Best cables for electrostats?

Try the Mapleshade Double Golden Helix cables. They must be used in minumum of an 8' length due to their design and are somewhat fragile, but if they are anything like the Double Helix digital cable that I just installed they will be a dream come true for electrostatics. Extremely musical but with fine detail. $280.00 with a 30 day return policy for an 8' pair. The cables are based on the same design used in the Omega Mikro line, but are much less expensive. I cannot use them now because my speaker cable runs are too long with my current setup, but will definately check them out when I come up with a better/closer arrangement for my equipment. They also make a budget version that is under $100.00 for an 8' pair. Danvetc, another member here has the speaker cables (not certain which model) and may be able to add hands on info.

I'm driving my ML SL3s with 2 pairs of Kimber 8TC from a McCormack DNA 1/B. The cables were originally chosen as the best sounding with my previous amp/speakers (McCormack DNA 0.5/Mirage 1090i) but as I have incrementally upgraded the system I've never felt the need to go out and recheck the cables with each upgrade. Sounds just fine!

I concur with Dave. I'm using double runs of 8TC with my Martin Logans. Inexpensive and outstanding performance!

There are three things you want to look at in cabling for electrostats. First, you want a very coherent cable - one that takes into account the "skin effect". An electrostat can resolve extreme nuance, so you want to preserve the timing of the signal (with most speakers, this isn't a significant consideration). Second, you want a cable with very low inductance. That means no twisted wires. You see, because electrostats have a very low impedance at high frequencies (like 1 ohm or so), they are very sensitive to series inductance in the speaker wire. It only takes a little inductance to roll things off just a bit, and sudddenly you've lost some of the air and bloom your electrostats are capable of. The third thing you want is a cable with a neutral or warm tonal balance, as opposed to one that's a bit on the bright or thin side. If you want specifics, look for some used Magnan Signatures - you might find a pair in your price range. Next choice would be Magnan Reference, a bit over your price range new but right there used, if you can find it. Goertz or Analysis Plus Oval Nines also are very good with electrostats. With the JoLida, you might could get away with Nordost cabling - it can sound thin in some systems. Avoid cabling with networks (MIT, Transparent). If you're interested in the Magnan or Analysis Plus drop me a line - I'm a dealer for these brands. The only speakers I sell are electrostats, by the way.

If you like the Audioquest Crystal you might look at one of their higher end cables. Short lengths in the previous AudioTruth line are readily available used. There are some cautions: Argent can be very good, but is a little shy in the bass and can be a little to bright, but with tubes it could be a very good combination. Clear is one of my favorites, great bass, great clarity. It might be a little more than $400 for a 5 foot run used--it would be close I think.