Affordable good looking cables.

Matt34
Matt34 Posts: 318
edited June 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I'm looking for some good looking cables in about 6-8ft length terminated with Banana plugs. I'm not interested in how a cable "sounds", just want something that looks nice for the living room HT setup. Would like to to keep it under $150/pr.

Here is what I'm looking at now.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/access/cable/matrixspkr.html
Post edited by Matt34 on
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited June 2009
    Try JonBilt cables, They look good and sound even better:D
    sales.jonbilt@comcast.net

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84140
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited June 2009
    For that length and amount you are willing to spend you should be able to achieve both.

    Personally I prefer function over form, but thats just me.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited June 2009
    I like Video for visuals and audio for sound. Lets not get confused.
    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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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited June 2009
    What looks good to you? Thick cables, shiny cables, colorful cables, cables with patterns? I prefer to start with a cable that sounds good, but if sound doesn't much matter to you I'd say just look over some websites and find something that fits your idea of what looks good and go with it.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • blueboxer
    blueboxer Posts: 621
    edited June 2009
    If you want a custom design or look, check out Elemental Design. I think their site is edesignaudio.com
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited June 2009
    I would go for a good sounding cable. Most good sounding cables are also relatively good looking.
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    blueboxer wrote: »
    If you want a custom design or look, check out Elemental Design. I think their site is edesignaudio.com


    Thanks, didn't know they carried any cables.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2009
    orasv1.1mabw_exlg.jpg
    "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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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited June 2009
    Face wrote: »
    orasv1.1mabw_exlg.jpg

    Ah, the pixie dust company. :p
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • toobwacky
    toobwacky Posts: 30
    edited June 2009
    How about these:

    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=181-600
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  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited June 2009
    www.viperav.com

    Try these guys out. Email sales@viperav.com for a qoute. (Much less than the prices quoted on the site).

    Can't vouch for the SQ, but I think they look nice. A full set of 5 ought to cost you something like $100 to 150.
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited June 2009
    Matt34 wrote: »
    I'm not interested in how a cable "sounds", just want something that looks nice for the living room HT setup.

    Speaker cables: cheap. Sonic characteristics: irrelevant. Memory of this thread: priceless.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited June 2009
    I found some Belkin Pure AV --

    Incredibly nice, thick looking cables...

    $40.00 bucks shipped...

    http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=152145&partner=froogle

    I saw the price on EBay
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited June 2009
    jm1 wrote: »
    Speaker cables: cheap. Sonic characteristics: irrelevant. Memory of this thread: priceless.

    The Train Ride to the bottom continues.

    RT1
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    jm1 wrote: »
    Speaker cables: cheap. Sonic characteristics: irrelevant. Memory of this thread: priceless.

    Thanks for contributing.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Matt34 wrote: »
    I'm looking for some good looking cables in about 6-8ft length terminated with Banana plugs. I'm not interested in how a cable "sounds", just want something that looks nice for the living room HT setup. Would like to to keep it under $150/pr.

    Here is what I'm looking at now.

    http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/access/cable/matrixspkr.html

    You are not serious about not caring how they sound,,right? You really are not going to buy a SC based upon looks,,are you? Say it ain't so.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,561
    edited June 2009
    Don't be surprised folks, this troll is a moderator on Audioholics. 'Nuff said.
    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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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    I went with the Ultralink MX-2, thanks to those that provided other options.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2009
    No wonder I don't visit that website for anything valid. This thread speaks for itself.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • MLZ
    MLZ Posts: 214
    edited June 2009
    Its easy to make your own - I used Canare 4s11 and TechFlex (you can choose your color / pattern) I did use a paint stripper heat gun to do the heat shrink.

    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=776636
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    MLZ wrote: »
    Its easy to make your own - I used Canare 4s11 and TechFlex (you can choose your color / pattern) I did use a paint stripper heat gun to do the heat shrink.

    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=776636

    I've used his guide before to make my own as well but I keep having the banana plugs pull off them.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited June 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    No wonder I don't visit that website for anything valid. This thread speaks for itself.

    +1 tom

    You know I remember when the biggest AGENDA item here was what brand of ****-gasket RussMan recommended during a full-on rear end blowout.

    RT1
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Hm...Personally, I've never even counted cable aesthetics as a factor. I don't spend a lot of time looking at them really. I'm usually a little more involved in the tunes though I suppose...

    I think I'd have to put quality and tonal characteristics over the appearance, but to each their own I guess.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited June 2009
    Have you seen these new connectors from Neutrik? They're decorated with Swarovski crystals, may be perfect for you?

    http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/204_1794491862/crystalCON_productlist.aspx
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Hm...Personally, I've never even counted cable aesthetics as a factor. I don't spend a lot of time looking at them really. I'm usually a little more involved in the tunes though I suppose...

    I think I'd have to put quality and tonal characteristics over the appearance, but to each their own I guess.


    I just wanted some recommendations on some nice looking cables for my home theater setup that is in the living room, not my dedicated 2-channel setup. Since this is a very subjective hobby it's silly to ask for recommendations on "good sounding" cables because each of us obviously hear differently and none of us have the same rigs. As long as they are properly constructed I doubt I will here differences in the cables anyhow. Three tours to Iraq have left my hearing somewhat deminished.

    I'm gald I could provide a laugh for some of you.:rolleyes:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited June 2009
    Matt34 wrote: »
    Three tours to Iraq have left my hearing somewhat deminished.

    Thanks for your service for our country Matt.
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited June 2009
    Matt34 wrote: »
    Since this is a very subjective hobby it's silly to ask for recommendations on "good sounding" cables because each of us obviously hear differently and none of us have the same rigs.

    What looks good is pretty subjective too, as everyone has different tastes and opinions about what a "good looking" cable should actually look like. But oh well, sounds like you found what you were looking for, so all is good.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,561
    edited June 2009
    strider wrote: »
    Have you seen these new connectors from Neutrik? They're decorated with Swarovski crystals, may be perfect for you?

    Dem's purdy.
    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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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2009
    Hey Matt, have you thought about the Magic Pebbles? Your system could have the look, the shine, reflections and a small vile that would complete the look of the great looking wires you seek to possess.
    Matt34 wrote:
    Three tours to Iraq have left my audio priorities somewhat FUBAR'D.
    Here, I corrected that for you. Though we all would like to thank you for your service to our beloved country, you have come to the wrong board to ask for good "looking" cables. If you are looking to improve the sound of your rig, that's one thing.....but looks? :rolleyes:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Matt34
    Matt34 Posts: 318
    edited June 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »

    you have come to the wrong board...

    As you and others have made clear many times over. Sorry I've wasted your time.
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