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Looking For 90% of the performane of the super expensive cables for much less money

I currently have a system which consists of Vandersteen 5A's, THor Audio TP-150 tubed monoblocks, Thor Line Stage and Thor phono stage, Marantz SACD player SA-114 and will take delivery of the VPI Prime Scout with a Sumiko EVOS 3 Cartridge. I am currently using LAT International Speaker Cables, Power Cords and Interconnects. (They are no longer in business). I am in immediate  need of turntable cables and would like to update my new speaker cables and interconnects. Not willing to spend thousands on this upgrade. Seeking to capture as much of the "magic" that the super expensive cables deliver but at a more realistic price point. I understand that I have really good quality equipment, but at this stage of my life cannot allocate mega dollars towards cables.
 Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 
kjl1065
phillyb's avatar
phillyb
233 posts
 
Cables are and will always be a crap shoot. You just never know how they will interact/work in your system and money and cost as zip to do with how they will react with your system and how any power cord will react to the power supply in the gear its plugged into. 

Always bring a cable home to try, if you buy used then you will not have that option, but you won't be out big bucks either. I tried many and you learn you start chasing your tail, and once you find a great match stop and enjoy it. Never heard god talk to me yet with any cable. Smile!
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I am happy with Pangea power cords. Just got another one. yippee! 
Sure a $2,500 two meter one might be a little better.I paid $250. for a nice two meter 7 gauge AC9SE mk2 Signature... one TENTH the price of the high priced stuff. Is it one tenth as good? no it sure is way more than 90% of what that 2,500 powercord can add.And it the 2,500 was just twice as good .. it would be worth it. Problem is, that 2,500 cord is only a portion of a percent better. at TEN TIMES the cost. Just call me a Pangea Fangrrl
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Phillyb is right!  I’ve had $4500 power cords and I’ve used free PC’s that came with equipment.  How they interact with your gear means more than any absolute quantitative differences between them!
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Elizabeth, thanks for reminding me about Pangea!!  I forgot I have a 14SEMKII, so I put it on my Krell Vanguard Digital Amp.  Damn, if that sucker isn’t an amazing power cord.  Warmer and more detailed with increased dynamics and a bit rounder (3d) sounding.  Thanks
tom1000
10 posts
 
Have you noticed which cable brands are rarely sold as used. There may be a reason.

The performance of a cable is directly tied to the materials used and the design. Where the materials come from will make a difference in performance. Personally I like a well designed cable fabricated from US made materials.
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