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"Budget" cable advice, please

Hi,

I'm piecing together the first refresh of my audio system in over 20 years! :-)

I've purchased a pair of Totem Arros and a Music Hall CD 25.2 CD player. I'll also be running a refurbished SOTA Sapphire and a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp. The only speaker cables I have right now are Monster Cable Powerline 2's that I used to bi-wire my old Vandersteen 2C's in the late 1980's.

I need best-bang-for-the-buck interconnect, power cord (for the CD) and speaker cable recommendations. I can't break the bank on cables, but want to get a marked improvement in the system.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!
rebbi
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
I can't break the bank on cables, but want to get a marked improvement in the system.

Monster cables are generally a high priced and higher build quality cable brand already. If you are looking for value then I'd stick with them - especially as you already paid for them. I don't think it would be wise to spend more.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
My experience with Monster cables is limited to the Interlink 400 II, which was fine for the $35 I paid.

I have a couple of Auricle Audio interconnects. These are auctioned here and can be picked up quite reasonably.

I also have a couple of Acoustic Zen El Nino power cords. I have heard other AZ varieties in different setups, and I would suggest this brand as a good place to start. Another make I like is Atlas; I'm very pleased with my Atlas Opus digital interconnect. Finally, I have a pair of Audioquest Type 4+ speaker cables in my second system and I think these are very good for the money I paid.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
You should specify a budget. To some, a budget interconnect is $50, to others it's $500.

If you can swing $275 for speaker cables, I believe Gregg Straley's Reality Cable is tough to beat.

If that price is too high, then I'd keep what you have.

KAB (kabusa.com) sells interconnects made by Mogami that sell for under $50/pair. They have other models that sell for under $100/pair. These are outstanding interconnects from a proven manufacturer.
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