Best $25 RCA cables?

[Pounce]

Looking for the best cable to connect cd player to receiver. I am trying to stay under $25. I am willing to go as high as $50 if you think it makes that much difference. Thanks

 

[Adam]

You can snag some for about $3 that will be audibly just fine, but let's discuss what you want.

(*) How long of a cable do you want?
(*) Are aesthetics important?

For cables, you'll want to get ones with connectors that are attached to the cable well (so the connection doesn't weaken and break over time), with connectors that are easy to slide on and off your equipment but yet stay on by themselves, a cable that is flexible enough to route, and a cable that is shielded sufficiently for your environment.

As an alternative, can you use a digital connection between the two?

 

[sharkman]

For instance, I have a monoprice subwoofer cable, 35 feet. I recently had to disconnect it at the AVR side. I could not believe how difficult this was. The rear of the AVR was flexing and I could not twist as I attempted to pull it off. I was determined to not break something, so I got a pair of pliers, taped up the jaws so they wouldn't scratch, and applied just enough pressure to begin twisting as it started to slide off.

You don't want cables like that. I also removed the remaining 7 rca cables going to my amp, and they came off easily as they should.

 

[macddmac]

For instance, I have a monoprice subwoofer cable, 35 feet. I recently had to disconnect it at the AVR side. I could not believe how difficult this was. The rear of the AVR was flexing and I could not twist as I attempted to pull it off. I was determined to not break something, so I got a pair of pliers, taped up the jaws so they wouldn't scratch, and applied just enough pressure to begin twisting as it started to slide off.

You don't want cables like that. I also removed the remaining 7 rca cables going to my amp, and they came off easily as they should.

I agree - the monoprice cables are also too stiff for my liking.
I've been using Tartan by BJC lately. Available on Amazon.
Cheers, Mac

 

[Speedskater]

From an electronics point of view the 'Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Analog Audio Cable' is as good as and way better than most cables at any price.
'

 

[Pyrrho]

This is focussing on speaker wire, but the same basic idea applies:

Speaker Wire

There is no need for expensive wires anywhere in an audio system. As Adam says above, you can get wires for $3 to connect your CD player that will sound as good as anything at any price.

More reading on wires:

Top Ten Signs an Audio Cable Vendor is Selling You Snake Oil | Audioholics