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% Difference BTW Radio Shack IC and "Audiophile" IC

post #1 of 32
5/8/05 at 8:36pm
Thread Starter 
How big of a a noticable difference would there be between say a $5 radio shack mini-mini interconnect, and say a reasonably priced "audiophile" interconnect? Is it really worth the price difference?
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post #2 of 32
5/8/05 at 8:38pm
It may depend on the quality of both amp and source. Personally I'm inclined to feel it's a last 1%-2% thing, except you'll be getting a lot better build quality and looks with the audiophile IC (if that's important to you).

If the price dif. between the $5 radio shack cable and the audiophile cable is greater than upgrading your source or amp, I'd go for the source or amp upgrade instead.
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post #3 of 32
5/8/05 at 8:46pm
I have some cheap Magnavox RCA cables. They are shielded and thick compared to what comes with cheap audio stuff.

I compared them to a set of cables I made. My cables cost less than $10 to build (silver plated copper wire and neutrik RCAs). My cables sound significantly better. The difference is immediately noticable. Better definition in the high end. A level of depth and emotion is also missing from the Magnavox RCAs too.

I have never compared high end RCAs, but there is definately some performance to be gained between the very bottom and mid range stuff.
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post #4 of 32
5/8/05 at 9:11pm
I am not a big follower of the dark audiophile arts. But, I was using a shack ic, then switched to a $15 AR ic. There is enough difference to notice it casually.

The resolution improved enough (not Wow by any means) to justify the cost and spark my curiosity considering the more expensive stuff.

IMO in my system etc....
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post #5 of 32
5/8/05 at 10:34pm
I would probably go with, at least, the AR or similar. I've stripped down the (low level) Radio Shack stuff. It ain't pretty: maybe 30% shielding and cheapest positives they can get away with. Go at least Radio Shack Golds or a known, quality alternate manufacturer to at least get some proper shielding coverage. If you do not wish to spend a lot don't - decent selections are available for modest prices with careful shopping.
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post #6 of 32
5/8/05 at 10:59pm
switched from rat shack mini to mini to a mini to mini from JMT for like $25

huge improvment, the rat shack cable was even attenuating the signal alot
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post #7 of 32
5/8/05 at 11:08pm
Thread Starter 
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=178147

what do you guys think about this interconnect? decent or no?
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post #8 of 32
5/9/05 at 7:42am
While I'm sure that's a fine Mini-Mini cable, for just $5 more you can get the Cardas.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CookieFactory
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=178147

what do you guys think about this interconnect? decent or no?
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post #9 of 32
5/9/05 at 7:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CookieFactory
How big of a a noticable difference would there be between say a $5 radio shack mini-mini interconnect, and say a reasonably priced "audiophile" interconnect? Is it really worth the price difference?
I have 2 mini to mini interconnects that I use for my PCDP's one from a DIYer. Highflyn9 @ $30.00 and a Earcandy from Todd $116.00 no differance to my ears and for you to try, I would be willing to send the Highflyn9 cable to you to try for your self, and if you like it send me a couple of dollars as I don't need 2 cables. Good luck.
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post #10 of 32
5/9/05 at 12:48pm
Thread Starter 

About Interconnects

oops, YGPM
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post #11 of 32
5/10/05 at 4:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rellik
switched from rat shack mini to mini to a mini to mini from JMT for like $25

huge improvment, the rat shack cable was even attenuating the signal alot
Sorry, that I simply don't believe (i.e. attenuating the signal a lot). BS.
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post #12 of 32
5/10/05 at 7:07am
Well, several people are going to find out for themselves.
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post #13 of 32
5/10/05 at 7:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwood
Well, several people are going to find out for themselves.
Interesting idea, although the test is uncontrolled and unscientific.
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post #14 of 32
5/10/05 at 5:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CookieFactory
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=178147

what do you guys think about this interconnect? decent or no?
Belkin stuff in general is decent. You pay extra for the "Belkin" name. I'd say the quality/workmanship is probably better than most of the cheap Ratshack stuff.

Will you hear any difference? I think a lot of it depends on the shielding and how much "noise" is in your environment. Well, there's also the psychological factor.
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post #15 of 32
5/10/05 at 8:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CookieFactory
oops, YGPM
You have a Highflyn9 mini to mini coming, so let us know what you think. OK?

Maybe Highflyn9 will pop in here and tell you about the cable like what it is made of stuff like that, as I said before,It sounded as good as my Earcandy $116.00 cable to my ears Enjoy and consider it a gift from a fellow Head-Fier. If you can't use it maybe we can find it another home here an Head-Fi.
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