Average Price Of Interconnects In Your Main System

[Tripqzon]

I read a lot about the benefits, or not, of expensive interconnects. Let's find out what you spend on average for the interconnects in your main systems. I'm not looking to stir up any controversy here, this is just a poll.

Example: If you spent $30 on one set and $100 on another, the average would be $65. Were not looking for exact numbers here.

I realize that higher end systems will benefit more from higher end cables than mid-fi systems. So let's just have fun with this and I believe we can all learn a little something from this poll. Feel free to tell us why you spend what you do on interconnects, whether it be budgetary or whatever, but please let's not start a pissing contest.

Paul

[Tripqzon]

I'll start this poll out. I've spent on average $0 - $10. I run completely NXG cables that I purchased on the bay for less $10 a set with shipping. Don't think I'm cheap. I'm just thrifty and on a tight budget. I have to say I did hear a difference in my system over the hair thin rca's I've used in the past.

Paul

[jaymanaa]

I'm using Phillips at about 10 bux a pair for RCAs, and a Sony for Digital Coax on the DAC which was 14. They seem ok to me. Jay

[Yamaha B-2]

Assume you are talking MRSP. I always buy used, so get that great ~50% discount.

[theblackknight]

Right now Im just using a $25 monster cable from bestbuy. It's way too long though. Not sure why I got it that long.:headscrat

[VinylHanger]

pretty much a buck or 2 at GW. I do have a couple of better ones, but they came with gear or were RS closeouts. I'm thinking of getting into the 11-35 dollar range to see what I have been missing. :D

[ehoove]

I moved up to DHL Labs BL-1 Silver sonics at $16 avg off of eBay. then took a leap of faith on the recomendation of Roy At Green Mountain Audio (the designer/ owner) and found some Audio magic Excaliber II's on eBay at @ avg for $115 avg per pair, and he was right, a huge difference worth every penny spent.:banana: :banana: IMHO
Still using the Silver sonics in my second system.
Jim

[Urizen]

I have been using DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Series II in my main system, both balanced and unbalanced, for a number of years now, and have no desire to change. I paid about 60 bucks a pair for them new, and if I had to to re-wire my whole system it would get kinda expensive, so I am happy for now.

In all of my other systems, I use simple AR interconnects from BB at about $13 bucks a pair.

If I need more, I plan to try some Zebras, or build my own.

[Tripqzon]

I have been using DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Series II in my main system, both balanced and unbalanced, for a number of years now, and have no desire to change. I paid about 60 bucks a pair for them new, and if I had to to re-wire my whole system it would get kinda expensive, so I am happy for now.

In all of my other systems, I use simple AR interconnects from BB at about $13 bucks a pair.

If I need more, I plan to try some Zebras, or build my own.

I like the idea of building my own but haven't tried it yet. Definitely something I will attempt in the future.

Paul

[Urizen]

I like the idea of building my own but haven't tried it yet. Definitely something I will attempt in the future.

Paul

The CAT-5 cabling looks interesting, and easy.

Take care,

Ken

[JoeESP9]

All my cables and IC's are DIY. The IC's are made like Kimber KCAG with 3 braided wires 2 silver 1 copper using WBT RCA's. My speaker cables are the full bore CAT-5 with 18 braided twisted pairs per speaker with Rhodium plated spades.:smoke:

[Yamaha B-2]

I always buy my DIY cables. :D

[dr*audio]

I use these great cables from MCM:
http://www.mcminone.com/content/productimages/s4/3943530.jpg

See my thread on the free trial of these $14 interconnects!
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=68376

[Dusty Chalk]

I've got a couple that are in the US$100+ range (two, to be completely specific), and several that are more like US$30-40, so I voted middlin'. Relatively cheap for an audiophool.

[pbda]

I thought that I'd experiment to see if some modestly-priced interconnects ($30-$70 range) would make a difference over the threadlike cheapo interconnects that seem to come as standard issue.

I bought a pair of Pro Solutions interconnects at Tweeter (about $30), a pair of AR interconnects via the internet ($35) and a pair of Audioquest Sidewinder interconnects from Musicdirect.com ($70).

My offhand impression is that any of these three sound better than the cheapo interconnects, but I am unable to differentiate between the three (though I have made no concerted effort to "test" them).

So a reasonably cost-effective way of experimenting, I guess. It would take a fair amount of convincing to get me to spring for big bucks interconnects, at least with my current ears and system!

[Micropassatman]

My cables range in price from $6 at GW(new Monster coaxial digital and video), and $6 for Radio Shark digital opticals, to $12 for component video+toslink bundles via eBay. All-in-all, I have probably invested a few hundred dollars into the four systems at my home. The average cost per cable is probably $15 a set.

[Negotiableterms]

This poll's tough for anyone with a long run between the pre and the amps. in my case, it's 20 ft, so that particular cable was costly, while the rest were reasonable.

Probably should have gone with cost per meter, or something.

[dmax99]

I recently splurged on a couple pair of Zebra I/Cs,about 50.00 a pair, shipped.I'm quite pleased with the results.....

[Tripqzon]

This poll's tough for anyone with a long run between the pre and the amps. in my case, it's 20 ft, so that particular cable was costly, while the rest were reasonable.

Probably should have gone with cost per meter, or something.

My apologies. I was figuring most of us have cables in the 1m to 3m range. 2m being average.

Paul

[Cellist]

Stuck with some old Monster IC's because of the Camac plugs on my Mark Levinson pre-amp.
Ran close to $400/pr back in the 80's!!! Try and explain that to the wife :(

[Tonedeaf]

I use the AR interconnects from Best Buy.
They run from $15 to $30 depending on length.

[JimJ[VT]]

I've got stuff from Knukonceptz, Dayton, Canare...don't think I spent more than $30 for any of them.

[riverrat]

Good idea for a thread.

I'm intrigued by possible improvements to be had by moving away from bottom of the line interconnects, but suspicious that diminishing returns quickly kick in, making most high end interconnects a waste of money for me anyway.

I wish I knew more about the best bang for the buck cables. I am gradually upgrading but in kind of a crapshoot sort of way.

I have several sets of these:
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&product%5Fid=50%2D2155

I also have one set of Vampire SL silver interconnects that I got on eBay for about $50. These were alledgedly $350 new, which is about 7 times as much as I will ever pay for interconnects...

[Yamaha B-2]

Go onto Audiogon and check there. Used cables, other than the 'hot' items (Valhalla?), depreciate very quickly. Generally, you can buy and then sell again for about the same $$. At least that is my plan for a 1M pair of Nordost Red Dawn ICs I will be trying. Or their 4M speaker cable. Not sure which I'll get first.

[MrZero63]

Spent $249 on a phono cable, $60 on my CD IC, and probably $35-$40 on the others. I did notice a bit of difference, so it was money well spent for me.

Maybe some Zebras are in my future... :yes:

[Kiwick]

I'm using random el cheapo cables on my systems, as i don't think they make much of a difference if you listen country music on worn LPs, old cassettes and 8tracks like i do.

Francesco

[yamahammer]

audioquest,(diamomdback) kimber kable(PBJ) cables off eprey(less than half MSRP) except for a Silver Apature which i got a steal on same place and a set of dr.audio's much loved MCM's

[boyon00]

I walked into Liquidation World in Oshawa last Sunday and they had bins of the TOTL Radio Shack interconnects for75% off.So the 3' cords that were $17.00 were now $3.50.:thmbsp:

[msdr4d]

AR interconnects here. I've used a set of high dollar Audioquest, but with the 3' runs I have, as long as they are gold plated for good conductivity - why waste the money

[Tripqzon]

So far only about 100 members have responded to this poll. I know there are a lot more members out there. Share you cable experiences with us. Especially if you've had the opportunity to experience cables in the price extremes from the low to high price range.

Paul

[ponderbear]

combo of 18 gauge lampwire and cat5 cabling. On different systems, of course!

[Jovinyl]

Some monster cables, some the plated Radio Shack. I make my own now and replaced what I was using with them.

[Duffinator]

Would those that selected $1,000 and up please make a donation to my website:

www.duffneedsaferrari.com

Thank you. :D

[avionic]

Would those that selected $1,000 and up please make a donation to my website:

www.duffneedsaferrari.com

Thank you.
Creative financing...I don't have"golden ears" so I get by with $10-15 range.

[Duffinator]

Creative financing...I don't have"golden ears" so I get by with $10-15 range.I'll let you donate anyway. :yes:

[speakerfritz]

monster 1000 xlr - have 4 pairs
monster m1000 RCA - have 10 pairs

[wineslob]

(looks at poll results) Damn you guys are cheap! :D

[sleddogman]

I'm using the NuKoncept cables that were tested in a previous pass'em around shoot-out on AK. Very nice interconnects for a reasonable price ($10-$30 range.)

[Axcel]

I worry more about the equipment ( speakers amps and pre amps etc). If you believe you hear the difference shucking out big dough for cool balanced or unbalanced interconnects good for you. Big waste of $$$$$$$ imho:music:

[jedo1507r]

When Dollar Tree sold some of their interconnects, I used them. Most of them are used in my system, the rest were chopped for other projects. :D

Though, I know starting from the bottom - there are nice ones that are a bit more durable than the $1 cables. I did buy into Monster Cables - when they were three bucks - they were car grade though, but were maybe ten feet in length and were purple - did not hear a difference, but the connector quality was better. [yes, I'm a tightwad]

[Redboy]

This is a new area of focus for me. I started off paying nothing for interconnects, just used the generic garbage that came attached to the 30-yr old receivers I was picking up. Then I picked up a couple of higher-end Monster IC's for a few bucks apiece at a thrift shop, and didn't hear anything new. They looked nicer though, with the gold-plated connectors.

My audio odyssey has led me to tubes, and as my system became more revealing, I started hearing more detail. I'd dismissed the idea that cables and wires could make a measurable difference in sound for me until recently when another member leant me a pair of Signal Cable IC's. Shortly thereafter, I sent him a PM titled "Damn, I hear a difference!" I was a little perturbed actually, that I'd have to shop for better interconnects now!

I just plunked down some cash for a pair of Nordost Red Dawns today. I haven't had a chance to really listen yet, but I never imagined I'd be spending good money on such a seemingly insignificant part of my system.

What an adventure this all is!

[Yamaha B-2]

I just plunked down some cash for a pair of Nordost Red Dawns today. I haven't had a chance to really listen yet, but I never imagined I'd be spending good money on such a seemingly insignificant part of my system. What an adventure this all is!As you (and many of us have found), cables are not the insignificant part of the system we once thought. Looking forward to your report on the Red Dawns after they've had a chance to be broken-in.

[Redboy]

Looking forward to your report on the Red Dawns after they've had a chance to be broken-in.About that... These are secondhand cables, so they should already be "broken in," right?

[avionic]

I'll let you donate anyway. LOL..Sorry Bud can't help you out.Just closed on a new place and I have to get my american ferrari finished.:lmao:

[Yamaha B-2]

About that... These are secondhand cables, so they should already be "broken in," right?Most likely. Enjoy!

[gearhound]

I'm using an old pair of Tara Labs Prism 22 for my Sansui tuner.
An old pair of Audioquest Ruby for my Magnavox CD player.
And a new pair of Heartland Canare's for my B&K amp & pre-amp.

Steve

[mhconley]

BetterCables.com exclusively. 1 m XLR for pre-amp to amp, 1 m RCA for CD player, 3 m spade biwire for amp to speakers.

Martin

[godzilla]

I'm using Tributaries and Audioquest...both sets were in the $20-30 range. I do here a dif between reg rca cables and these. The Tributaries seem to be of a better quality. I would like to try out some different ones or some more expensive to hear if there is an audible difference to me. If not, no sense in going more expenisve.

[jeffe]

always loved Kimber! Have run 8TC's with several sets of speakers, still run 4TC in the office, and there are the PBJ's. I have 3 sets of the PBJ's employed currently.

Signal Cable Analog II's are my recent fav's and have got 6-7 sets of these and really like them.

Recently got a 5.1 set ( 3 stereo pairs!) of Blue Jeans from A-gon for a really nice price and have yet to work them in anywhere with the 70 hour weeks..... maybe soon!

The Kimbers and Signal Cables I have purchase have always been in the $35 average range and for my money, they are VERY hard to beat!

[Tonedeaf]

I upgraded all my IC's to Zebra cables a few months ago and never looked back.

[kr-5150]

most of my cables are $10-$20 radio-shack cables...not their really cheap ones, the ones that are actually heavier gauge. A couple cables are custom made ( by me) 12 guage 7 foot ones that I made with monster cable and plated RCA jacks.