interconnects

[JimBRICK]

Where are some good companies I can look at for good interconnects. I was 2, 1 meter pairs for my cd player and tapedeck? I'm going to be using that tube Sp3 mkII, are there better interconnects for tube amps?

thanks
Jim

[John K.]

Jim, there're several companies which supply these items at a fair price, but I'll specifically mention MonoPrice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021803&p_id=2869&style=&seq=1&format=4#feedback), which many, including me, have used for cables which do the job as well as anything else, and at a very reasonable cost.

[hearingimpared]

Signal Cable (http://www.signalcable.com/), great quality and reasonable prices. I spoke to the owner, Frank, at one time, he made me a set of 'Y' connectors to be used in my bi-amp setup. He gave me a discount for being a Club Polk member. I use his digital cable between my transport and DAC. There are several other Signal Cables including power cords used in my rig.

[blakeh]

Signal Cable seconded here. Great product at a reasonable price. All of my interconnects and all of my power cables are from Frank.

[F1nut]

Go MIT or go home. They make everything else sound second rate, in Monoprice's case, 5th rate.

[danger boy]

Kimber Kable Hero's used to be a favorite in here.. but I haven't heard of anyone talking about them in years. I wonder if they fell from grace or what. I'm not recommending them.. i've never used them.. but just thought i'd throw that out. FWIW

[janmike]

Jim, give Signal Cable a try. They probably fit your budget and you can always sell them for a reasonable price down the road. I own MANY Signal Cables along with MIT and there is a difference in quality and in price. Start out small. I have some extra SC around.

[Face]

Signal or Alpha Core. Monoprice if you want it to sound like you threw a blanket over your speakers.

[Keiko]

audioquest cable if your willing to mortgage your house.

[olilugo]

for those of you using signal cable interconnets which ones are you using?

Analog 1
Analog 2
Silver resolution
Analog 2 Balance
silver resolution balance?

Thanks

[Face]

Analog 2 and silver mini interconnects, ultra speaker cabled, bi-wired.

[marvda1]

if you want a cable that will grow with your system try audio art ic-3 interconnects, these have had some people sell their expensive cables.
he has a trail period if you don't like them all you're out of is postage.
i've tried the signal, zebra, element, and zu cables routes and the audio arts out perform them all.

[hearingimpared]

Where are some good companies I can look at for good interconnects. I was 2, 1 meter pairs for my cd player and tapedeck? I'm going to be using that tube Sp3 mkII, are there better interconnects for tube amps?

thanks
Jim

Jim here's a link to Used Cable.com (http://www.usedcable.com/) where you can get to normally out of reach MIT or any cables for that matter at a fraction of the MSRP .

[janmike]

Analog Twos’s
Analog Two Balanced
Classic Speaker Cables
Ultra (Double Run) Bi-wired
Silver Resolution Digital Coax
MagicPower Digital/Video Power Cord
MagicPower Power Cord

[JimBRICK]

thanks guys, I'm always looking for deals when I can get them. But I'm willing to spend good money on good products. I'm checking out that used cable for sure

[pearsall001]

Jim here's a link to Used Cable.com (http://www.usedcable.com/) where you can get to normally out of reach MIT or any cables for that matter at a fraction of the MSRP .

That's where I picked up my Virtual Dynamics David Series digital & RCA cables. Superb cables & even better price.

[hearingimpared]

That's where I picked up my Virtual Dynamics David Series digital & RCA cables. Superb cables & even better price.

I was hoping you would chime in here. That Virtual Dynamics David Series digital cable is incredible. I can't believe what a difference that made in sound quality connecting the transport to the DAC.

[LuSh]

Treat cables like Tone controls because that's what they really are. Provided you're ok with this 'concept' (I am) it really is best to explore what works in your particular system. Cables are more system dependent then any other part of the stereo equation in my opinion. Sometimes you bake and you need a touch more of salt, other times a touch more of sugar.

If you're system needs some roundness try Carda's, Harmonic Technology. If it's a bit bloated try a more neutral cable like Nordost, Audience or Kimber. Variety is the spice of life.

[hearingimpared]

Treat cables like Tone controls because that's what they really are. Provided you're ok with this 'concept' (I am) it really is best to explore what works in your particular system. Cables are more system dependent then any other part of the stereo equation in my opinion. Sometimes you bake and you need a touch more of salt, other times a touch more of sugar.

If you're system needs some roundness try Carda's, Harmonic Technology. If it's a bit bloated try a more neutral cable like Nordost, Audience or Kimber. Variety is the spice of life.

I couldn't agree more with your "tone control" assessment. However, I can't help but mention how Phil's Virtual Dynamics David Series digital cable made the music sound more open with a larger sound stage and crisper imaging. I mentioned this once before to the chagrin of our resident cable doubters. I was very surprised that a cable connected between the transport of a digital source to a DAC could make such a nice change to the sound of the music.

[LuSh]

I've had much the same experience using a Moray James digital connection between my DAC and Transport; which was recommended by the current head of Museatex. It was that drastic. Hard to explain...it was only a meter long and not the recommended 1.5...the 1.5 meter hype didn't start until a year after the Moray James was made though...I always kinda wonder.

[dorokusai]

I feel like I'm reading an infomercial.

[hearingimpared]

Hard to explain...it was only a meter long and not the recommended 1.5...the 1.5 meter hype didn't start until a year after the Moray James was made though...I always kinda wonder.

I thought it was 2 meters.

[Keiko]

I feel like I'm reading an infomercial.

Only much more informative. :D Man, I love you guys. :)

[pearsall001]

I feel like I'm reading an infomercial.

Yeah, you get all this for only 3 easy payments of $19.95. But wait, if you order within the next 20 minutes, we'll make one payment for you!! Now that's only 2 easy payments of $19.95 to get this incredible program. Here's how to order!! :D Did you learn anything yet????

[Yashu]

Vampire Wire has some great ICs that aren't too much... good bang for the buck.

The ICs that made me a "believer" in that they can make a difference were WireWorld. Nice and sweet sounding, very non-fatiguing. The tone control analogy is pretty much correct. There is no way to get a signal from one place to another with 0% distortion.

[JimBRICK]

tell me more

[dorokusai]

www.vampirewire.com

[pearsall001]

Thanks for the link Doro. They certainly have a nice selection to fit the bill from very reasonable to hi-end cost. Plenty for you & your wallet to choose from. Also plenty of DIY cables, connectors to make for a fun, quality project. Very nice indeed.

[dorokusai]

I use their chassis connectors pretty regularly. They are cheaper than Cardas and just as good.

[DarqueKnight]

audioquest cable if your willing to mortgage your house.

I was surfing through their website last week looking at speaker cables. I was trying to find some correlation between what they are offering and what they are charging for some of their cables. I could not discern any really exotic materials or exotic manufacuring processes that would justify some of their prices, but I am not well versed in AQ cables. Anyone have any ideas?

[Tred]

It's easy to put together your own interconnects from parts if you have passable soldering skill. You can build two one-meter pairs of Oyaide PA-02 interconnects with Vampire plugs for a little more than CAD$120 plus $10 shipping. This interconnect is sounding like a giant killer in my system; beating pairs of $200 MIT interconnects. You can order the parts from a Canadian audiophile parts web retailer such as www.takefiveaudio.com (I have no association with them; just am a happy customer.)

http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopexd.asp?id=679
http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopexd.asp?id=413


Where are some good companies I can look at for good interconnects. I was 2, 1 meter pairs for my cd player and tapedeck? I'm going to be using that tube Sp3 mkII, are there better interconnects for tube amps?

thanks
Jim

[Face]

If I'm purchasing from CA, are there any tariffs, etc..?

[F1nut]

MIT sells $200.00 IC's???

[Tred]

Yes. I have two pairs of MIT Terminator-2 from 15 years ago for a little more than $100 per pair.

MIT sells $200.00 IC's???

[Tred]

Not sure. Check with your customs.
There are U.S. based web retailers carry these lines of products. Do a Google search.

If I'm purchasing from CA, are there any tariffs, etc..?

[reeltrouble1]

MIT Shotgun is my personal favorite they smoke the others I have tried/used and abused.

RT1

[F1nut]

Yes. I have two pairs of MIT Terminator-2 from 15 years ago for a little more than $100 per pair.



I see. Have you tried the current Shotgun S1's?

[Tred]

Nay. I'm not a cable guru by any stretch. I've always used cables in the reasonable price/performance range. The old Terminator-2 was a starter model back when I bought it. Yeah, I know you're about to tell me what I've been missing. There is no doubt that the Shotgun should be magnitude better. This much I know though - those old pairs of Terminator-2 blew away pairs of Linn and Naim "stock" interconnects priced in the same $100 range. I've built a pair of Oyaide PA-02 terminated with copper Bullet Plugs and they're no doubt better than the old Terminator-2.

I see. Have you tried the current Shotgun S1's?

[hearingimpared]

If I'm purchasing from CA, are there any tariffs, etc..?

Only if you're a Republican. . .


. . . oh you meant CA = Canada!!!:eek:

[SCompRacer]

Harmonic Technology Pro Silway MK III Plus's smoked MIT S1's in my system. One size does not always fit all.

[F1nut]

One size does not always fit all.


So true Rich, I couldn't get the Pro Silway's out of here fast enough.

[madmax]

I've always used cables in the reasonable price/performance range.

You would probably like the MIT S3's then. Lots of performance for the price.
madmax

[hearingimpared]

I'm using orange colored coat hangers!!!:D

[SCompRacer]

So true Rich, I couldn't get the Pro Silway's out of here fast enough.


I felt the same away about the S1 IC’s and S3 speaker cables. I am truly sorry if I gave the impression that HT’s are the final solution for everyone, like MIT’s are supposed to be.

[F1nut]

No biggie, not everyone's final solution is another's.

[reeltrouble1]

OK, how about some Nordost Valhalla then? I was really jonesin for the Heimdall for a bit as well.

Then I thought about how great my MIT cables had made the rig sound and the jones subsided, man that was a close one that day.

The fact is many members here do use the MIT Shotgun and have had great success with them, for some they are just too pricey and for others, well, hey what works for you you certainly should use.

When I say my MIT smoked my prior cabling, well, the cables I was using were just not even close to being in the same league as the Shotgun's, so the result was hoped for and even expected.

RT1

[SCompRacer]

I have heard all the way up to the older Nordost SPM’s, but kept what I have. Most of you know my friend Normanality. He went on a quest and tried just about every IC in existence. Cardas, Nordost, etc. You guys know that movie, Snakes On A Plane? Norm is responsible for providing the idea for that movie.

You see, Norms audio dealer buddy took a big time job in Hollywood. He came to visit Norm and brought a producer with him. No matter where you looked, stepped or wanted to sit, there were IC’s all over the room. On the plane ride back, a movie was born.

OK, so part of that story is BS, but there were IC’s all over that room, and he was kind enough to allow me to experience them.

I must add that I had a good experience with the MIT’s and the Carver Amazings. Once I went with ESL speakers, the magic was gone. I can understand the possibility of capacitance with the network box on the speaker cable and ESL panels (to an amplifier or speaker cable, ESL panels appear as a capacitor). Roger Sanders even addressed that with a speaker cable designed for ESL panels. I always felt you got the full bang using MIT cables from IC to speaker, but couldn’t figure out why the IC’s by themselves didn’t work out. They seemed to veil the sound. It was a costly audio lesson for me, but the good side was a CP member got them.

[hearingimpared]

I would have no objections to you, Jesse and Ted sending me your MITs and Harmonic Technology Pro Silway MK III Plus's to me to try out in my rig. It is a smoke free environment and the dog and 10 year old are not permitted in the audio room.

[F1nut]

I no longer own the HT's, but you might talk me into bringing a rig full of MIT's for the day.

[hearingimpared]

I no longer own the HT's, but you might talk me into bringing a rig full of MIT's for the day.

I'm talking, I'm talking, if I say it any louder you will here it all the way across Maryland!!!:D

[F1nut]

Yeah ok, we'll figure something out.

[BottomFeeder]

Have you ever noticed how people's descriptions of audio equipment sounds a bit like descriptions of wine?

:D

[hearingimpared]

Have you ever noticed how people's descriptions of audio equipment sounds a bit like descriptions of wine?

:D

Audiophiles started using those descriptions first:D , the wine drinkers just copied it!:D ;)