RCA interconnect recommendation

 @soix thanks I like this recomendation. It will be a fun learning experience.
@safebelayer sound thoughts - thanks
@kellyp assuming you are asking about input impedance on the amp line in?
Thanks evveryone

@smaarch1 ,

I agree with the AZ Matrix Reference II being very good, especially for the money. If you like it, you will probably also like the Cardas Golden Cross or Golden Reference, although someone else had a different opinion. I went from AZ Matrix Ref II to Golden Cross and found it to sound more spacious, fuller and more rounded, yet with a little more clarity than the Matrix. I wouldn't rule them out.

Does anyone have experience with the cable company lending library? And is it worth a try?

I have used The Cable Co in the past; it's been a while. They typically like to loan out three different sets of cables at a time, and give you enough time to allow two weekends of use. I'm not sure what their current fee is, but found it a great way to get the flavor of different brands and evaluate system compatibility. They also have a database which I believe is compiled by user feedback. They may be able to make specific recommendations based on your equipment and goals, but I'm not sure if this is without bias regarding certain manufacturers. I listened to their advice, but stuck to trying the brands and models that I had narrowed down based on my own research.

I have also found dealers, out-of-state no less, that were willing to let me try out cables if I was willing to place a hold on my credit card until I returned them. I was able to borrow some very high-end cables at one time doing this.

With all the system variables and recommendations, it would be best to try several brands IMO, if you are willing to put the time into this.

Good luck and have fun with it.

I forgot to mention that I haven't tried the AZ Silver Ref II; was leary of silver at the time. Soix has an interesting point about trying it, if you like the MR II.

More excellent advice - Thanks @gary_c
I’m going to hold on The Cable Company for now but you’ve given me what I need to understand how it works.
There was some thought earlier which brought me to the AZ cables and the suggestion was to use the Matriz on the phono side and the Silver on the Dac side. Something about this advice sounds right. Let’s see what happens.
In the meantime a simple switch last week of a cheap interconnect and a less cheap one (mogami cable) between sides most definitely reveals a difference and it isn’t subtle.

@gary_c "...you will probably also like the Cardas Golden Cross or Golden Reference, although someone else had a different opinion. I went from AZ Matrix Ref II to Golden Cross and found it to sound more spacious, fuller and more rounded, yet with a little more clarity than the Matrix. I wouldn’t rule them out.".

@gary_c having owned both Golden Cross (prior) and Golden Reference (current), by chance have you tried both and compared the two?

If you don’t like the slight rolloff and added plushness of the GCs, you might like the GRs a little more. I sold off all of my GCs to a Pass Labs owner who loves them for the older version amps that were brighter. I bought the GRs for another system I was gonna build. Decided to swap the GRs to my main system and using the GRs right now on my mono tube amps. Now comparing to my other Analysis Plus Crystals OCC interconnects. I'm not sure the GRs will displace the AP crystals.  

The GRs are very close to the same design as the Cardas Clear Reflections which have the newer connector ends. I think I like the Golden Refs better than the Clear Reflections I demo’d earlier this year The GRs have started opening up with some time on them. Nice tone, texture, depth without being overly plush. They also work nicely with newer design tube amps using new repro small signal and output tubes too.