Consider models from AudioQuest and Straight Wire if you wish to spend less than $50 per pair.
Listen to Kimber Kable's PBJ cables if you plan to spend under $200 per pair.
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.
Determine the lengths you need. Buy the shortest possible length of cable for each connection.
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.
Check the Recommended Components lists in the most recent issue of "Stereophile" for both prices and suggestions of models worthy of auditioning.
Make a list of candidates.
Read reviews in audiophile magazines and at the "Audio Review" Web site to help you narrow the list.
Auditioning Cables
Check the selection at your local consumer electronics and high-fidelity audio specialty stores.
Buy or borrow several pairs of cables.
Connect a pair of cables from your CD player to your receiver, integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier. Connect cables with equipment turned off.
Play a song.
Repeat the process immediately with another pair of cables.
Compare the sound of your system, using the same recordings, with each of the cables.
Listen to each for at least an hour.
If a clear winner emerges, buy those cables.
If you can't find satisfactory cables in your area, consider mail order.
