Interconnect Questions - Same or Mix & Match?

MrBuhl

At the risk of starting the great - cable/interconnect debate all over (yet again)...

I have decided that I want to start getting better (but not crazy) quality interconnect cables after hanging around here for the last 6 months... (damn you guys )

Currently I have Monster Cable Interlink 400's - and I need to add at least two more pair of interconnects (RCA Analog) to complete the new system properly... (hey - they're better than what is shipped stock with most equipment )

My question is should I get more of the Interlink 400's or similar and have all the same cable type until I can then switch out again to all the same interconnect type or can I mix and match new better cables in with what I already have?

Thoughts and comments are appreciated. I just happen to believe that cables do make a difference (for the purposes of my budget - not a $500-1000 per cable pair difference, but a difference nonetheless) so I'm not debating the pro/con of better cables, just the mix and match thought.

Thanks!

Ed

peteran

I would start over, I'm planning on gettinng the 6.1 7.0 setup from blue jean cables and use them as pe-outs to my future (soon) 7 channel amp.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/6channel/index.htm

MrBuhl

Thanks - BJC is one I am considering if I go with full replace but with the great deals to be had on used interconnects (Kimber, AQ, DH Labs, etc) to name a few I am having a hard time not just picking up an inexpensive pair here and there... but then I have the whole mis-match thing... if it matters... ugh.

polkatese

For interconnects and speaker cables, I believe in match, rather than mix, since I believe in synergy, and the logical thing for the manufacturers are to optimized the synergy within their products.

For my HT, I used Signal cables throughout, and for 2 channel, MIT throughout.

MrBuhl

polkatese wrote:

For interconnects and speaker cables, I believe in match, rather than mix, since I believe in synergy

That's what I was thinking too - logically it didn't make sense to have different types of multiple conductor wires, running between components when the whole idea seems to be the most efficient signal transmission... it's just that the used ones are such a good deal!

Guess I can pick a brand and then just watch for used and buy new when I get close to the complete number needed (because I will surely be impatient by then!)

shack

IF you believe that different cables offer different sonic qualities, then I would go for the same cable throughout your rig. If you don't think there is a difference the the cable mix doesn't matter.

cfrizz

I have a mix of BJC, Monster & Radio Shack! I might eventually get around to purchasing the remaing BJC's I need. Until then, it sounds just fine to me & is better than the stuff that came with the equipment.

amulford

I'm another one for having the same throughout.

mantis

polkatese wrote:

For interconnects and speaker cables, I believe in match, rather than mix, since I believe in synergy, and the logical thing for the manufacturers are to optimized the synergy within their products.

For my HT, I used Signal cables throughout, and for 2 channel, MIT throughout.

This is good advise. I do the same thing. All my cables when I make a move get replaced. I start by testing a few, if I like em , I outfit my entire system with the matching cables. If I don't , I move on to the next demo.

Sometimes depending on the quality of the source, you can move up or down in same product line. If you are using analog for a nice cd player, you will not need the same quality for a VCR or Analog Cable for multiroom.
So if you go with lets say Kimber Kable, buy the Hero's for the Cd player, inbetween the amp and pre,etc but when you get to the VCR or Cablebox for analog, use the PPj's or Timbers. No Need to spend the extra money on sources that don't sound that good.
For cable audio in my main room I use an optical cable for 2 reasons. 1 digital cables sound the same and 2 it keeps a non metallic connection between my cablebox and preamp. Cableboxes with even a slighty poor ground will add noise into your system. A Dss receiver will do the same thing. It gets it's noise in on the coax feed for service.

Whatever level of Interconnects you use, you should try to get the matching speaker wire. Again this is how I wire my system.

Dan

MrBuhl

Cool - thanks everyone - I'm going to work on a matching set up.

I'll pick up a cable here and there till I find something I dig and then start the purchasing.

Any thoughts on the best (if there is one?) way to audition an individual cable? I'm thinking between the CDP and reciever (serves as my pre)?

schwarcw

Signal Cable. I think they are at signalcable.com. Reasonably priced, good cables.

reeltrouble1

I sent you a pm as I may have something that will help you.

RT1