Selecting the Type of Interconnects
Step2
If you have limited funds, buy Radio Shack interconnects with gold-plated RCA plugs or similar Discwasher cables from a local consumer electronics store.
Step3
Consider models from AudioQuest and Straight Wire if you wish to spend less than $50 per pair.
Step4
Listen to Kimber Kable's PBJ cables if you plan to spend under $200 per pair.
Step5
Consider models from AudioQuest, Cardas Audio, Illuminati, Kimber Kable, MIT, NBS, Nordost, Straight Wire, Tara Labs, Transparent Audio, Wire World and XLO for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Step6
Determine the lengths you need. Buy the shortest possible length of cable for each connection.
Step7
Check your equipment manuals to see if the manufacturers recommend specific brands or models of cable. Product literature and reviews sometimes tell you what the manufacturers used for internal wiring, and matching that usually works very well.
Step8
Check the Recommended Components lists in the most recent issue of "Stereophile" for both prices and suggestions of models worthy of auditioning.
Step9
Make a list of candidates.
Step10
Read reviews in audiophile magazines and at the "Audio Review" Web site to help you narrow the list.
Auditioning Cables
Step1
Check the selection at your local consumer electronics and high-fidelity audio specialty stores.
Step2
Buy or borrow several pairs of cables.
Step3
Connect a pair of cables from your CD player to your receiver, integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier. Connect cables with equipment turned off.
Step5
Repeat the process immediately with another pair of cables.
Step6
Compare the sound of your system, using the same recordings, with each of the cables.
Step7
Listen to each for at least an hour.
Step8
If a clear winner emerges, buy those cables.
Step9
If you can't find satisfactory cables in your area, consider mail order.
Comments
dazcon5 said
on 1/2/2008 First, if your components do not have gold connectors, do not use gold interconnects, dissimilar metals cause oxidation and degrade the signal. Second if your components do not exceed $1000 each, the radio shack ones are just fine, most people can't hear the difference anyway.