[recephasan]

Hi all,

I am shopping for interconnects and have come up with 4 that Headroom carries:

Grado Signature $150
DiMarzio M-Path (1m) $150
DiMarzio (1m) $89
Kimber PBJ (1m) $79

of course, my selection is not limited by these and I'd appreciate any suggestions.

My main question is how the Grado cable compares with the rest of the bunch.
Also, what is good/best for ~$150?

I have a Technics CDP and am planning to upgrade soon.

I would like to spend money ONCE on interconnects and would not mind spending an extra $70, if it's worth it. I have wasted much money on 'upgrading' headphones, computer stuff, etc, so nailing it the first time around is cheaper for me.

Yes, I know the 'SEARCH' button, and I have used it.

Thanks in advance

 

[Nezer]

I'm pretty happy with Outlaw PCAs at around $40/m pair they really can't be touched.

Careful though, no doubt this thread will get crapped on by someone telling you ICs don't make a difference.

 

[recephasan]

well, I am a firm believer of the difference the ICs make, and I used to be on the other side of the table.

by the way, I am using the RA1/RS1 combo

 

[Douglas256]

I also used to be on the ICs don't matter side . . . but, am now singin' a different tune.

The first question you need to ask yourself is how you like your music. Do you need a bright cable or a warm cable?

I know my AudioQuest DiamondBacks ($89) sound brigher than my Cardas Crosslinks ($89). The Cardas just sound fuller in the base then the AudioQuest.

My best suggestion would be to take your headphone amp and primary headpones with you to all the high-fi shops around town and give as many ICs you can a listen.

 

[recephasan]

I like warm better, esp. since Grados reveal lots of detail.

It's a good idea to audition cables but most shops want to sell what they have which is not necessarily the best for me. I think I'll take that route when I've narrowed my choices down.

 

[Douglas256]

If you go around to your local high-fi shops, be wary of listening to any cable right out of the package. I didn't think cables needed breaking in, but found the sound changes quite a bit in the first few days of use -- usually for the better.

If you like warmer sound, I'm really happy with my little Cardas Crosslinks. I know these aren't the best cables in the world, but I enjoy them quite a bit.

 

[recephasan]

Thank you all!

Of course, any further feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[andrzejpw]

I'd really recommend the Outlaw PCAs.

 

[BenG]

You should scratch the PBJs from the list if you want the ICs to warm-up the sound.

The Outlaws are more in between warm and bright, they give you a very good amount of detail without the headaches, very neutral, and are cheaper than any of the others mentioned.

 

[recephasan]

Got the 1.8m Outlaw PCA and the Sony DVP-NS500V.
Now my setup is adequate!
Thank you all.

 

[Nezer]

Quote:

Originally posted by recephasan Got the 1.8m Outlaw PCA and the Sony DVP-NS500V. Now my setup is adequate! Thank you all.

Pretty incredible for the price, eh?

 

[recephasan]

Yeah!
I got the Outlaw at $55+$10s&h = $65 but got the good deal with the 500V
Good Guys had only the display unit in store, which was marked down from $230 to $185. I got it for $125 (the remote is missing the battery cover). Not bad, eh?

The outlaws sound like they need a long break-in, though. What do you guys think?

 

[kwkarth]

The Outlaws need a good 48 hours break in.

 

[recephasan]

Alright then.
Thank you, kwkarth, for introducing the Outlaws to the Head Hi-Fi ers.