Audio Interconnect Decision

djmodracek
djmodracek Posts: 5
edited January 2007 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I recently purchased a B&K ST 202 + on Ebay to help power my LSi9s using my Denon receiver as a pre. My question is concerning the audio interconnect cables between the amp and preamp. I have found some very good deals on both Monster THX Ultra i800 and Monster M850i cables on the internet. Is there a significant difference between these as far as audio quality goes? The Monster website doesn't compare much, other than the M series being more expensive. Looks like I can get 8 ft of the THX i800 for the same price as 4 ft of the M850 cable. Just curious what you thought. Thanks for listening.
Post edited by djmodracek on
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  • SLOCOOKN
    SLOCOOKN Posts: 704
    edited January 2007
    Can of worms... Can of worms...
    :eek: From the bottom it looks like a steep incline, From the top another down hill slope of mine.:mad: But I know the equilibrium's there!:cool: .."Faith No More" :D
    Sony cx985v (for now)
    BBE 482i
    B&K AVP 1030
    Adcom GFA 555 mk 2
    AudioQuest Crystal 2 spk wire
    Nordost RCA
    SDA 3.1 tl RD0 tweets
    Belkin pf60
    Carver TFM 55x
    Signal Analog 2 RCA
    AudioQuestType 4
    VMPS Original Tall Boy (Mega Woofers soon)
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  • SLOCOOKN
    SLOCOOKN Posts: 704
    edited January 2007
    Ok. you are going to get a lot of different responses on this. I have never used Monster. I have used Nordost, Straightwire, Signal Cable and Audioquest. Buy what you want. If you don't like it, sell them and try something else.
    :eek: From the bottom it looks like a steep incline, From the top another down hill slope of mine.:mad: But I know the equilibrium's there!:cool: .."Faith No More" :D
    Sony cx985v (for now)
    BBE 482i
    B&K AVP 1030
    Adcom GFA 555 mk 2
    AudioQuest Crystal 2 spk wire
    Nordost RCA
    SDA 3.1 tl RD0 tweets
    Belkin pf60
    Carver TFM 55x
    Signal Analog 2 RCA
    AudioQuestType 4
    VMPS Original Tall Boy (Mega Woofers soon)
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Monster sucks. Any other wire would be a better choice.

    There -- I said it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • SLOCOOKN
    SLOCOOKN Posts: 704
    edited January 2007
    :) Your B&K is nice. You should do it justice and try a better cable that is all.

    Thanks Early for your (delicate) reply....lol

    Anyway, welcome and enjoy learning.
    :eek: From the bottom it looks like a steep incline, From the top another down hill slope of mine.:mad: But I know the equilibrium's there!:cool: .."Faith No More" :D
    Sony cx985v (for now)
    BBE 482i
    B&K AVP 1030
    Adcom GFA 555 mk 2
    AudioQuest Crystal 2 spk wire
    Nordost RCA
    SDA 3.1 tl RD0 tweets
    Belkin pf60
    Carver TFM 55x
    Signal Analog 2 RCA
    AudioQuestType 4
    VMPS Original Tall Boy (Mega Woofers soon)
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited January 2007
    Nice gear. I have some B&K of my own, but my ST-202 doesn't have a + next to it :(

    Enjoy your setup! I'm sure most decent ICs (even monster) will sound better than the cheapo RCA. As long as you're not paying 1/4 of their retail prices, they'll get the job done.

    But, if you're paying anywhere close (or even half) of Monster retail, generally people feel you can do much better as far as value is concerned. There are companies with similar/better products that give a good retail price (bluejeans popular here, Signal Cable, Audioquest, etc.) without trying to gouge naive buyers.

    I'm sure you'll go through several different ICs if the upgrade bug has gotten you this far already.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited January 2007
    Also check out www.Zebracables.com

    I've heard them and found them sounding quite nice.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2007
    http://www.signalcable.com/

    Tell FranK you are a Club Polk member and he knocks off 5%. He has been a big supporter of the Forum by donating to the Polkfests and makes great cables at good prices.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited January 2007
    I bought a used B&K ST-202 couple weeks ago and loved it except for an annoying noise I was getting between track songs and retuned it. I started out with the cheapo RCA cables to connect the amp to preamp and was only mildly impressed. When I switched to Signal Cable IC's, Analog One- I was blown away by the significant sound improvement, especially in the low end. I had to adjust my sub because with soo much more extension, I had to lower the volume on the sub.:eek: Just ordered some speaker cable from them last week- should arrive soon. But I'm sure, more of the same.
    Ern-Dog
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  • djmodracek
    djmodracek Posts: 5
    edited January 2007
    Thanks for all the speedy replies. I figured I would get a couple of replyies to stay away from Monster. Thanks for the other cable suggestions. I will definitely check them out.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,678
    edited January 2007
    Go MIT or go home.
    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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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited January 2007
    Horse Hockey ...
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited January 2007
    Audioquest claims their solid core cables reduce distortion and I tend to agree. You lose a little of the boom but you gain clarity, crispness and separation.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Another vote for anything Audioquest. Add DH Labs to your list, too.

    Do it once. Do it right.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2007
    I second DH Labs. The Air Matrix is excellent.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • mKvDuBBy
    mKvDuBBy Posts: 34
    edited January 2007
    Would monster be a good choice if you get the cable 5% above cost?
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  • SLOCOOKN
    SLOCOOKN Posts: 704
    edited January 2007
    Look if you have no budget at this time fine...JUST DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF...may not be worth it.
    :eek: From the bottom it looks like a steep incline, From the top another down hill slope of mine.:mad: But I know the equilibrium's there!:cool: .."Faith No More" :D
    Sony cx985v (for now)
    BBE 482i
    B&K AVP 1030
    Adcom GFA 555 mk 2
    AudioQuest Crystal 2 spk wire
    Nordost RCA
    SDA 3.1 tl RD0 tweets
    Belkin pf60
    Carver TFM 55x
    Signal Analog 2 RCA
    AudioQuestType 4
    VMPS Original Tall Boy (Mega Woofers soon)
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    shack wrote:
    http://www.signalcable.com/

    Tell FranK you are a Club Polk member and he knocks off 5%. He has been a big supporter of the Forum by donating to the Polkfests and makes great cables at good prices.


    +1

    Not only a quality cable at an even better price, but through a vendor that supports this forum. Add to that the fact that you'll always speak with Frank personally and he will always steer you and your rig in the right direction even if it means he won't make as much money by selling you one of his more expensive offerings, then it's a no-brainer.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2007
    Another option www.bluejeanscable.com

    Good product that doesn't cost an arm & leg!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2007
    I pretty much stopped recommending cables anymore.. everyone in here has their faves.. and no two people have the same exact set up.. so every cable you introduce into your system will sound quite a bit different than say it would in my system..

    go with what you like.... there are hundreds of cables out there.. go to the manufacture web site and read up on them.. then decide what fits your system and your pocketbook.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    And I agree DB... that's why I was trying to introduce the "customer service" element into the mix.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2007
    mKvDuBBy wrote:
    Would monster be a good choice if you get the cable 5% above cost?
    Not for me.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • mKvDuBBy
    mKvDuBBy Posts: 34
    edited January 2007
    shack wrote:
    Not for me.

    Okay I will look at bluejean and signal
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2007
    mKvDuBBy wrote:
    Okay I will look at bluejean and signal
    Better choices...better cables.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • shoester5
    shoester5 Posts: 51
    edited January 2007
    Audioquest all the way. I can't begin to tell you how impressed I am with their cables.
    shoester5
    _________________
    fronts: SDA SRS 2.3TL
    rears: SDA 2B
    center: CS 400
    sub: M & K MX90
    Carver CT29V
    Carver TLM-3600
    Carver TFM-35X
    2-Carver TFM-15CB
    Carver TFM-6CB
    Denon DP51F
    DBX 3BX
    AudioControl C-101
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited January 2007
    Signal Cable is a very good entry level. $ for $ they may be hard to beat. Try them and then move up.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Bill Ayotte
    Bill Ayotte Posts: 1,860
    edited January 2007
    I use Signal in my HT and my 2ch. and love them both. The build quality is a lot better than monster too. I wish I was a member of this forum when I got all of the cables, I would have saved a lot of money. Oh well. I need to make another cable order soon. :rolleyes:
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  • mKvDuBBy
    mKvDuBBy Posts: 34
    edited January 2007
    Bill Ayotte wrote:
    I use Signal in my HT and my 2ch. and love them both. The build quality is a lot better than monster too. I wish I was a member of this forum when I got all of the cables, I would have saved a lot of money. Oh well. I need to make another cable order soon. :rolleyes:

    I need to make a order for my cables soon.
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