How much would you pay?

[MAL]

<font color='#000000'>After reading all the arguments on cables which I personally think is very educational. I realize that nobody has really come out and said how much they are willing to pay for cables. I am willing to pay at least $100 for interconnects and another $100 on speaker cables. I know that a few thousand bucks is ridiculous ... but a $100

? Or maybe less?</font>

 

[nm2285]

<font color='#000000'>MAL: I would have to agree with you.  Although on my current system, I can't justify that expense, I think 100-150 is fair for speaker wire (for a decent length) and 50-100 is fair for interconnects.

The thing you most have to consider is where will you get most for your money.  I do believe there is SOME sound difference in cables; I've heard it myself. &nbsp;However, I do not believe that there is a justifiable (audible) difference between an excellent cable from a company like (from what I've read, haven't tried yet) Signal Cable or Cobalt Cable (I've had experience-very nice) costing $80 or $90 and one from a big name company costing $500. &nbsp;The differences even from cheap cable to $50-$80 cable aren't THAT great.</font>

 

[Audioholics]

<font color='#000080'>The correct answer is - money often has little to do with it.

You need to concern yourself (first, at least) with which cables measure best.

Even the die hards SHOULD agree that the best cable is a superconductor (a completely transparent cable that is essentially, not even there). Cables should not color or affect the sound. The only exception would be for tube amps or poorly design equipment which could arguably benefit from high resistive cables.

For most gear, your hard-earned money should be spent on cables that most closely match the properties of a superconductor - in essence, the best measurements possible.

As our Speaker Cable Face Off article showed, the most expensive cables are not necessarily the best.

Part 2 of that article is due out soon and I think it will be very eye opening indeed.</font>

 

[Shinerman]

<font color='#000000'>Due to the layout of my system, I use a lot of 12 ft. cables. &nbsp;I have yet to spend over $30 for any of them. &nbsp; They are all well built and don't have any negative effects on sound. &nbsp;At least not that I can hear. &nbsp;

Speaker wire? &nbsp;I think I paid about .30 to .40 cents per foot for wire. &nbsp;Carol brand from Home Depot. &nbsp;Good quality and cheap. &nbsp;

Shinerman</font>