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What cable would you choose?

Naim CD5i, Arcam AVP-700 (direct stereo mode, pre-amp to be upgraged soon, but will keep the Arcam for HT), Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp, Usher CP-6381 speakers.

I'm currently using two pairs of Outlaw PCA's for IC's and Monster M1.4's for speakers cables. I also have on hand and have tried in every conceivable combination the following IC's: Chord silver siren, cobra, cobra III, Chrysalis (the original Cobra and Chrysalis have the Naim Din to RCA which is supposed to provided better performance)and Eichmann eXpress-4.

As it turns out the cheapest cables I own (Outlaws) wound up sounding better than anything else I had on hand.

I know that some of these are very popular components and many others own them, so I was hoping to hear your findings and get your recommendations.

I'm not one to spend a fortune on cables, but I do realize there are big differences. I'm looking for the best reasonably priced cables I can find.

The one name that seems to keep coming up when I read about affordable cables is Audio Art (Think they're either the same or very similar to DH Labs).

Anyow, I would be greatful if some of you could find the time to share your experiences.

Thanks.
jack_dotson
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
it depends upon your preferences. it is difficult to recommend a cable in the context of a stereo system with which one is unfamiliar.

what are your sonic preferences ?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
A budget, and tonal characteristics desired in your system are required for substantive input.

I owned the Outlaw interconnects at one point. I can say without hesitation they were the worst sounding interconnects I have ever owned. Hands down. Hard, hashy and lacking finesse. This is good news! You can only go up from here.

Seriously, though, I would suggest that money spent on room treatments, AC power, and equipment upgrades will yield higher benefits than interconnect upgrades. The benefits of wire become more apparent as system resolution improves.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Actually, the Audience Au24's used here on Audiogon would be a stellar fit. Also check out the XLO reference 1 or 2 lines used. They both will deliver what you are looking for without question and allow you to enjoy music again.

Cheers,

Chris
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Outlaw PCA's are made with continuous cast copper, which should sound pretty good. The only thing holding them back are the cheap connectors. Before break-in, they do sound just as described above, harsh, etc. I use CCC cabling from Vampire throughout my analog setup and have used the Outlaw PCA's for DVD-A connections. I use Dimarzio cabling for my vintage digital system.
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