Preferred Analog Interconnect...

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited July 2008 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
What analog interconnects do you prefer? If you use an number of different brands, select the favorite in the poll.

*******************************

"Other" brands/types mentioned:

- Bogdan Silver Spirit...1
- BW Audio Concepts...2
- Heartland Cables...1
- DIY using Belden cable...1
- DIY 30-ga, varnish insulated magnet wire twisted pairs...1
- Esoteric Audio...1
- IXOS...1
- Mapleshade...1
- Monoprice premium...2
- Totem Sinew...1
- VPI...1
- Z Cables...1
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
Post edited by steveinaz on
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2008
    My favorite at the moment is MIT AVt MA interconnects.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited May 2008
    Again I choose Other. Just like before I can't hear much difference between interconnects, but my favorites are anything using Belden 89259. This includes Signal Analog IIs, BJC, and Heartland Cables among others.

    I would say Heartland Cables 89259 w/ Bullet Plugs would be my favorite.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
    Mine!, or MIT's if I had the bling.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • avguytx
    avguytx Posts: 1,628
    edited May 2008
    Esoteric Audio.....because I get 'em for cost. :D Why go elsewhere?
    Richard? Who's your favorite Little Rascal? Alfalfa? Or is it........................Spanky?.................................Sinner.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited May 2008
    MIT Shotgun S1 XLR
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2008
    I chose "Other" because I like mine. :D They use the Canare Starquad L4ES6 cable in a directional IC.
    Jake
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    Zero wrote: »
    KCI Cables
    JPS LABS
    Jena LABS
    Soundstring
    Harmonic Technology
    Nordost
    Transparent
    Acoustic Zen

    You got hit in the head alot with a rolled up newspaper when you were a kid, huh? :D
    Of these, which was your preferred?
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    zingo wrote: »
    I chose "Other" because I like mine. :D They use the Canare Starquad L4ES6 cable in a directional IC.

    You had some "shout outs" in the speaker cable poll. I didn't know you built cables. Good job man.
    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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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,957
    edited May 2008
    interconnects are home-made: 30-ga, varnish insulated magnet wire twisted pairs.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    Ok, got it.
    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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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited May 2008
    MIT Shotgun S1's, of course.
    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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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    You had some "shout outs" in the speaker cable poll. I didn't know you built cables. Good job man.

    Thanks and I try to keep myself busy.
    Jake
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  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited May 2008
    I'm quite fond of the IXOS cables, specifically those in my sig.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    Zero wrote: »
    I have absolutely zero preference. It *all*, *purely* depends on the system these things are attached to.

    You're gonna make me work at this, aren't you?

    Ok, let's pretend a new law has been passed; a law that states you can only have 1 brand of analog interconnect--in your current system--what would you choose?

    NO, NO...WAIT. I want you to stand up, walk over to your main source and tell me what brand of IC is connected.

    ;)
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    No Blue Jeans or Monster yet huh? You Monster guys can fess up, we're all family here--no need to drink the kool-aid in the closet. :D

    I'll tell ya what turns me off about Blue Jeans--those cheesey looking RCA's--right? I know, I'm "suppose" to choose function over form, but those things are hideous.

    And what about the plastic lunch boxes on the MIT's? what's up with that?....I'm kidding, I'm kidding, don't get your marbles in a bunch.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    YEAH BABY, there it is. That's what I dig about you baby, always riding the esoteric leading edge of the waveform; thinkin out of the box. I'm gettin a stiffy just thinking about your rebel coolness.
    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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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I'm gettin a stiffy just thinking about your rebel coolness.

    Mmm... that's hot.


    I have not chosen BJC a number of times because of the connectors also. They just don't look (cheap). I know that helps the consumer save money, but tack on a few more dollars and give us a "not ugly" connector.
    Jake
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited May 2008
    Over the years I have tried so many brands. I perfer Audioquest over them all. If there was a fall back it would be Kimber Kable.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • VXR8
    VXR8 Posts: 291
    edited May 2008
    Monoprice Premium RCA and Tara Labs Prism 1100s
    Regards - Gaz from the land of Oz

    Main System
    Denon - AVC-4700H
    Emotiva - XPA-9
    Cambridge Audio - Azur 851C - CXUHD
    Polk Audio - Legend L800 - Legend L400 - Legend L900 - LSiM fx - OWM3
    SVS - PB1000 x 2
    Foxtel - iQ4
    Belkin - Pure AV PF40
    Sony K77A9G

    Front Room System
    PS Audio - Sprout 100
    Cambridge Audio - CXC S2 - CA752BD
    Sony - UBX800 4K BluRay
    Polk Audio - Legend L200
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    Cool, thanks fellas
    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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  • Rivrrat
    Rivrrat Posts: 2,101
    edited May 2008
    I don't have a preference, but right now, I'm using Monoprice premium IC's on the one piece of eq I have using analog IC's. I could easily be coerced into trying something else.
    My equipment sig felt inadequate and deleted itself.
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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,858
    edited May 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Mine!, or MIT's if I had the bling.

    I too love the Ben interconnects.........fantastic price for a great cable....sounds wonderful...thanks again Ben
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited May 2008
    Cost no object, I like Cardas. Lots of stellar choices in the list.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2008
    Updated.
    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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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited May 2008
    I've already voted (for SC), but I wanted to give Frank some props, because I think customer service might be a factor for some potential buyers.

    My Analog IIs (2 pair) arrived last week. I moved my stereo around several times and thus had to connect and disconnect everything multiple times. Somewhere along the way, one of the RCA cable's connections became loose and didn't transmit the signal properly. I notified Frank of the problem on Monday night. Today (Friday) I've already received a new cord (which works perfectly) at my doorstop (BTW, SC is located in NYC and I live in L.A.). Point is that he shipped it out lightening speed, at no added cost, well before he received the cord I sent back. Now that's what I call great customer service! Couldn't be happier.
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2008
    VPI currently,,,waiting on a pair of Grovers.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited May 2008
    Norm Apter wrote: »
    I've already voted (for SC), but I wanted to give Frank some props, because I think customer service might be a factor for some potential buyers.

    My Analog IIs (2 pair) arrived last week. I moved my stereo around several times and thus had to connect and disconnect everything multiple times. Somewhere along the way, one of the RCA cable's connections became loose and didn't transmit the signal properly. I notified Frank of the problem on Monday night. Today (Friday) I've already received a new cord (which works perfectly) at my doorstop (BTW, SC is located in NYC and I live in L.A.). Point is that he shipped it out lightening speed, at no added cost, well before he received the cord I sent back. Now that's what I call great customer service! Couldn't be happier.

    Surprisingly this it the norm with smaller companies like this. I ordered a .5ft digital coax from BJC and was sent a 5ft instead, they 2nd day aired the .5ft w/return packing for the 5ft.

    Similar situation with Heartland Cables. If you look at the testimonials at the bottom of the page I am JR from CT. Long story short I was plugging in some component video cables and pushed my tv off the stand. Set was fine but the cable got mangled, I contacted Dan and he sent me off a new set for no charge, and paid for return shipping on the mangled ones.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2008
    Updated.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited July 2008
    Btt...
    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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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    I think I need nicer ICs from my receiver to my amp. I have a low-level hiss that I hear when I'm within 2 feet of the speakers I never heard before. What would be my best option at or below Blue Jeans prices (to include Blue Jeans) ~ $30?
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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