[dburna]

I am putting together a replacement for my A/V system with powered monitors and a powered sub.  I have enough good RCA cables lying around, but I am looking to get better (long) XLR cables and an optical cable (for TV -> DAC).  I have looked around the C&C site and haven't seen any topics specifically focusing on C&C cables.  Any/all recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

A couple questions I have:
1. Is it necessary to spring for a glass optical cable?  Or are there good-sounding plastic version?  Is it worth it to upgrade to a glass version?

2. How are the Monoprice cables as a whole?  As this is not my critical listening system, is there a good bang-for-the-buck alternative that bests these cables?

Thanks,  -dB

[Brad]

For XLR, I bought the "Seismic Audio" cables from Amazon.   They were about $10 for a 6' pair.  Nice blue color too.
they have other lengths/colors.

I'm just using them for subwoofer duties, but well-made and flexible.

[JLM]

Have used a $6, 35 foot Monoprice (fiberglass) optical cable for over a year in my main rig with nary a glitch or compliant.  Tried Blue Jean USB cables (6 ft, 10 ft, and 15 ft) and for some reason the 10 ft cable didn't work well, but still considered it a win as the 6 ft and 15 ft cables weren't embarrassed in an in-home audition versus $70 - 200 cables (paid $15 for all three including shipping).

Check out any pro-audio dealer for XLR.  The professionals (studio and concert) have little tolerance for high priced "audiophile grade" cables, instead they look simply for what works and is durable.  And why shouldn't we trust their ears/judgements?

Good idea regarding powered monitors, but fully active (one amplification channel per driver) is better yet as the crossover moves to in front of the amps (becoming low voltage design that can be more easily tweaked which allows the amps to couple to the drivers for improved dynamics, flatter frequency response, and greater/deeper bass).

[dburna]

Thanks, Brad and JLM.  I will definitely look into these cables further. 

Anyone else have suggestions?  What has worked well for you folks?

-dB

[InfernoSTi]

I recommend the Mogami pro audio Microphone cable (I use the "Gold" model).  Better than most "audiophile" XLR from what I understand (and in my experience, they sound great).   I got mine from Musician's Friend but Sweetwater or even Amazon are good places to look. 

I also recommend you look at Blue Jeans Cable XLRs.  I have some in the system, too, and it is excellent.  It uses the Belden cable which is the other cable you should be considering.  They price very fairly and are of very high quality.

So Mogami or Belden with Neutrik XLR connectors can't be beat without a lot of A/B testing and money spent. 

Take a look at this thread: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=131873.msg1396911#msg1396911 for some thoughts on XLR.

John

[roscoeiii]

Monoprice is a good spot for cables. Blue Jean is another good option.

[Speedskater]

I recommend the Mogami pro audio Microphone cable (I use the "Gold" model).  Better than most "audiophile" XLR from what I understand (and in my experience, they sound great).

Microphone cables, rather than interconnect cables are optimized for robust hand-held use. That's an added cost feature that most of us don't need.

I also recommend you look at Blue Jeans Cable XLRs.  I have some in the system, too, and it is excellent.  It uses the Belden cable which is the other cable you should be considering.  They price very fairly and are of very high quality.

Yes,Blue Jeans Cable is at the sweet spot in price and quality.

So Mogami or Belden with Neutrik XLR connectors can't be beat without a lot of A/B testing and money spent.
John

Make that:
So Mogami or Belden with Neutrik XLR connectors can't be beat!
A small brand can't manufacture bulk balanced interconnect cable as good as Mogami or Belden.

[navi]

I use the Mogami 2893 quad microphone cable and 2971 (pretty much the same cable) I think I bought it for around $4per metre (approx 3 .3 foot)

I would spend a bit more on RCA connectors - KLE or eichmann plugs are good. For XLR go I prefer the  neutrik Silver plated instead of the gold plated, I find the gold connectors sound smoother compared to the silver.