Budget IC Shootout, I'd like some input

[Thaddy]

So I recently picked up some Zu Oxyfuel RCA's, as well as some of those new Radio Shack "Fusion's" for like $15 I'm thinking of getting another set of budget ($50) interconnects and doing a little shootout. I'll set it up by adding some splitters on the output of my SD-3950, and then running the cables to the inputs of my Millet, where I can then use the selector switch to listen to each cable.

Anyways, the 2 sets of cables I'm looking at are the Grado Prestige Series and the AudioQuest Sidewinder's. Both can be had for under $50. I'm only going to buy one more set I think, and I was wondering if anyone had a better bang for your buck recommendation that I should consider. I can also get a pair of crappy stock RCA cables, just to show the improvement that nicer cables can make (if any!).

The reason I'm doing this is because I've always been skeptical of the differences that cables can make. So, I wanted to really give it the ole' college try and find out myself if they really do make a difference. Also, I think it would be good for beginners to read so they can base some of their buying decisions off of.

[grandenigma1]

I suggest the Magwire Originals... They work very well with Tube amps

[Thaddy]

Nice! Looks like they are $40 shipped to your door, that's a great deal.

Aside from the interconnect selection, how does the test setup seem?

[grandenigma1]

Originally Posted by Thaddy

Nice! Looks like they are $40 shipped to your door, that's a great deal.

Aside from the interconnect selection, how does the test setup seem?

Sounds good to me. After taking some notes with the switcher I would then remove it and just swap the cables between your source and amp and see how that compares to your original impressions.

[philodox]

I'm going to be doing a 'slightly higher budget' shootout shortly as well. I have recently bought a pair of DiMarzio M-Path IC's, still have my Headphile XRS', Grover sent me a pair of his UR's to review, and I have two pairs Analog Research cables from Cattylink [silver raincoat and gold raincoat LE] to add to the fray as well. All are in the $100-$200 range I believe. Should be interesting once I find time to do it... damn new condo taking up all my time.

[lan]

I don't really believe in splitters. They degrade / level the quality of the cables in a detail oriented way. But there are other cable differences which happen in the frequency extremes. You might still be able to see if some cable has more/less, and "better", treble/bass.

Why not add some DIY cable to the mix?

[grandenigma1]

Originally Posted by lan

Why not add some DIY cable to the mix?

I could help there if there is anything specific one has in mind

[grandenigma1]

Originally Posted by philodox

I'm going to be doing a 'slightly higher budget' shootout shortly as well. I have recently bought a pair of DiMarzio M-Path IC's, still have my Headphile XRS', Grover sent me a pair of his UR's to review, and I have two pairs Analog Research cables from Cattylink [silver raincoat and gold raincoat LE] to add to the fray as well. All are in the $100-$200 range I believe. Should be interesting once I find time to do it... damn new condo taking up all my time.

You should get your hands on a pair of Cardas cables as well

[riffer]

DH Labs BL-1 Series 2.

[gsferrari]

Get them DIY made to spec. I usually entrust Edwood with all my cabling needs. Headphile is also an option. The Rnb...dont remember the rest of his name...is also an option.

Go DIY and save money for where it matters most - choice of material and choice of contacts.

[Thaddy]

Originally Posted by lan

I don't really believe in splitters. They degrade / level the quality of the cables in a detail oriented way. But there are other cable differences which happen in the frequency extremes. You might still be able to see if some cable has more/less, and "better", treble/bass.

Why not add some DIY cable to the mix?

This was a big concern of mine, which is why I decided to try and find some Vampire splitters. HeadRoom has them, but they are sort of pricey. Anyways, even though they probably will hamper performace, it will be a consistent degradation with all 3-4 cables I use. I will also try and spend some time without the splitters, so I can maybe note differences in a single cable with/without the splitter.

As far as DIY cables go, I'd happily include them. But the kicker is they have to fit the price range of the other cables. If any DIY'ers can make this happen, then please PM me and we can discuss this in further details.

[rickcr42]

Have you checked our local builders in Mall Fi such as RnB100 ?

[Thaddy]

Originally Posted by rickcr42

Have you checked our local builders in Mall Fi such as RnB100 ?

Yeah, I've been in contact from him, I'm just awaiting a response

Right now it looks like I'll have 4-5 cables to play around with, and all of them have an MSRP ranging from $16 to $99. But of course, they can all be had for cheaper than the MSRP if you know where to look.

One last thing, anyone know where to get the Vampire splitters for a good price? For that matter, does anyone have a better recommendation on methods to split my signal?

Thanks for the input so far!

[clarke68]

Blue Jeans Cable is the king of cables, IMO, their Belden 1505s are under $30.

[Thaddy]

Originally Posted by clarke68

Blue Jeans Cable is the king of cables, IMO, their Belden 1505s are under $30.

Nice, I totally forgot about Blue Jeans. Looks like 1m of their 1505F flavor will be $30 shipped.

Looks like I'll have 5 different cables to try, and so far the list looks like this:

1. Radio Shack Fusions   [$16]
2. AudioQuest G-Snake's  [$30]
3. Blue Jeans 1505F      [$30]
4. Unknown DIY           [$50]
5. Zu Oxyfuel            [$99]

All prices are MSRP btw...and I'm still thinking about either getting rid of one of the above and replacing it with the Magwires, or just adding them