[BrainFood]

Looking for a good-sounding balanced XLR to XLR lead for my JBL active monitors, because the studio cable I'm using at the moment isn't doing them justice. Budget is around $100 approx. Length can be anywhere from 3 meters to 6 meters.
 
Any suggestions appreciated, especially for UK based cables 

 
 

 
 

 

[Chris J]

Try going into a music store, i.e a store that sells, guitars, microphones, PA systems, recording equipment, etc.
 
A good sized store should have a good collection of good quality XLR to XLR cables.

 

[BrainFood]

I'm looking for a specific recommendation because you cannot usually return a cable if you don't like it, as was the case with the $30 one I wasted money on.  I have a cheap maplin RCA to RCA cable that handsomely beats it (nicer midrange in particular) but it doesn't come in XLR form unfortunately.  However, it does prove that you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to get a decent cable.
 
The speakers retail for around $3K new and sound great, so deserve something good IMO.

 

[Lenni]

Supra or Mogami could be two good choices. divine audio offers demonstrations... don't know what the arrangements are though. also Custom Cable in London.

 

[RonaldDumsfeld]

I usually order cables and related stuff from here.
 
http://www.studiospares.com/cables+connectors/icat/shocablesconnectors/
 
The Studiospares Professional XLR leads are what you want. Neutrik plugs and Sommer cable.
 
They different colours at no extra cost too. Which can be handy.

 

[BrainFood]

thanks chaps
 
The Sommer one is even cheaper than the 'Evolution' pro cable I got from Digital village that I want to replace.  But that doesn't mean it won't sound better by any means. Prices can be misleading, as I found with the Maplin lead 

 
http://www.studiospares.com/leads-xlr/studiospares-pro-xlr-male-xlr-female-5-meter-black/invt/574711/
 
Big jump up in price with the Supra and Mogami...but maybe it's worth it.