Good affordable basic cables

benny -- Thu, 01/06/2011 - 18:44

Hello,
I am in the process of upgrading my integrated and speakers, keeping my Oppo BDP-83. While the options are plenty (for amp and speakers) I don't really want to bother with cables.
My question is, what would be a good choice of cables? Is there cables out there that offer tremendous value like, say, the Oppo is for a universal player. Cables that pretty much everybody agrees you cant go wrong with It for the price.
I know nothing about cables other than the names of the big companies I see in ads when I read TAS. I am looking to spent around 3-4K for the integrated and the speakers so I am obviously not looking for 2K cables... What brand/lines should I look for?
What are the Oppo of cables?
Thanks!

sidney5256 -- Mon, 01/10/2011 - 15:51

Analysis Plus comes to mind. Both their lower priced speaker cables and interconnects perform very well.

danielaparker -- Mon, 01/10/2011 - 19:14

Blue Jeans cables is well regarded,
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
-- Daniel

staxguy -- Sat, 01/15/2011 - 19:50

Looks like they're using cables like Mogami and Canare in their designs: good, solid choices. Cardas Clear looks interesting, but is pricey.

JLeeMD -- Tue, 01/11/2011 - 10:40

Kimber Hero interconnects and 8TC speaker cables. Total cost: ~$500. A step above that would be Heros with WBT NextGen connectors and 12TC for ~$800. Good luck!

Art_Alenik@bmc.com (not verified) -- Thu, 01/13/2011 - 13:40

The Kimber Hero interconnects are a great bargain. The Nordost Blue Heavens are another. The latter is very fast & open, but a tad drier than the Kimbers.

One step up ($400/1 meter pair) is the Argentum Mythos. I did a personal survey of ICs under $1K/pr, and these came in second! (The winners were CRL Silvers @ $1400/pr. Pricey, but WOW!) If the Mythos is in your price range, that is my best suggestion.

I also endorse the Kimber TC speaker cables. My system is bi-wired with 8TC (woofers) + 4TC (tweeters), and I love it! Probably the best bargain in any kind of high-end audio cabling.

rossop -- Thu, 01/13/2011 - 15:50

Try Herron Audio interconnects and DiMarzio Super M-Path speaker cables. You wont find better cheap cables anywhere.

Also, take a look at http://www.osborn.com.au/

JLeeMD -- Sat, 01/15/2011 - 13:08

Transparent's entry level cables got raves from TAS and cost ~$300.

stillen -- Thu, 02/24/2011 - 17:10

You may want to try Kimber 8PR speaker cables 5 bucks per foot gets really good reviews.
Kimber Monacle XL is a good speaker cable as well.

Zach -- Wed, 03/23/2011 - 19:34

Analysis Plus has some lower cost items that still perform great. Also check out Transparent's Wave speaker cable and the Link interconnect. I happen to have a mix of both in my music system and they are great performers.