Best bang-for-the-buck interconnects?

Looking to replace the interconnects I am currently using with some which are reputed for having great tone at reasonable prices. These would go between my DAC and phono preamp to my amp.

Since I admit to not having a deep well of knowledge in that area, I'm looking for suggestion which won't require me to miss mortgage payments, hence the title.

 

You'll probably get dozens of suggestions. To help narrow down the options, what is your budget for one set of 1.0 meter interconnects? Also, what interconnects are you currently using?

 

I'd say $70. Might be incredibly cheap to most but that will mean over $200 and I already spent thousands on my new setup with a VPI Prime, Denton speakers, Dynavector cart and preamp, taxes, and duty fees.

Not trying to cheapen out necessarily but would like something that wouldn't break the bank, yet show a more musical presentation than run-of-the-mill interconnects.

Later on, once I have more funds, I can afford to look into upgrading to more serious cabling.

 

If you want great tone get a nicely made Belden 8402 with Switchcraft RCAs. As mentioned here.

The Vintage Beat: A Forgotten Voice from the American Recording Studio »

Ridiculously good cable for next to nothing compared to most. Great tone and dead quiet for your phono pre.

 

Check out Blue Jeans Cable -- Quality Cables at Reasonable Prices »

 

I have the Morrow 2M cables I bought off ebay for a great price. Can't recall, but thinking they were just over $100 for one set, might be out of your budget range.

 

Wireworld Oasis 7 are reasonably priced by comparison. Good low-mass connectors. Neutral sounding.

 

Used.

They will have already depreciated in cost, which makes it no/low risk to buy and flip until you find the set that works best for you.

 

Audience Ohno interconnects are not big money.

 

Blue Jeans Cable or Monoprice. I've used both and neither breaks the bank!

 

Buying used was a great way to begin exploring higher quality cables, there are exceptional values offered on this Forum, Ebay, and elsewhere. Another benefit is they are burned in already, so they will sound how they should sound.

For a new cable that an excellent value I would look into these two:

All Copper Wire
Analog Two »
I've used this to connect a DAC to an my amp and got excellent results. Lengths begin at 2 ft. for $49.

Silver Coated Copper Wire
Silver Serpent RCA Audio Interconnect Cable - Anniversary Edition | Better Cables »
For a DAC connection I would not choose this one, from my experience the added detail silver gives you does not work well with a DAC. However for connecting a CD or other Disc player directly to an amp it's fine choice. It's also available in short lengths starting at 8" for $59.95.

I also own Morrow, Harmonic Tech, and Black Cat cables, all purchased used, all for great deals, they are out there!

 

Signal Cable direct> Signal Cable »

sean

 

$70, I'd look for a used Nordost Blue Heaven, then again I am a bit of a fanboy.

New around that price I like the Ecosse Composer or Conductor

 

I will also recommend Blue Jeans Cable. They have fast service, and the cables are very good. The only negative is that the RCA connectors have a cable boot that sticks out further than some other options.

 

Another vote for Blue Jeans. Dependable, quality cables at excellent prices.

 

I've been using these and like them a lot.

Shunyata Research Venom Interconnects and Speaker Cables »

 

You could pick up some very nice used Cardas with your budget of $70 each.

 

Nice but over 4X the OP's stated budget.

 

This.
Belden 8402 -Tuneful Cables 3ft RCA Audiophile Interconnects -Western Electric | eBay »

 

Atlas Equator. Smooth , clear & immediate. A tricky combination but they do it.

 

BJC

 

I know they're made strong but I'm wondering about the tone, specifically. I don't jump rope with my interconnects.

 

Blue Jean has a mellow character. They work well with bright solid state. The Beldon 8402 is the most neutral I have heard for under $100. I use $200 Morrow MA3 in my main system and the Beldon 8402 ($60 Shipping Inc.) in my office system.

 

I would suggest NVA. They are direct sold from the UK but even with shipping to Canada should be reasonable especially now with the low value of the pound. I would suggest SSC or the cheaper SC.

Items in nene valley audio store on eBay ! »

 

While I agree on the cable, these chinch connectors are a departure from the original recipe which favors small and light connectors.