Interconnects

[ECLIPSEONYA]

Now that I am well on my way to a pre/pro set-up, where do I get soild interconnects that won't break the bank? Hooking up a an Onkyo 886 with a Rotel 1095.

 

[Adam]

There are many options out there. Monoprice.com has some nice cables that are very inexpensive.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

DO they carry XLR? I guess I should have specified balanced XLR interconnects.

 

[Adam]

DO they carry XLR? I guess I should have specified balanced XLR interconnects.

They sure do. You can see them at the link here.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So you would use these and not have a second thought about it? I realize that cable is cable but I want to make sure and do right by my equipment. Would I be better served to go with something from BJC? The guy I bought my amp from was trying ot sell me a power cable that retails for $500. He was gonna let it go for $250 and I don't think I owuld ever hear the difference. ANy thoughts?

 

[Adam]

I wouldn't have second thoughts about using those, but hopefully others will chime in that have experience using them (or other brands). I don't use XLR cables, so I've never tried those cables from Monoprice.

I'm not a believer in power cords making a significant audio difference. Some people are, some people aren't. I can tell you that I sure as heck wouldn't pay $250 for a power cord.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

My thoughts exactly. Pretty new to home theater but I am certain my ears wont tell a difference. Another question. I bought an APC power conditioner, should I hook my amp up to that or will it impede the amps ability to put out power?

 

[Adam]

The owner's manual (available in PDF format at the link here) recommends connecting the amp directly to the wall because of its current draw. Emotiva recommends that, too, but I've never run into issues with plugging my amps into my Belkin power conditioner. I tend to think that you could do either, but I'm not as experienced as some other members here when it comes to amplifiers - so wait for some other opinions...or hopefully facts.

ParadigmDawg has that amp (which he bought from Warpdrv), and you might want to PM one or both of them about specifics like this.

 

[Lordoftherings]

So you would use these and not have a second thought about it? I realize that cable is cable but I want to make sure and do right by my equipment. Would I be better served to go with something from BJC? The guy I bought my amp from was trying ot sell me a power cable that retails for $500. He was gonna let it go for $250 and I don't think I owuld ever hear the difference. ANy thoughts?

The link that Adam gave you is excellent, no doubt about it.
These cables (XLR) are super affordable and are also great, go for it.
I highly recommend Monoprice.com for your cable needs.
There is also Blue Jeans Cable (that you just mentioned), another great place with great cables at great prices.

* Here: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

Either place is a great place to shop for cables.

<<< CAUTION:>>>
And just forget about the guy that was trying to sell you a power cable for only $250.
It's pure bull with grease on top, absolute non-sense.

Bob

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So I have now locked up the processor and the amp. Pulled the trigger on the 886 last night from none other than accessories4less. This is really exciting, I am wondering what movie I will have to watch first. Maybe by the time I get back the New Terminator or Transformers will be on Blu-ray and that can be the first thing I watch with all this new gear. Thanks again everyone for the sound voice of reason, my pocket book says thank you!

 

[CraigV]

I’ve been able to pick up some nice Audioquest cables second hand from Ebay…

 

[djreef]

The link that Adam gave you is excellent, no doubt about it.
These cables (XLR) are super affordable and are also great, go for it.
I highly recommend Monoprice.com for your cable needs.
There is also Blue Jeans Cable (that you just mentioned), another great place with great cables at great prices.

* Here: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

Either place is a great place to shop for cables.

<<< CAUTION:>>>
And just forget about the guy that was trying to sell you a power cable for only $250.
It's pure bull with grease on top, absolute non-sense.

Bob

I dunno, I guess for the price the monoprice XLR cables were OK, but I wasn't thrilled with them. The Sonic Euphorias I'm running now blow them away.

DJ

 

[bandphan]

I dunno, I guess for the price the monoprice XLR cables were OK, but I wasn't thrilled with them. The Sonic Euphorias I'm running now blow them away.

DJ

Please explain so the op can be informed.

 

[djreef]

Please explain so the op can be informed.

Sorry. The monoprice had a very edgy, almost metallic sound to them. Adding the Sonic Euphorias got rid of the peakiness at the upper mid frequencies. The monos were harsh sounding, and at times unlistenable, depending upon the source material. I'm thinking if you were running tubes, you'd be OK, but if you've got a really revealing system from the start, it might b smart to look elsewhere.

DJ

 

[Lordoftherings]

Do they sound good as they look?

I’ve been able to pick up some nice Audioquest cables second hand from Ebay…

They look very nice Craig! Any link with picture? Or the name of the model?

* I personally use AudioQuest interconnect cables, Kimber Kable interconnects and speaker cables, Wire World interconnects and Esoteric Audio USA interconnects and speaker cables in my own systems.

 

[CraigV]

They look very nice Craig! Any link with picture? Or the name of the model?

The Audioquest Sidewinder

…and yes, although it goes against popular opinion here, they do sound good. At only $15 for a 1 meter pair, why not?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Those are very nice indeed Craig.

The Audioquest Sidewinder

…and yes, although it goes against popular opinion here, they do sound good. At only $15 for a 1 meter pair, why not?

That's a great score Craig. Thanks for the info, it's always nice to know more. And your CDs should sound very good through those.

Bob

Note: I bet Transformers 2 or Terminator 4 will sound very good through those in 2-channel analog stereo*.
* Only for people with a 2-channel analog stereo system, of course.
** And also for people that use a separate pre-amp processor and amplifier(s), with six of these RCA interconnect cables.
*** Or the ones that use the multichannel analog out from their blu-ray player with their legacy A/V receiver. Then they can make use of four pair of those.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

Thanks again for all the help. I am looking into the sidewinders among other things and I am going to make an inforemed decision so if you come across something that is unbeatable let me know. I have till November to get this sorted out!

 

[Lordoftherings]

The Sidewinder XLR balanced interconnects are super red cool.

Thanks again for all the help. I am looking into the sidewinders among other things and I am going to make an inforemed decision so if you come across something that is unbeatable let me know. I have till November to get this sorted out!

Those Audioquest Sidewinder interconnects also come in balanced XLR cables.
They look good and they sound excellent.*
* Well, I mean they carry the sound as it is; TRANSPARENTLY. Highly recommended.
Just check at Audioquest own web site for prices and information.

Also check around for the best prices from places that carry them.
You already know few of the good places where to look.
And you got plenty of TIME.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

I found the King Cobra's I am assuming this is the equivelent to teh sidewinder? They look pretty nice though!