Thinking about new speaker cables?

B Run
B Run Posts: 1,888
edited May 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
I'm looking at snagging a new pair of speaker cables in the $200-$250 range, I need a 5-6ft pair with banana's on both sides. I'm strongly leaning towards trying some of Doug's cables but wanted to hear everyones opinion (besides the opinion cables don't matter) of my options. Here's what i've been looking at:

Douglas Connection 9 gauge Furez
Kimber Kable 8VS
MIT AVT-3's
Anticables Level 3 (seem to have very polarizing opinions but are intriguing)
Audioquest Rocket 44's (No frills)
Analysis plus oval 12's

If there's any other suggestions i'm open to them. My Zu Mission cables are really great cables and were the perfect match for my Zu's, I just want to try something new with the Martin Logans to compare.
Post edited by B Run on
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    Looks like the speaker cable section of their site is down, but i'd never heard of them and will definitely check them out. Ran a search and found a cable shootout Ern Dog did and chose them as a clear winner, thanks for the suggestion.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?85956-Shoot-out-Kimber-8TC-DH-Labs-Q-10-MAC-CuQ-amp-PNF-Symphony
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2014
    I really like my 8VS... but they run a bit more than Dougs cables...... As far as sound they are pretty darn close..... I have both right now in my rig

    Can I ask why you think you need the 8VS? I only went with them because I needed bi-wire. Upstairs for my RTA 11's if I go Kimber I am looking at 4VS. Steve has run both and said you wont really be able to tell the difference and mainly the bigger gauge is for bi-wire and maybe an extra 5% gain in sound quality...

    I also REALLY like how flexible they are (both Dougs & Kimber) which the Anticables are not and possibly the rockets (forget if they are a big strand of copper or not)...

    The ONLY thing I dont like as much about Dougs cables are the banana's. They are pure copper (which is good) but as a result they can bend fairly easy so you have to watch cable strain on them as the 9 gauge cable is pretty heavy. The spades on the other hand are fine if your binding posts can use them.

    Skips suggest is also pretty good and I've been tempted to try a pair of them out someday...

    You should still have my cell so if you want to chat, give me a call....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    I was thinking 8VS just because my local dealer could do a pair for $180 and they tend to have a lower inductance and supposedly that's a good thing with Electrostats from what i've heard. Doug mentioned the same thing about the copper bananas and already gave me the heads up so i'd prob have to just do the gold locking bananas.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited April 2014
    Take a look at the new MIT StyleLine SL12's. I was duly impressed by them.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2014
    B Run wrote: »
    I was thinking 8VS just because my local dealer could do a pair for $180 and they tend to have a lower inductance and supposedly that's a good thing with Electrostats from what i've heard. Doug mentioned the same thing about the copper bananas and already gave me the heads up so i'd prob have to just do the gold locking bananas.

    Gotcha. Have you asked Kimber for their thoughts? They were pretty quick to get back to me and made suggestions based on my gear alone, not the price of the cables I was considering....

    And if bigger gauge is better, did you inquire about 12VS :smile:...
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    F1nut wrote: »
    Take a look at the new MIT StyleLine SL12's. I was duly impressed by them.

    They definitely look nice, unfortunately the only thing from that line in my budget is the jumpers haha.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2014
    B Run wrote: »
    They definitely look nice, unfortunately the only thing from that line in my budget is the jumpers haha.

    Gotcha. As a FYI the stock banana's on the Kimbers are perfect as is and no need to upgrade from there IMHO.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited April 2014
    Can't compare w/ others on your list. But I liked the MIT Avt 2 cables
    I have some MIT AvT 2 speaker cables in "Like New" condition w/ their boxes.......Soon after I bought them, I got a killer deal on some Shotgun 3 cables and I didnt look back. Let me know
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    Yeah i'm really considering the 8VS with banana's, I had the 4PR's a long time ago with my Klipsch speakers and liked them. Not sure if any of these are going to be an "upgrade" over the Zu cables or just something different but I figured it worth a shot. I'm gonna sell the Zu Mission matching SC's and IC's in a set if I find something different, I don't have any use for IC's anymore.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2014
    B Run wrote: »
    Yeah i'm really considering the 8VS with banana's, I had the 4PR's a long time ago with my Klipsch speakers and liked them. Not sure if any of these are going to be an "upgrade" over the Zu cables or just something different but I figured it worth a shot. I'm gonna sell the Zu Mission matching SC's and IC's in a set if I find something different, I don't have any use for IC's anymore.

    I would honestly suggest you contact Kimber to get their thoughts. Likely they will recommend the VS speaker wire, but as far as IC's not sure if they will suggest the PBJ's or Hero's.... price wise the PBJ's are a winner (and audioadvisor has their own custom ones that are a bit cheaper)......
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited April 2014
    Can't compare w/ others on your list. But I liked the MIT Avt 2 cables
    I have some MIT AvT 2 speaker cables in "Like New" condition w/ their boxes.......Soon after I bought them, I got a killer deal on some Shotgun 3 cables and I didnt look back. Let me know
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2014
    Never personally heard these.... know they rate decent....

    Nordost Flatline 4m pair: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/speaker-nordost-flatline-speaker-cable-2014-04-29-cables-33435
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    ^ I'd like to try Nordost but unfortunately my speakers only take bananas and they're a lot longer than I need, but that's a good deal on them for sure.

    dhart86 how long are they?
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited April 2014
    straley reality cables
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited April 2014
    B Run wrote: »
    ^ I'd like to try Nordost but unfortunately my speakers only take bananas and they're a lot longer than I need, but that's a good deal on them for sure.

    dhart86 how long are they?

    Brandon,
    The pair of mit speaker cables are in mint condition and 8ft in length. They have 10 poles of articulation. They have only 50 hrs on them. they have banana's on the amp end and spades on the speaker ends. They have the icon end system so you can put on any type ends that fits your needs. (you can switch or get another pair of bannans)These are incredible sound cables for the money. I am only selling due to gettin the MIT Shotgun 3 upgrade

    I will let them go to a fellow polkie for $169 + shipping if using paypal personal then no pp fee otherwise add 3%
    let me know what you think
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited April 2014
    Make that $150 for the MIT avt cables
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    Well how can I pass that up? Ill PM you later and work out the details but that sounds good to me!
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2014
    I've been running Kimber cables (Hero IC's/8TC spkr) for over 8 years now and never felt a need to move to anything else. FWIW. I have also had PBJ IC's and 4TC spkr wire, and could live with either of those as well.

    I've also ran AQ, but wasn't real satisfied with durability (solid copper conductors broke on 2 sets of IC's), I tried Analysis Plus years ago, and wasn't overly impressed, so i didn't pursue it further. I haven't tried/heard any of the others you've got listed.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • bigus
    bigus Posts: 3
    edited April 2014
    DSkip wrote: »
    Most people I know steer clear of Nordost.

    I have the Nordost White Lightning IC's and Speakers cables. the IC's are around the same price as the PBJ's.
    I upraded to the WL from the PBJ.
    My experience is they destroy the PBJ's. When they say that they are fast and articulating...I would agree.
    I highly recommend Nordost.
    PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Preamp, PrimaLuna Dialogue 4 Amp, PS Audio Digital Link DAC, PS Audio GCPH Phono Pre,Pro-Ject 2Xperience Acryl TT, Oppo BDP-93 CD, WD Live Server, Nordost White Lightning IC's, Nordost White Lightning SC, PS Audio AC3 Power cables, Polk LsiM705 Mains
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited April 2014
    I have a pair of speaker cables on loan from my wireworld dealer who manufactures these himself.. The are no frills high performance value cables with bananas and I am currently using them with my electrostats right now.
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited April 2014
    dhart86 wrote: »
    Make that $150 for the MIT avt cables

    Just sent payment, that was too good of a deal to pass up. If they don't work out i'll pass em to a fellow Polkie but I can't wait to get them in and hooked up. Thanks everyone for the input, i'll be sure to post a review on here.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited April 2014
    Dealers get 3 times the markup on what they sell with Nordost.
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  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited May 2014
    I have some dope Nordost Baldur 4 meter cables with banana terminations I would sell you for $220 shipped.

    http://www.mcssl.com/store/davincimedia/-nordost-baldur-speaker-4-meter-banana-biwire-demo


    MIT cables are very nice, I think most people would agree they make a good cable.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited May 2014
    RamZet wrote: »
    I have some dope Nordost Baldur 4 meter cables with banana terminations I would sell you for $220 shipped.

    http://www.mcssl.com/store/davincimedia/-nordost-baldur-speaker-4-meter-banana-biwire-demo

    I really appreciate the offer but already bought dhart's Mit's.
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  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited May 2014
    B Run wrote: »
    I really appreciate the offer but already bought dhart's Mit's.


    Sweet!
    I just saw that you scored a pair for cheap. I think you will like them. I like my AVT2 interconnects and the avt3 sound great. I bet the AVTs will live up to that MIT sound.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
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  • Christo
    Christo Posts: 30
    edited May 2014
    I've been very happy with Signal Cable Ultra speaker cables, about $120 for an 8' pair. Had em for over a decade with no interest in changing.
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited May 2014
    Just wanted to say I got the AVT 2's in from Dhart and they look brand new! Just got em hooked up for the first time, doing a little listening and they sound great so far. We had our Daughter friday night so it's been a long crazy weekend, and she's laying here with me listening to some music. Life doesn't get any better. Thanks again for all the help.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited May 2014
    Congrats on the birth of your new daughter! Sounds like you are bringing her up right!
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