I tend to prefer mogami for interconnects, canare for speaker cables and belden for neither. The LC-1 is made from belden wire. This is only in my system, but I wanted to mention my reasoning to you.

I have not tried the signal cable that sfar recommends, but have read only great things about them. One pet peeve I have (not about signal cable in particular) is when the RCA that I am considering ends up being the lowest in their product line.

https://silversonic.com/products/interconnects/

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=supra+interconnects&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=10&rt=nc

I can recommend the Audioquest Silver Extreme IC's. Available from HCM for about $90 (list price was $400). I bought 5 sets! Can't beat the value/price ratio!

Several good choices listed above.
Here are some additional options: https://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=394

Two salient competing factors at play here in this post This is well-traveled and ever-repeating post.Don’t agonize further.

(1) Without prejudice to the following, the choice of cables are entirely system dependent.... full stop. There is no one size fits all.

(2) in brief, everything is built to its price point . For example, the quality build contenders with top materials (OCC all-Cu or Rhodium vs. Cheap brass ) provide a superior grip in ICs that is very important. That’s why , say, cables outfitted with superior connectors including inter Alia: WBTs / NEUTRIK PROFI / FURUTECH/ OYAIDE et al; all cost more even as simple DIY components in the overall cable construction than exceed your stated budget and also. perform better.

Hence at that low budget price point, it’s not going to have them in favour of cheap built to its price point choice connectors price strata.

So, along with a choice of the actual matched cheap budget cable built-to-its price-point choices therein, it is generally reduced to a “just pick on of ‘em” exercise. The audio performance improvement delineation between all the many suggestions posted (and similar) are only very minimal to nil; with a strong lean to the latter end of the spectrum.

Belden 8402 

Check out Signal Cables.....outstanding cables for the money! 

meho3, I do believe you may be happy with the Mogami interconnects. Easy to purchase one pair of these or any and try them out and see what you think. Yes,everything is system dependent.  I have used Belden, Cardas, Canare, Museatex Meitner, Morrow and Magnan and liked the Mogami the best.

What is not system dependent is that you can enjoy your system with any of these good quality budget cables, to say otherwise is incorrect. 

Enjoy

Thank you all for the feedback. I am leaning toward the Audioquest Black Mamba 2. 

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d67j-analysis-plus-inc-oval-one-1-meter-rca-interconnects

This one will work for you.

Analysis Plus cables are very good for the price with neutral presentation.

Very happy with Morrow Audio. SP3, SP4, MA1 MA3 MA6 I have an extra 1 meter pair of MA1 if interested. New condition. Newest model. Pm me.

I went with 3 pairs of the Black Momba’s. Seems like a good buy. 

If anyone is interested I have the newer Classe class d amp on this system and have a post Classe ca-d200. I have not gotten many replies but it is actually a awsome amp so far. 

For these cables I am looking to just reduce a little noise and open up the sound even more if possible. The system is awsome. 

Btw, this is a really expensive hobby. All of this for me is the bedroom music setup. It makes my nine speaker sonus faber home theater system sound like crap, not to mention the cars. 

Again thank you all for the responses. I really do appreciate it. 

Another nod for the BlueJeans LC-1’s

Great components and a cold solder joint = ?
and improper RF shield not good
having said that the iron could pay for itself....

otherwise, I am a fan of Audioquest, especially with DBS

https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/audio/indexmob.htm

I've been using these LC1 interconnects, they're excellent!
If you're still not sure; give him a shout or email; he's pretty quick to reply.

http://anticables.com
Pangea Cables at Audio Advisor

roberjerman,

How bright are the Audioquest silver ic’s? I might need a new pair of ic’s to go from my preamp to my amps.

Not wanting to takeover this thread.

thanks.

JD

I started out with Monoprice interconnects. My system sounded fine or so I thought. I was a newbie to the concept of cables and power cords and power conditions making a difference. But I took a leap of faith and Invested some money in, initially Shunyata cables, power cords and power conditioners/strips. What I can tell you is that you don’t know what you are missing in your system’s potential until you switch out those monoprice cables for better ones. I suggest biting the bullet and go beyond your price parameters if you can. Your system will grow into your better ones. If you don’t go to the likes of Shunyata, Cardas and upper end Audioquest yet (but I recommend that you do. You will hear a difference) you can try bluejeans or Surf Cable or others. Everything makes a difference. But while you are changing out interconnects, I suggest you also make upgrades on the power end. Get an AQ 1000 or a Shnuyata PS8 with Defender. Get some good AQ or Shunyata power cables.  You will like what you hear and what you don’t hear. 

I have a good results with SVS interconnect 
compare with my  monoprice day and night  

Chord c-line interconnects or atlas elements interconnects. I own both and they seem of very high quality....I am partial to british made stuff though....either one can be bought for 65-75 bucks for a 1 meter pair (3 feet). If you want to go one step further, I would recommend buying audioquest type 4 speaker cable....good bang for the buck and a neutral cable that will neither add or subtract from the signal. Audio advisor can make these to your specs on the cheap.

Since cables don't really wear out, it makes sense to purchase used. You can find some really high quality cables at a fraction of their original price on various sites including this one.

Listen to rhinocom:

I started out with Monoprice interconnects. My system sounded fine or so I thought. I was a newbie to the concept of cables and power cords and power conditions making a difference. But I took a leap of faith and Invested some money in, initially Shunyata cables, power cords and power conditioners/strips. What I can tell you is that you don’t know what you are missing in your system’s potential until you switch out those monoprice cables for better ones. I suggest biting the bullet and go beyond your price parameters if you can. Your system will grow into your better ones. If you don’t go to the likes of Shunyata, Cardas and upper end Audioquest yet (but I recommend that you do. You will hear a difference) you can try bluejeans or Surf Cable or others. Everything makes a difference. But while you are changing out interconnects, I suggest you also make upgrades on the power end. Get an AQ 1000 or a Shnuyata PS8 with Defender. Get some good AQ or Shunyata power cables.  You will like what you hear and what you don’t hear.

I'm not endorsing Shunyata (although I have some) or AQ (although I tried some) but rather the part about the importance of trying and listening: 

What I can tell you is that you don’t know what you are missing in your system’s potential until you switch out those monoprice cables for better ones. I suggest biting the bullet and go beyond your price parameters if you can. Your system will grow into your better ones.

Just keep reading and re-reading that until it sinks in. Because its really important. Especially when you try expensive cables that do nothing. Or even make things worse. Don't draw conclusions from that. Because frankly most of what's out there is overpriced crap. So you have to keep that in mind. More important though is you have to keep focused on the reality that the really good stuff is so good, so unbelievably impossibly good, that it will indeed improve your system even more than the same amount of money spent on anything else.

Save your money.

There is no guarantee that changing cables will change, let alone improve, your system one iota and there is an even chance that it will be worse!!!

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING RECOMMENDED BY ANYONE HERE UNLESS THEY HAVE AN IDENTICAL SYSTEM IN AN IDENTICAL ROOM AND LISTEN TO THE SAME PROGRAM MATERIAL!!!

Anything you try must be 100%RNQA: 100% Returnable No Questions Asked.

Please see http://ielogical.com/Audio/CableSnakeOil.php for a bit of information on the cable scam

That’s funny. I am upgrading from monoprice interconnects as well. For the power side I already have pangea power cords connected to a panamax power conditioner. 

Talk about snake oil!

Seriously, the one bit of good advice is to audition first before you buy, or never buy what you can't return.

To all the rest I say- bunk!

System dependent? Not that I have ever seen! And no, not saying the same cable will sound exactly the same in every system. Get real. But while it will not sound the same, if its good it will sound good in every system. Period. Or it ain't good. Its literally the definition of good. Get your mind around it if you can.

Granted its not easy. Granted the vast majority of cables are crap. Granted even the vast majority of cables touted all over boards like this one are crap. Grant all of that and more, it does not change the fact there are good ones out there. Its easy to parrot the party line. Snake oil. Save your money. Much harder to do the work of searching out, listening, and comparing.

Only one of these however will get you a really good sounding system.

Choose wisely.

millercarbon" Talk about snake oil! System dependent? Not that I have ever seen!...if its good it will sound good in every system. Period. Or it ain’t good. Its literally the definition of good...the vast majority of cables are crap. Granted even the vast majority of cables touted all over boards like this one are crap...Its easy to parrot the party line. Snake oil."

If anyone here is advancing, promoting, or repeating the "party line" it is this poster with his multiple, repeated, incessant claims of "snake oil! snake oil" and claims, assertions, and pronouncements that the vast majority and percentage of this product market segment are crap and that a good cable will sound good on any system at all which is pure, sheer, utter nonsense perhaps he should design, manufacture, advertise, market, and distribute his own line of cables for Music Reproduction Systems that he will certify contain no artificial snake oil!

I am far from an expert on cables and up until about 7 years ago you could call me a skeptic. I had to hear it for myself before I was convinced, and I was shocked the improvements decent cables can make. And the crazy thing is it’s all the cabling not just the interconnects but also speaker wire and line cords. My suggestion is go online and type in “the cable company” they have consultants that know which manufacturers  works well with your equipment and you can return them if you don’t like. My vote is DH labs encore it’s they entery level cable and pretty cheap. I run there silver Sonics and I love them very good value for the money. 

Analysis Plus Micro Ovals are not chopped liver. Plus I like their whole freewheelin’ hollow oval thing. They say they use “first rate materials.” Is that too hyped up?

Blue Jeans Cables 

Anti-cables.....and the suggestion to buy used is a great idea (I have done that in the past when I had Nordost sickness)

Signal Cable....AoK.

I would second DH Labs.
https://silversonic.com/products/interconnects/white-lightning/

+1@Geoffkait on the AP micro's copper oval in....

For the past 15 years, I've used Transparent Music Link interconnects. They sounded fine with every amplifier every tried, be it tube or SS.

Recently auditioned of a pair of tube monoblocks. Sound was just awful. No stage, harsh, grating, no air, unlistenable.

Since the amplifier is well regarded, I replaced cables with some mid 80's Monster Pro prototypes from the bin. Much better. Better still were some Hitachi star quad test cables from the same era.

How much better? These amplifiers maybe the best KT-88 amplifier I've ever heard, besting customized Citation II, Michael Fraser custom KT-88, PrimaLuna PL5, a few I can't recall and every AR bottle rocket owned or auditioned. The sound is gorgeous. Effortless, expansive, detailed, liquid, etc.

Currently building up some silver star-quad PTFE which sh/could be even better.

Anyone who says that a particular cable will perform identically well in all systems is sadly mistaken. Either inexperienced or malicious. In the first, either lacking an understanding of basic electronics or having only limited exposure to altering system sonics via interconnects. In the second, a Snake Oil Peddler.

There could be a third possibility. Inability to hear differences.

ieales writes:

For the past 15 years, I've used Transparent Music Link interconnects. They sounded fine with every amplifier every tried, be it tube or SS.

AND ieales writes:

Anyone who says that a particular cable will perform identically well in all systems is sadly mistaken. Either inexperienced or malicious. In the first, either lacking an understanding of basic electronics or having only limited exposure to altering system sonics via interconnects. In the second, a Snake Oil Peddler.

There could be a third possibility. Inability to hear differences.

Believe it or not, that's not only the same guy but the same postt! Either he's calling himself an inexperienced snake oil peddler, or he doesn't have much in the way of reading comprehension.

There could be a third possibility. Inability to remember what he himself wrote?

easy, millercarbon. What’s your beef?

There is no relation to the quotes leaving out the intervening paragraphs. Other listeners may have turfed out the Music Links on first listen to alternate electronics. "sounded fine" means only they did not cross any particular threshold of irritation. With the tube monoblocks, they did.

Your position that a particular cable will always sound good with all electronics means that cable parameters do not interact with electronics’ parameters. In that case all cables should sound the same. I think we agree that they don’t.

If cable and electronics’ parameters interact, then cables with different parameters must interact differently with different electronics’ parameters. As shown in Cable Snake Oil Antidote, cables do interact differently when electronics’ parameters change.

Surely you’re not saying that frequency and phase response are inaudible? If that were true, every system would sound alike.

I have quickly browsed through some of the responses provided to OP. I remember seeing someone suggesting to pay attention to "ends" (aka terminations at each end of the cable), I completely agree with that and couldn’t emphasis more on the importance of quality terminations. I tried DIY myself many times for the cables (such as Mogami, Canare etc) with some success. I recently got my cables from Benchmarkmedia.com, and I immediately felt the difference in sound staging, channel balance, tonality along with some gain. I think benchmark use Canare cables are very reasonably priced. I have compared their cable with AQ (XLR) and didn't find any difference. So my advice would be to use reasonable priced cables with best possible terminations. All the best.

If you are using balanced connections, the screen should be lifted at the destination end.
If you use single end termination at the destination, it forms low-pass filters for common-mode noise resulting in degraded CMRR at higher frequencies.

Unbalanced cables using more than 1 center conductor, i.e. twin screen or star-quad should also have the screen lifted at the destination end.

try Rega RCA interconnects. 1m for $100. Rega is known for it’s performance/value ratio

I see one other comment for SVS. I have been using these for about 3 months and really like them.

Goertz copper micropurl.
Tough to beat for the money.

Virtue Audio Nirvana.
http://store.virtueaudio.com/category-s/32.htm

I re-cabled my whole system with these, IC and speaker, and I'm very happy, for a low cost. (Used to run far more expensive Kimber, I heard no loss in sound quality when I cheaply re-cabled).
Plugs and termination quality are excellent, so is customer service.

I'm Done.