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Entry Level Cables

Hello!

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my system a little bit at a time. Right now I'm using a Onkyo SR606 with some basic terrible speakers. I added the Onkyo for xmas and now I'm ready to upgrade my mains. I don't have much of a budget, so right now I've been looking at Paradigm's Titans or possibly a good deal on Paradigm's Reference Studio 20. Assuming I purchase the 20, what would be a good, entry level cable to run?

I've heard that I can't go wrong with Kimber's 8TCs, but they are just a bit beyond my currently target range of $100-$200 total to wire both speakers. Since I'm new, I most certainly don't want to make any terrible mistakes and skimp on the cabling and make my speakers essentially worthless. On the other hand, $400-$500 for cables is just too much for me right now.

Thanks for the input!
smwatson
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
KImber 8TC is a very good cable which I have used in the past. I strongly recommend trying the Anticables which I have used to replace my very expensive high end Cardas speaker cables. The Anticables may be entry level cost, but their performance is not. I have heard good things regarding the other recommendations from other posters but have never heard those cables.
sfar's avatar
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sfar
1,352 posts
 
I would second Blindjim's recommendation of Canare 4s11 or even 4s8 cable for your situation. You can buy either in bulk and either terminate them yourself or just use bare wire. The 4s11 is $1.17 a foot from markertek.com. It's flexible and easy to work with and comes in a nice, neutral gray color. The 4s8 is only $.55 a foot and should be fine unless you get a really powerful amp and some speakers that will pull a lot of juice. I've used both alongside the entry level Cardas and Dh Labs cables and couldn't hear anything that made the extra cost seem worthwhile.
smwatson OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for all of the recommendations. I'm going to take a look at these different cables and see what may work for my budget.

Other than budget concerns, what specifics do I need to look for in a cable to help make a determination of the quality?
smwatson OP
3 posts
 
Oh, and right now I'm debating the Anticables and the Canare 4s11. Is there any particular termination that is preferred or "better?" Or does it just come down to personal preference?

Thanks again!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Bare wire is best, IMO, but most people choose spades or bananas out of convenience, or to provide a little more contact surface area with binding posts.

Having owned both Anti Cables and Canare 4S11, I think the Canare is a little more conducive to bare wire installation because the wire itself is more flexible, and because it's multi stranded it will spread under pressure and give you more contact area on the binding posts.

Put a little CAIG ProGold on the bare wire and install them. You're good to go.

The Anti Cables may work better with spades for the reason of increased contact surface area.
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