Cables

[javajam12]

I have an MC275mkIV and am currently using unbalanced RCA interconnects
and am also using the gold banana adapters on the speaker terminals. They
all work fine but I am getting a C220 pre next week and am going to explore
using XLR interconnects and would like to know some recommendations for
replacing my interconnects. Also want to know what everyone else uses for
speaker cables and if you are using banana adapters like I am or if someone
sells a good spade in the correct size to use the screw terminal. I am not into
playing the overpriced cable game however. I have spent a ton (for me) of
cash of my current setup and want to use as my keeper setup. I am willing
to spend no more than $500 on all cables together. While I will agree to some
extent that cables make a difference, there comes a point when spending more
for cables than the amp cost is just ridiculous. I am not trying to start up the
old cable argument here as I am sure some McIntosh owners have spent a
small fortune on cables and would defend said purchase. However, being on a
budget, what XLR interconnects and speaker cables should I look for? Cheers.

[Gaucho1]

Guerrilla Audio can help. I've had great customer service from them and their products are great. Buy both a silver and a copper pair and see which one you like. Their power cables are great too. I've just recently upgraded all of my power cables to Guerrilla's "The Juice" and they sound great.

[Victor]

Another vote for Guerrilla here (use link at bottom of page for a 10% discount). I have used there XLR interconnects and they sound almost the same as my Audioquest Cheetah cables for 1/5th the price.

My next speaker cables will have banana ends. Spade ends give you a great connection but they are a pain in the but to use especially if the wires are stiff.

Victor

[PHC1]

I have an MC275mkIV and am currently using unbalanced RCA interconnects
and am also using the gold banana adapters on the speaker terminals. They
all work fine but I am getting a C220 pre next week and am going to explore
using XLR interconnects and would like to know some recommendations for
replacing my interconnects. Also want to know what everyone else uses for
speaker cables and if you are using banana adapters like I am or if someone
sells a good spade in the correct size to use the screw terminal. I am not into
playing the overpriced cable game however. I have spent a ton (for me) of
cash of my current setup and want to use as my keeper setup. I am willing
to spend no more than $500 on all cables together. While I will agree to some
extent that cables make a difference, there comes a point when spending more
for cables than the amp cost is just ridiculous. I am not trying to start up the
old cable argument here as I am sure some McIntosh owners have spent a
small fortune on cables and would defend said purchase. However, being on a
budget, what XLR interconnects and speaker cables should I look for? Cheers.
I can also vouch for Guerrilla Audio as a great sounding IC, however, I would suggest you take advantage of their 45 day free trial at home and test both their RCA and XLR cables. You may find that in your system, the RCA may sound better. The C220 and the 275 are not "true balanced", which means using XLR puts extra circuitry in the signal path that may degrade the sound just a bit. I've tried both on my MCD201/275 system and I prefer the RCA.

[PHC1]

Guerrilla Audio can help. I've had great customer service from them and their products are great. Buy both a silver and a copper pair and see which one you like. Their power cables are great too. I've just recently upgraded all of my power cables to Guerrilla's "The Juice" and they sound great. :thmbsp:

[markc2]

I have no problem using used cables. The Cable Co might be a good place to look around along with Audiogon. I really like Nordost, but I just got thru trying Audience speaker wire, and I can't believe how "natural" everything sounded. Good Luck.:tresbon:

[chiroman]

I prefer going with nude ends for speaker connections, make sure they are silver soldered... Go Balanced for the Amp/ pre connects...
I like NUDE anything!!!!

[nsgarch]

You could re-terminate your speaker cables or use this method if the stock spades are too big:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1054603&postcount=1

[javajam12]

You could re-terminate your speaker cables or use this method if the stock spades are too big:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1054603&postcount=1

I'm already using those adapters with success.

[skippy_ps]

Don't forget about Zebra Cables. XLR there too and some nice speaker cables - very reasonable. :thmbsp:

Murray

[dj_AmTraX]

I use MIT cables with spades and MIT XLR.

These from the bay works great too for only $9.
http://i6.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/db/95/2961_2.JPG

[Face]

MIT Shotgun interconnects and Goertz AG speaker cables here.

I also use those adapters pictured above, they work great.