Opinions / Comparisons of sub $100 ICs from Bolder, Canare, DH Labs, AR, & Markertek?

[Blighty]

I have never been much of a believer of the importance of interconnects but I have decided to try an entry-level pair at any rate and compare it with the cheap RadioShack ones I normally use to see if the difference is perceivable(at least to me).

I am looking for comparisons between these RCA-RCA interconnects but opinions on each are welcome also of course. I am referring to the sub-$100 versions below:

Markertek - look really cheap to me
Acoustic Research Pro & Master series - nice aesthetics but not sure about the sound
Canare - heavy duty solid construction
Bolder Type 1 - quality connectors but how does it compare with the others
DH Labs BL-1 II - lots of praise but again how does it compare with the rest?

[Audio-Me]

I haven't tried the other stuff you listed, but after trying out DH Labs BL-1 series IIs, I've replaced all of my interconnects to them. Sound so lush and crisp it's scary (great soundstage, very transparent/airy, smooth intense bass).

[DanG]

For a comparison of the DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Series II and the Bolder Cable Company's Types I and II interconnects you can read my review at the following URL:

http://www.head-fi.com/reviews/bolde...rconnects.html

[Blighty]

Thanks for the link. Your analogy of the grado vs. sennheiser sound between the two interconnects is very interesting. As much as I like the Grado sound for specific types of music, I think I can also appreciate a more laid back tonal quality as well. I wonder if there is a more neutral cable that does not act as a "tone control" in a similar price range that may give the best of both worlds?

[JML]

Blighty, the Markertek is built with Canare star-quad cable and Canare connectors; while they're not among the most expensive, they're not cheap-looking. Maybe you were looking at the truly cheapo NecTec cable on their site. The Markertek in a stereo-mini-to-mini configuration is probably a best buy for a quality cable, and I'd be surprised if a pair of the RCA-terminated cables sound much different than what cajunchrist and I listened to and liked (they probably sound better). Trying a pair of them would not set you back too much; pick your lengths and colors, and give them a try. If you go beyond your list, and don't want to break the bank yet, consider Straightwire Chorus.

Any of those on your list, with the possible exception of the cheap AR, are shielded against EMI and RFI better than what you have now, and I bet you will notice a drop in the noise floor. You might think that's a drop in highs and a loss of "air," but what it means is less hash and grundge passed along.

[Hirsch]

The AR Pro series is a nice musical cable. Midrange and bass are good, but there is a lack of fine detail and the highs are rolled back. Nothing beats it in the price range.

The BL-1 is my cable of choice when I need to construct an interconnect. I agree with DanG's assessment of the BL-1. To minimize the brightness, be sure that you've given the cable sufficient burn-in time...could be up to 200 playing hours.

For slightly more than your range, you could get a kit for the Homegrown Audio Silver Lace. This one has it all, and is a real bargain at its price point. Very transparent, and lets the music through.

[dhwilkin]

I've got what is basically a Bolder Type I cable, though it wasn't made by them. Dan's review, IMHO, is more or less accurate, though I'm not sure I'd go so far as calling them laid-back. They do sound fairly neutral overall, though. Haven't heard the other cables.

[DanG]

I certainly thought that the Type II had more "weight" to the sound with increased bass presence and yet a better-formed bass. The BL-1 had more treble information as well as having an apparent bias which also made it seem more forward than the Type I.

Overall I would actually have to say, if I were to be less tactful, that the Type I simply combines some of the bad qualities of each cable -- not enough treble like the Type II, and not enough bass like the BL-1. Yet the lack of a solid bass or treble range makes the cable balanced in its own way.

[slindeman]

I finally got around to replacing my Radioshack gold series interconnect that I had at work. Thank goodness I did! I built some DIY interconnects that cost around $25, and they sound much better. I'm very confident that the Bolder or DH Labs sound better than the Radioshack too. Also, it's good to note that if you do like the Bolder or DH Labs cables, and have some DIY inclinations, you can build extra pairs yourself to save some money. The Bolder cables are based on the John Risch DIY designs, and the few parts necessary to build them can be bought as a DIY kit at www.diycable.com, or bought separately at various stores locally and on the net. Also the cable used in the DH Labs BL 1 Series II can be bought for $3.50 per foot at Welborne Labs on the net. Add some decent connectors and you're set.

To answer your question, I haven't heard any you've listed, but based on the many reviews I've read here is my short list for $100 or less interconnects:

JPS Ultraconductor
Cardas Audio Microtwin (also called the 300b?)
DH Labs BL-1 Series II
Homegrown Super Silver II

[Audio-Me]

I'm happy with the silver sonics for my speaker system, but when I tried them on the MG Head, ewwww. I'm in market for cables for my headphone rig (Sennheiser HD600, Clou red). The Clous already pronounce the highs a little bit, I like smooth and laid back.

I'm interested in the diycable.com "Fat Ones" kit with SRCA connectors, but I want them assembled. How am I going to find a professional to make these cables for me at a reasonable price? You think Tweeter would do it if I brought in all the parts for say, $20? Cause $120 is cheaper than Bolder's $180.