Recommend a Cable/Interconnect Set


I know this issue stirs controversy and can spark "vigorous dissent" (understatement), but I was looking for some recommendations on both speaker cables and interconnects for my system.

Can you guys suggest a modestly priced but high performance set of cables? I know 'modestly' covers a lot of ground, so what would be extremely helpful is some sort of "buyer's guide" to offer insight on what characteristics to look for, how to decide what you need, and how to set a budget so that I, and others reading on or those new to this pastime, can make a more informed decision.

Though I subscribe to the basic premise that the more you spend, the better it gets, I also know there is also a point of diminishing returns on the price:performance curve.

My equipment is:
HiFiBerry DAC
Krell KRC-3
Bryston 4BST
Dahlquist DQ10* (see below)
Polk PSW650

Right now, I have Monster XPHP going to the speakers, and an old set of Monster interconnects from the DAC to the Krell. Lengths for interconnects can be as short as 1.5 or 2 feet, since all my electronics are together, out in the open, and accessible from behind.

So, I figure I'll need:
1x Balanced (Krell to Bryston)
2x RCA (one for the DAC to Krell, the other Krell to PSW)
1 set speaker cables ~8-10 ft

Hit me. I'm all ears. Those of you who have indluged me in other similar questions of this type (i.e. power amp, preamp) know I take your input seriously and act on it, so this isn't just an exercise.

Thanks in advance for all your help!


(* - At some point in the future, I hope to buy a set of CLSII's, so kindly factor that into the recommendation since it doesn't make sense to buy a set of cables and find they're not up to the task down the road)
parabolic

Showing 8 responses by inna

Are you thinking of pure or mostly silver conductors or pure or mostly copper conductors, or different conductors for different cables depending on where they will be ?
Parabolic, this is a vast and complicated subject. And you do have to have in mind a certain budget, a range. Also, would you consider used or only new. What's more, some used cables are nearly impossible to find, and for a good reason.
We won't stone you, we'll hang you.
Mogami balanced may be something to start with and go from there.
As for RCA, it's a different story. I still have my DiMarzio RCA which is quite good, excellent for the price, but it is no longer good enough for my set-up. DiMarzio cables are famous guitar pro cables.
And speaker cables, well, are importan too.
Purist Audio are not inexpensive cables to put it mildly, though now they have couple of entry level models priced quite low.
" vastly superior' - no, just as good as the equipment - yes.
I heard that there are some fake cables, buy only from sellers that look and sound reliable. Worn connectors can be one issue, bent cables in the wrong places another.
This is my opinion. Forget about suggested retail prices, think in terms of real dollars that you would have to pay. Same with the equipment. Though it may vary, I think 20 % or so of the cost of the entire system is reasonable. Also depends on how many sources you have. I have three sources, though usually use only two.
No I don't think $600 will be enough, you need a lot of cables. But I can't say how much would be. Besides, price/performance ratio varies. It would probably be at least double of those $600 for four sets.
If you wish to try those Clear cables, I suggest you first get his best RCA and put it on your DAC, then the second cable and so on. First cable in the chain is the most important. Another approach is to get all Clear cables right away, all top of the line, burn them in for 200 hours and then decide. Since you can return them there is no risk except that you may like them a lot and would have to pay perhaps a little more than you planned. Personally, I would probably take the first approach. 200 hours no less. Do not judge any cable before that.
The OP's got Krell and Bryston, this means bass and dynamics are very important. How do Acoustic Zens do that?

I would never buy cables on ebay unless it is a legitimate dealer who also sells elsewhere. Some people may not even know that they are selling fakes, it is not always intentional. Ebay is world's biggest flea market, not a good place for buying audiophile stuff.