soziblewuup Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Hi guys, I currently own a very cheap, thin black 3.5mm to phono cable, which is running between my amp and my Macbook Pro. I think it's probably time to upgrade as there is no reason I should have such a cheap cable in my chain. I'm ideally still looking for a value cable, just one that isn't £1; the max i'd be able to spend is between £15 and £20 but ideal would be £10. Would I notice any discernible difference with a new cable at this price? Also my setup is: Macbook Pro > Audirvana Plus > Fiio E10K > Pioneer A-676 (Old) > Monitor Audio BR2's > BK XXLS400 As you can see it's a fairly basic system. The Fiio is being delivered as I type this and I just didn't want a cable to be holding the whole thing back. Any advice would be welcomed, thanks . Link to comment
Jawaburger Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 You can try Audio Quest. They sell a variety of cables at a variety of price points. I am sure you can find one within your budget. Whether it makes a difference is contentious. I work someplace that sells stuff. Link to comment
soziblewuup Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 Thanks for the reply. I have to say I am in two minds. It does seem like this could be a total waste of money. I had concerns solely because my current cable is very, very cheap. Just out if interest, is there a certain price point where cables start to make a difference? Link to comment
Jawaburger Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Most agree that having a sturdy cable with proper shielding and solid connectors is a good thing, and your proposed budget should satisfy those needs. You can get some pretty solid cables without spending a lot of money. Monoprice and C2G make some solid cables for around $10 (not sure of dollar to pound conversion), depending on how long of a cable you need. The AudioQuest cables will run from $20-$50 or more, depending on what line and what length you need. I use some AudioQuest cables in my system and I like them. Hopefully others will chime in with their advice and ideas. I work someplace that sells stuff. Link to comment
soziblewuup Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 I'll look into those brands, see what I can get here in the UK. I appreciate the advice, thank you. Link to comment
soziblewuup Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 I've just had a look and i've encountered a problem. I need a 3 metre cable if at all possible. Most of the higher quality brands simply don't do 3m cables. Link to comment
soziblewuup Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 In the end I decided to splash out a little more and get a QED Performance J2P cable. I can't believe how much cheaper you can get the same cables on the US Amazon over the UK site. Anyhow it cost me £32 for the 3m. Link to comment
Jck Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 Blue Jeans cable makes these, i paid about $15 for a short cable but you can specify the length you need. Excellent quality, good sound and cheap shipping cost too. I use one with Meridian Explorer in my little desktop computer rig and it's no worse than a much more expensive cable I tried. Check their web site for shipping info... They probably ship to your area. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/audio/index.htm John Link to comment
AudioDoctor Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 Blue Jeans cable makes these, i paid about $15 for a short cable but you can specify the length you need. Excellent quality, good sound and cheap shipping cost too. I use one with Meridian Explorer in my little desktop computer rig and it's no worse than a much more expensive cable I tried. Check their web site for shipping info... They probably ship to your area. Stereo Cables at Blue Jeans Cable I was just going to come and say that, I love Blue Jeans Cables. No electron left behind. Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 If you have any soldering experience easy to make one yourself with parts from Maplin (or similar)... A length of... Van Damme Tour Grade Classic XKE starquad microphone cable - Purple | Maplin (£2.55/m) 1 of ... Neutrik NTP3RC-B 3.5mm Right Angled Stereo Plug | Maplin (£4.29) 2 of ... REAN Phono Cable Connector White | Maplin (£2.38) Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
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