Hello all,

I am almost completely ignorant of inter-connects; I only know not to get cheap crappy cables, as they will invariably affect sonic quality. But, I do not understand things such as: the difference between analog/digital-which is better? I assume digital. How much are cables? Do they terminate in RCA ends?

Also, I'm planning on building my first home system, and need some interconnect advice. The tentative plan that is coming together in my head is an Azur 640C CDP matched with a Perreaux SXH-1 amp, although this is very tentative. Can someone suggets some good but reasonably priced ICs for use? I would like to spend $50-80, but could conceivable go up to $100, if there are huge improvements in sound quality. Thanks all,

Will

P.S. As length is a cost factor, I don't need much-only a couple of feet, between 0.5-1.0 meter.

No RCA recommendations? That is the main thing I'm looking for, as I really have no reference to start from--I've heard a lot of names, but they are usually high-end, costing much more than I can afford/would like to spend. Thanks folks.

There are so many choices, I'm sure most folks don't know where to begin. Like most I started with middle grade Monster cable. From there I wandered to Audioquest. I've finally settled on Nordost for my music systems and Audioquest for my home theatre applications with a Tributaries digital IC to add to the mix.

It's my opinion that cables need to be matched with the system that they connect. $500 cables on a $300 CDP just isn't smart. Good news is the trickle down from the music system into the HT setup benefits the whole family. See if you can borrow some Monsters or Audioquest middle grade cables then compare them. Your ears and system have to be the final judge.

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions. Any others? What about Signal Cables? Some searching has told me they are good performers. Also, Kimber PJB?

I've not heard of Signal, so you're on your own there. As far as Kimber goes, it's a love-hate relationship. Some people love them, some can't stand them. I've never heard someone say they're just ok. The high end stuff seems to get good reviews, as well as their budget speaker cable. The interconnects don't thrill me. YMMV.

After some experiments with my system, I've become a 100% Virtual Dynamics convert. Their ICs are ridiculously good. They definitely have a "house sound", if that's neutral or not, no one really knows (but they still argue about it constantly ) -- however, colored or not I'm totally in love with these cables.

-dd3mon

Magwire (or other magnet wire using companys) and Signal #2 (or other beldon 89259 using companys) are good entry level IC's from what I've read at AA. I'm not sure on the magnet wire group, but Rhinocable & BlueJeancable are a few other users of the Beldon cable.

i'm a believer in radio shack fusions, plus you got 7 days to return. less than 30 bucks for 3 ft.

www.headphile.com
www.bluejeanscable.com
www.homegrownaudio.com
www.diycable.com

those are some sites i've been looking at to maybe try something different though.