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Budget interconnects...?

RunOutGroove

RunOutGroove

Addicted Member
I realize that there are lots of threads that kind of cover this subject, but when I looked there didn't seem to be any that were anything like the all-around recommendations that I'm seeking. I've done a bit of upgrading to my system, but I realize that in using the cheapest, super-genreic RCA interconnect cables I'm probably not getting the most out of it. I don't have much of a budget to spend on this stuff (very low and I have several cables to buy as well) but I'm wondering what's available for a really bottom line budget that would still likely be an obvious improvement over what I'm using now?
 
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An obvious improvement may be tough to come by unless your current cables are simply broken and not passing a signal. The Amazon Basics (~$10) work for me. Most of my signal chain is digital (HDMI to pre-amp) or balanced (XLR pre-amp to amps) so I'm not big on fancy cables.

Budget? $10 each? $100 each?
 
If you are running vintage gear some of the new cable ends won't fit (the RCA spacing is too close together), newer gear shouldn't be an issue.

I'm running these in my main system. The connectors are kind of oversized IMO, but they work. Monoprice has lower cost cables than these, also.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18534

These also work fine.

https://www.parts-express.com/audtek-electronics-dc3-double-rca-audio-video-cable-3-ft--181-411

Both cables are kind of stiff compared to the $2 ones.
 
I'm currently using Seismic 1' and 6' RCA's and Mediabridge 15' subwoofer cables. Purchased on Amazon.
 
Maybe esoteric (MTX) cables?
I bought a pair a while ago, a7 model.
They were being discontinued when I bought them and they were very affordable. Newer versions available now.
Quick Google search showed some AK threads in the results.
 
check out Pangea cables. They are sold by Audio Advisor. They claim that Jay Victor the guy who designs them designed cables for some of the big names in audio. He has his own line of cables now. Very resonable prices for well made stuff.
 
Hosa are my "go-to" budget brand.
Nice OFC cable,molded ends,and they can be had with either nickle or gold plated contacts.
Very reasonably priced,can be found most anywhere including Amazon et-al.
Nickle plated ends > https://hosatech.com/products/analog-audio/interconnect-cables/dual-interconnects/cra-200/
Gold plated ends > https://hosatech.com/products/analog-audio/interconnect-cables/dual-interconnects/cra-200au/

My next step up from those ^^^^ are the Mogami w/molded-on ends (I get these via Redco Audio).
35 series have the nickle plated ends > https://www.redco.com/Mogami-35-Series.html
36 series have the gold plated ends > https://www.redco.com/Mogami-36-Series.html

(No affiliation w/either of those vendors...)

FWIW I tend to avoid cables with "deathgrip" tight connectors (like some Monoprice cables have) as a personal preference.

HTH

Bret P.
 
IME, Monoprice cables had a weak spot with their connectors. They're stiff and thick... so difficult to put in, and once you finally get them on and off one or two times, they don't grip well anymore.

I like getting decent quality cables from thrift shops, since RCAs are discarded in the HDMI world. Some people claim pulling two sections of a video component cable will outperform an audio-specific cable.
 
Hak Foo said:
...Some people claim pulling two sections of a video component cable will outperform an audio-specific cable.
Click to expand...
Not for the cheapest video rca cable. I tried some when I was needing something for a quick test and got LOTS of hum. Pulled them apart, and found that the +ve and -ve wires were only about three micro strands, and the +ve was not shielded by the -ve, or even twisted around it.

I would expect it to be a different story for higher-quality video rca cables!
 
Aaron, the improvement in cables would be dependent on the quality of your components. If you have entry-level equipment, better interconnects are unlikely to show much improvement. However, if you have reasonable equipment I would expect that the upgrade is noticeable.

Are you OK with a soldering iron? BlueJeans lists the Belden cables they use. I bought some Belden 1505F off-cuts from a cable installer, got some reasonable quality gold rca plugs from an electronics store (still cheap, but not the cheapest), and made my own "Blue Jeans" audio cable for a budget price. There are other cables you could use, one site I found recommended Canare GS-6 instrument cable - but there are always different opinions, and other people don't like this for audio use.
 
If cable is too thick, difficult to bend it doesn't stay connected well. It presses against outer wall where you plug it in. Start having erratic issues, hard to diagnose. I look for bendy cables, not too short. I'd check out what they have at Best Buy.
 
Guess it depends on how you define the term "budget". Budget cables to me are lower level offerings from Morrow Audio, AudioQuest & WireWorld. Just saying .. that's just me.
 
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