• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Recommendations for Cables

J

jmiles1960

Super Member
What are folks using for average grade component cables? I am fairly new to the hobby and my past experience has been shopping at the Radio Shack, Best Buy or Circuit City (RIP). As I acquire decent quality gear, it makes sense to invest in the right cables, although I will admit my budget is at the hobby level. Do I go "Monster" cables, stay with the "Shack" or is there a better source and manufacturer for my dollar? Thanks for the advice.
 
Register to hide this ad
jmiles1960 said:
What are folks using for average grade component cables? I am fairly new to the hobby and my past experience has been shopping at the Radio Shack, Best Buy or Circuit City (RIP). As I acquire decent quality gear, it makes sense to invest in the right cables, although I will admit my budget is at the hobby level. Do I go "Monster" cables, stay with the "Shack" or is there a better source and manufacturer for my dollar? Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...

I have, what I like to think is above average gear and I have finally come to the conclusion that decent, well made component cables are a necessity.
For speaker cables get the Utilitec 16 AWG 40 ft extension cords from a Lowes home center ($8.44 locally) and use them with good spade, banana or whatever termination works in your system. I like the inexpensive ones from DIYCable.com myself and they have a pretty extensive selection. You can make your own Inner Connects if you wish, I've done many myself using Cryo'd wire, Cat5 (in many configurations) and others, but I've come to the conclusion that the AR cables, that you can get from Fred Meyers are not only well made, but they're more that adequate sonically. You can make your own, it's a lot of fun, but I wouldn't spend a lot of money as there are things that you can do in your system that will yield far greater results.

The one thing you can do that may, and probably will, give dramatic results is to acoustically treat your room.
I know an audiophile that was lamenting to me that he had spent tens of thousands of dollars over the years seeking the sound, that about $400 worth of acoustic room treatment finally provided. The sound waves from a High-End system are no different than those from a modest system and the improvement realized is completely democratic. No only that, but once your room is done, it's done, and future upgrades to your system will yield far better results.

Best Regards,
TerryO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom