XPA-3 ordered, what cables should I buy?

[bigbardmusiq]

http://emotiva.com/home.html

They put a few things on sale over there and I couldn't hold out on a purchase, what cables do you guys recommend for these type of amps? They sell one cord on there site for $30.00 the balanced XLR cable is it worth it? Can someone drop a link for a better deal?

[Face]

I'd check out SignalCable.

[bigbardmusiq]

I'd check out SignalCable.

Oh Lawd! there very expensive! ($139) this is what people are paying? I was wondering could this be like HDMI cables you can't tell a difference in the high price ones and the 3 dollar version.

[numberoneoppa]

Oh Lawd! there very expensive! ($139) this is what people are paying? I was wondering could this be like HDMI cables you can't tell a difference in the high price ones and the 3 dollar version.

Digital and analog are two different beasts. That being said, 139 is a bit steep. You looking for speaker wire or ICs?

[Amphiprion]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=balanced+cable&x=0&y=0

[bigbardmusiq]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/se...+cable&x=0&y=0

thanks!

[numberoneoppa]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/se...+cable&x=0&y=0

I love monoprice.

[ClosetSciFiGeek]

Does your preamp support XLR outputs? If not build your own RCA's. It's fun and you can make it match your amp. That is what I did. I documented it here:

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35269

I would use XLR's if I could though.

[Face]

Does your preamp support XLR outputs? If not build your own RCA's. It's fun and you can make it match your amp. That is what I did. I documented it here:

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35269

I would use XLR's if I could though.

I've been building my own XLR's for the last year and probably won't go back to pre-made cables. But, I wouldn't bother with XLR cables unless all components in the chain are fully balanced.

As for Monoprice interconnects, I tried them and thought they sounded awful. I would recommend cheapo patch cables from Radio Shack before those. Another good suggestion would be Mogami cables: http://www.mogamicables.com/

[Hdale85]

I got Monoprice XLR's and put some techflex around them to make them pretty




Edit: BTW this was used with an XPA-3 direct from my dual mono DAC. I tried several cables and didn't hear any difference from the mono price cables, not to mention I took them apart to put the tech flex on and they are built very solid and the wire is a nice quality copper wire. Now maybe if you get into some ultra expensive cables you MIGHT hear a difference (placebo or not?) but as far as budget cables goes don't think you can go wrong with monoprice.

[bigbardmusiq]

Does your preamp support XLR outputs? If not build your own RCA's. It's fun and you can make it match your amp. That is what I did. I documented it here:

https://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35269

I would use XLR's if I could though.

I don't think so (Onkyo nr1008 ) http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i I think I need RCA to XLR input. Help!!

[Face]

Since your source is single ended(RCA), I would stick with it throughout.

[wettou]

RCA from Canare or Mogami used in 95% of all recording studios And also our sponsor cables :T

[Mazeroth]

As for Monoprice interconnects, I tried them and thought they sounded awful. I would recommend cheapo patch cables from Radio Shack before those.

I, on the other hand, use nothing but Monoprice cables and think they're a great bargain and sound just as good as any other high-end cable I've used. :T

[Amphiprion]

I too build all my own cables with Canare. It's nice quality stuff and I can make everything to the lengths I need. But I would have no problem with the Monoprice stuff either.

[cacophonix]

I've used monoprice, and they seemed just about okay to me. I liked bluejeancables, you might want to check there as well. Also signal cable - they are inexpensive compared to other boutique manufacturers, and seem to be just as good.

Sorry for being off topic here - I want to build a few interconnects (incld a long one for my subwoofer), and have decided on canare L-2T2S.What do you guys suggest for the RCA terminals?

[Amphiprion]

I like the Canare F series solder RCA types. Markertek has them I think. I've only ever used them with Canare Star Quad but they should be fine with the L-2T2S.

[Hdale85]

If you're looking for nice cables Catcables is the way to go.

[Theresa]

The least expensive cables that have good construction is what to get. Spend money on things that make a difference.

[Theresa]

I forgot to say that I ordered the XPA-3 on Friday too. I have my partially assembled actively crossed over system sitting here waiting for it. XLR cables seem very costly to me for what they are. I could see them being justified when you have a long cable run as professionals often do but not for me.

[Face]

If the components being used have fully balanced circuitry or you have long runs, it's worth using balanced cables. FYI, just because a piece of gear has balanced in addition to RCA connections, doesn't mean it has fully balanced circuitry.

[cjd]

Having long runs and NOT having fully balanced cables won't really help you any... But long line-level cable runs is one place where it's really nice to have a setup with fully balanced signal.

[1Michael]

I just bought 7 each, XLR cables from monoprice for $38. I think that is reasonable :T If I had money there are better cables, but I would bet my golden ears cannot hear the difference.