Shopping for Interconnects

PS.  Here are my speakers.

Mirage OM 10 Towers circa 2001
Castle Conway 3 Towers circa 2003

There’s a sort function, that will allow you to look at available used interconnects, $ to $$, here: https://www.usedcable.com/Catalog/Interconnect-Cables  They've got some, starting at $19.00.

Slim picker's on that site for budget priced IC's.  I may be better off buying new.  Have to be RCA connectors.

If you're any good with a soldering iron, I'd buy some Duelund 20ga tinned copper wire and some RCA plugs and make my own.  It will take about 1/2 hour and IMHO they'll kick the crap out of anything in their price range.  http://www.partsconnexion.com  I'm using the $4 switchcraft RCA's.  This setup is the true snake oil antidote.

I think the low-end of the Shunyata's, the Venom 3's, are a real step above the Blue Jeans IC's.  The Venom 3's are about $100.  Next are the $100 Silnote IC's, also excellent.   Both these can be auditioned for a full-money back guarantee and worth your time listening to.   These cables may reveal music in your system that budget IC's will not.  Cheers.   

will62,

I don’t own any Morrow Cables. They offer a trial period and start around $100 bucks. However many on this site use them and reviews on this forum claim that the MA4 is really good for the money. See the link provided and good luck.

http://morrowaudio.com/audiophile-and-home-theater/interconnects

N

First growth.  Found this.  You may be on to something.

http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/?p=10696

Nope, never really tried to solder anything.  Used the Liquid stuff that Radio Shack sold years ago to do some things.  I would guess that would not work well for these kind of cables.  

There is a local shop where I am going to bring the Yamaha A 500 for service.  Going to have it cleaned out and possibly some of the Capacitors replaced if they are defective or close to failing.  Will ask the owner if this is something he would be willing to do.

Where can I find the copper that is required for this?

Nutty.  Yeah, I've read some reviews on the Morrow IC's and they seem to be well received by all that have used them.  The entry level cables get very good reviews.  May try a pair in light of the fact I would prefer to own some different cables since they do seem to offer different characteristics in sound.  Can mix and match and then purchase duplicates of any that I really like.

Whitestix.  Thanks for the suggestion.  Have not heard of Shunyata before.  Will look into these as well.

@will62 

I have been very pleased with cables from Cullen Cable.

http://http//www.cullencable.com

Cheers,

Scott

will62,

Also keep in mind, Morrow offers a "Trade Up" program on all of their cables. Many people use it to minimize any large initial outlay of funds. 

N

I agree with @firstgrowth's suggestion about making your own, and it's satisfying to have done it.
I've made quite a few pair and found the Vampire Wire RCAs to be the easiest to work with and very good quality. Those, along with some shrink-wrap tubing and some Mogami microphone cable, available in bulk online, make a very nice pair of cables at a very low price.
If you don't want to do the work yourself, these look like a good alternative.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00B86GD2O/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all

 Will62, you may get as many suggestions as there are members of the site!) In  the end, trust your own judgment and ears. 

Thanks for the tips and suggestions.   

Morrow looks quite interesting as well.  With that Return Policy it is a no lose situation to give them a try.  Most of the reviews of their budget priced cables are good.  Expensive cables seem to be more hit and miss with people.  But I am shopping for affordable cables and don't have to worry about that too much.

Will read some reviews of the Cullen cables when I have time.  

sfar.

Which of the following Mogami cables would be ideal for use with RCA connectors and suited for musical playback?

I can't see the list of cables in your response but --
I've used the Mogami microphone 2549 cable with good results.
I can't say they're ideal, I haven't tried every cable out there and my standards may be lower than yours, but Mogami cables of all kinds, microphone, interconnect and speaker, are studio standards, very well made and easy to work with.
https://markertek.resultspage.com/search?w=mogami+microphone+cable&sitepref=1

I forgot to post the link.  Got distracted by a phone call.  Work related.

https://www.performanceaudio.com/shop/Mogami/Bulk-Microphone-Cable-1701/

Have noted some other more expensive cables.  Wondering if they would offer different performance?  Even something more expensive will hardly add to the cost of the IC since I will only need a few feet.

My standards are simply this.  I want the right sounding cable for my systems that won't cost an arm and another part of my anatomy that I would early like to keep.  Want to keep my total cost for three pairs of IC's to under $200.

@will62 

This is a good interconnect that would come within your budget.

http://http//signalcable.com/analogtwo.html

Cheers,

Scott

Let me qualify my previous statement about three pairs of IC's for under $200.  Make that two right now.  Will shop for a third pair later in the year when I purchase another CD player.  

samac.  I've read some reviews on the Signal cables and some people claim they are harsh or too bright.  I need to avoid that kind of sound.

Prefer neutral or a bit warm without heavy bass being amplified any further.

Do you own these cables?

I was doing some reading on the Blue Jeans Cables again.  Noted a couple of people are very happy with the Belden 1505f wire cable they use.  Only around $40 a pair.  I'm happy with the LC-1 that I have.

Has anyone compared the two or use the Belden 1505f cable from BJC?  Thoughts?

@will62 

You have done your research well.:-)

I used them for a couple years. While I wouldn't describe them as harsh, they are fairly neutral but lean to the bright side of things a bit.

Cheers,

Scott

Scott:  Thanks.

I have to be careful to avoid brighter sounding gear.  For years I had Klipsch Heresey's with my Yamaha A 500 and they grated on my ears.  And then I switched to a  Cambridge Audio Amp a decade later and the result was still the same with that amp though it was not as bad as the Klipsch.  

Right now the synergy with the gear I have is good.  Neutral to a bit warm though the Bass on the Castle speakers with the Denon is a bit heavy at times.  But I think by changing the amp over to the Yamaha with the Castles and then matching the Denon to the Mirage speakers will resolve the issue.  

You can grab a set of cardas or transparent entry level for around 100. I’d look no further. 

Purist audio design poseidon or elementa advanced fluid cables 

I'm very happy with Virtue Audio Nirvana interconnects (within your budget):
https://store.virtueaudio.com/product-p/vrtu-ic-nrv.htm
Previously I had a mix of Audioquest, Kimber and Bluejeans,
I recently re-cabled my whole system with these, including phono, to good effect.
Warm-ish, clear, with excellent rca connectors, and a good price and service from the makers.

Thanks for the additional suggestions.  I will research these as well.  Since I plan to buy three new pairs this year, I will take some time before buying the second and third pairs while I research other cables.

No one mentioned PBJ????
You might also look at Kimber Kable - note: Amazon has a lot of fakes https://www.kimber.com/counterfeits. Ray Kimber will take old Kimber in trade.  That's when many found out that the stuff they have is fake, so buy only from a legitimate dealer or direct.
PBJ interconnects are classic (pun not intended), and with a very slight discount would be in your range, and you can customize them as to length, connector, etc..  If you have any local dealer, you could expect a better discount as my understanding is that the margins on cable are higher than other audio gear. Tonic is well within your price range. Here's a review, and on page 2 there's a link to Dudley's Tonic review. https://www.stereophile.com/content/entry-level-18
I have used PBJs in the past, and thought they were quite good; nothing outstanding; quite neutral. There are hundreds of reviews of PBJ all over, and they set the benchmark for good budget ICs - for > ten (20?) years!. I upgraded to SilverStreak.
Ray also has do it yourself parts- very high quality- the same stuff he uses: https://www.kimber.com/series/diy 

On the list should be:
Canare lv-61s (detailed and punchy to my ears)
Canare LV-77s or BJC LC-1 (fuller, more laid-back)

The Belden 89289 used to be on audiophiles' top list also.
Ordering from Bluejeancables guarantees the best connectors (Canare), same with signalcables.

My budget pick:
Zu audio, you can buy their older models at a discount on Ebay.
My preferential choice:
Audioquest.
B 

Beyond ANY doubt the ZU cables on Ebay are the best buy in audio!
Good sound and service , very honest and their build quality is excellent .

Signalcable +1

Don't assume that a hundred bucks need be spent on a pair of RCA cables.  A decent pair costing 15 to 20 bucks from a reputable online dealer like Monoprice will squeeze every available ounce of SQ out of your system.

Use the saved $160 to buy music.

Ordinarily I would not be up this late but I am dealing with a  bad head cold and now diminishing sinus infection.  Thanks for the additional suggestions.  

Just ordered the Morrow MA 1.1 to try out.  Found out they are silver and not copper wires.  I've heard silver can be bright which I want to avoid.  Hopefully Morrow has found a method to tame the bright sound from silver.  

Will still be buying a couple more pairs in the not too distant future.  Will consider all the additional suggestions as well.  Since I am shopping for two systems, ultimately I will need at least two more pairs of IC's.  Like to have different cables since each produce a different sounds and will help certain recordings to sound better.  One cable does not fit all.

I would take exception to recommending the Belden 89289 or the 1505f.
Even after trying the much lauded 8402 they all fell short of the 9259! Very highly recommended.

At this point in the development of your system you do not need to spend much on cables. CAT5 will do you just fine. If you don’t want to solder you can buy solderless RCA plugs on Amazon at 10 for $6 and CAT5 cable is a few cents a foot. Spending any more on cables with a system at your level just doesn’t make sense. I use it between my DAC and preamp and the system sounds fantastic. Yes, I am a cable skeptic, but hearing is believing. Check out my system in the virtual systems area.

CAT5 also makes good speaker cables just use a few pair together in parallel

Diageng 10pcs Phono RCA Male Plug a AV Tornillo Terminal Plug Conector

@will62 
Confirm with Morrow, but I'm pretty certain their wire is silver plated copper and not pure silver.

To finish my thought

Starting out get some neutral cables whether it be CAT5 or some other inexpensive option, probably just keep what you have, then go after speakers and electronics. Since the speakers are the most colored component start there, find a pair you like and build from there. The idea that you must start with the front end is incorrect. A $2000 front end driving compatible $50,000 speakers will sound waaaaaay better than a $50,000 front end driving $2,000 speakers.

If you want an immediate upgrade and want to keep the speakers, you need to go after the weak link in your system which IMHO are the old integrateds. Despite what some may think, electronics ,especially the power supplies do deteriorate and after 18+ years you are due for an upgrade.

Once you get the speakers and electronics up to a level you are happy with, then, and only then, should you consider spending more money on cables. 

herman.

Not changing speakers.  Already have a pair of Mirage OM 10 Towers and Castle Conway 3 Towers.  Love both paris and don't want to part with them.

Yes, I do agree on the integrated amp's possibly being the weakest link in the system right now.  In fact the Denon just developed a noise on some deep bass notes while listening to a Wes Montgomery CD.  Swapped out the amp to the A 5oo and the noise was gone.  

Going to at least get a diagnosis of the problem to see if it worth repairing.  If not I will likely look for a new integrated amp in the Spring.  Won't be able to spend over $500 at this point unless when I take a transfer with my company at that time, I find that my earnings have increased by at least 25 percent.  That may happen but I won't know until April or May.  

Don't want the new Yahama amps.  Too bright now.  I've read the Onkyo 9050 and Marantz PM5005 might work since they are more neutral to a bit warm.  Also can be bewired which is something I plan to do.  

ghost house.  Will try them and find out.  The Audio Art cable is a combination of silver and copper and that is not bright to my ears.  

perrazzi.  Thanks for the tip.  Will look into that other cable as well.  May be able to make my own with it since it appears I can find solderless RCA connectors.

@will62 

From the Morrow Audio website...

The MA1.1 consists of 4 runs of solid core, small gauge and individually insulated, silver coated copper wire which is then silver soldered to the termination of choice. Silver coated copper wire was chosen for the excellent balance of sound that it provides. The cable has an attractive appearance and possesses excellent RFI and noise rejection. That cable is flexible, durable and easy to manage.

The solderless RCA plugs that appear on Amazon don't look like they are very good quality.  Reviews indicate larger wires like 12 gauge may not work either.  Want to use larger gauge wire of course.

Any other sources that sell solderless RCA plugs for home stereo use?  Prefer something that will last.

If you go to the AudioArt IC-3se you will have the best on the market under 2k .
DHL connectors are very good, The Shadow ones are fantastic !

I am like Shubert and think the Audio Art IC-3se's are very good. Not just good as an interconnect passing the signal but they have a high degree musicality along with it. I think it is the way it highlights microdynamics but I really don't know what I am talking about when it comes to why. I have the DHL connectors and would like to try the Shadows.

I do own the IC3 IC and am very happy with them.  Perhaps I should just stick with them.  Also like the LC-1 I ordered from BJC as well.  Different sound but still decent.  Not as good to my ears as the IC3 though.

Have ordered the Morrow MA1.1 and will at least try them.  May be surprised.  

Would like to avoid buying a new amp right now.  Money is tight.  Have home upgrades that come first and have to pay a ton for heat right now due to the cold temperatures.  Figured I could get by with the amps I have for now and if they really fail then look at new.  Always was happy with the A 500 from Yamaha and the Denon PMA 520 also sounds excellent though different than the Yamaha.  I don't know why some people think just because a amp is 30 years old it still can't sound good.

marqmike, as a retired teacher I ain’t rich .You described the IC-3se better than I can and you are spot on .
I first bought 2 with DHL as there is a price difference.
AudioArt had told me the Shadows were better though and as he is as honest as it gets, few weeks later sprung for a pr with the Shadows.
DHL prima , Shadows off the chart !
Month later I sprung for a 3 meter Shadow which is placement necessary in my small condo and I know the most important IC is between the pre and amp . System is better than I ever thought possible in my small condo .

Transparent +1

One of the major advantages to cables is that it will help shore up shortcomings in some parts of a system with improved audio quality.  A much more affordable way to upgrade the sound of a system vs buying new and much more expensive gear.

I purchased an adequate length of Belden 9259 on eBay and the RCA's from Parts Express
Gold Male RCA's https://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-rean-nys352g-rca-plug-connector-gold--092-112
Nickel Male RCA's https://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-rean-nys352-rca-plug-connector-nickel--092-110
These Neutrik connectors worked very well but require soldering. Avoid crimp types. Match the metals at each end to your amplifiers Female RCA's and your Preamps RCA's