Interconnect for < $200 and < $300 Recommendations.

[arnesto]

Maybe this topic has been discussed before, sorry if I haven't read through all the previous treads.

Can I have some recommendations of interconnects that fall into these 2 price categories. I am interested in the new price, not used.

I want to hear from people who own or previously own and they strongly recommend. If you have previously owned, why did you get rid of them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Len]

After extensive cable auditions, here's my very short list of recommendations within your price range (for 0.5M):

* For speed and air:
Silver Audio Hyacinth
or Bogdan Silver Spirits

* For warmth and fullness:
Cardas Neutral

* For balance:
Poth Audio Boo Jr.
or Poth Audio Green for more bass (also more expensive)

 

[recstar24]

My speed and air cable would definitely be the Nordost Blue Heavens, however they are warmer and more forgiving than the red dawns, so they are a nice balance in the nordost lineup.

 

[riffer]

First of all - How long? I am assuming 1.0M.

I haven't met a lot of people who don't like the various DH Labs products. My entire system was BL-1 Series II at one time.

To replace them when I went all the way up to Cardas Golden Reference and Neutral Reference.

I still have one from my CD to Amp that will stay there until I can locate a suitably priced Cardas Golden Cross 0.5M.

 

[arnesto]

Initially, I thought 1M, but I guess any recommendations .5 to 2M.

Presently, I am using the Audioquest King Cobra. Which sound pretty good to me. But I haven't tried out alot of new audio gear. I would like to find a cable that would be considered an upgrade to the Audioquest cable.

 

[grandenigma1]

What are the components in your system?

What are you looking to improve sound wise?

What kind of music do you listen to?

 

[arnesto]

I just wanted to see what people with more experience were using. I realize although I like the cables I currently have. I figure the price I paid is partly for marketing cost and packaging. I know there are tons of cables out there that have got really good reviews, like the Cardas line, but I feel the cost to research and marketing ratio is pretty high considering they want about $1000 for their cable. I don't mind spending a few hundred, but I want something that's not over inflated in cost that also is a good value.

I am looking for something that is neutral and detailed of course.
And I don't have the equipment now, but I want to get a good cable anyways.

 

[Glod]

Here in Europe, Van den Hul's cables are still very good for the price.

The hybrid material D-102mkIII, combines the treble extension and speed of silver, midrange warmth of copper and the infinite bass extension and soundstage properties of carbon fibre.

I haven't auditioned very many cables the recent years, but I am still impressed by what this D-102mkIII has to say against Nordost Red Dawn. These cables are quite similar in that they have a very good speed. Red Dawn has a better 3D soundstage and has in general a poise the D-102mkIII hasn't. The Red Dawn, however, does not come near the bass extension and power of the D-102mkIII. The linearity, and therefore natural characteristics, of the D-102mkIII is very appealing.

I would not describe these cables as "warm" though. they are analytical, clean and - well "natural".

 

[Glod]

There is also of course our own "cable workshop" here at the Head-Fi.

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...0&page=1&pp=20

I am thinking of commission a good quality male 1/4" > x2 male RCA. It looks like there is a wealth of knowledge out of simple try and error among those members. Maybe if you elaborate your preferences one of those guys could make you something good sounding for far less than the well known brands?

Just a thought.

 

[bundee1]

Check out VHAudio.com. A lot of people really like the Pulsar cable they offer. $160 for 1M and it has a 30 day money back gaurantee. I own 2 pairs.

 

[grandenigma1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bundee1 Check out VHAudio.com. A lot of people really like the Pulsar cable they offer. $160 for 1M and it has a 30 day money back gaurantee. I own 2 pairs.

Like he said. Plus RS Cables and Signal Cable make excellent cables for value and performance. I would also have to second the Bogdan cables as well.

I honestly feel that the cut off for the dollar to performance ratio of ICs is at about the $150 mark. For most people there will not be much of a noticable difference at $100s or even $1000s + ... unless you are one of the lucky or maybe unlucky ones that can...

 

[jefemeister]

I always recommend Cardas' products. The cable industry is based on the hot-new fads and marketing with a new "must have" cable with some exotic technology comming out every year. Cardas is always among the best and you never have to second guess yourself or chase the trends. In summary, buy Cardas at the get-go and you'll never have to think about cables for the rest of your life.

 

[tkam]

I always recommend Headphile or Moon Audio. They both have very good cables for the money. Headphile has a wider selection but Moon is also a Cardas dealer.

 

[Len]

Cardas is good if you're looking for fullness and warmth. They don't necessary work for every system, though. They make mine sluggish and dull.

 

[arnesto]

Thanks for all the information, I think I am going to go with the cryo treated pulsars at VHAudio.com. I don't have a clue why cryo treated is better, but it cost more. So it must do be better. Hehe.