Advice for new system (Paradigm, McIntosh, ???)

[SS77]

Welcome Matt!
Congrats on your set up!
Re:cables see If dealer will let you demo some loaners at home...many here
Enjoy the WW as mentioned
And don't forget the Power chords...
I heard the largest difference w/new Power chord in my 402...
it was a holy cow!moment
As always YMMV
Enjoy the journey!

[bzr]

Matt,

[mgbaron]

I have to admit, I've managed to thoroughly confuse myself with cables. There are so many.

Are there any good sources for consistent, objective reviews?

Right now, from the recommendations I've received, I'm considering WW, Kimber, and the AudioQuests (mostly because I can pick them up locally), but the prices are all over the place and it's hard to know where to start. I also talked to one guy who was really passionate about MIT TMax Supers.

[-E-]

You are entering the realm of snake oil salesmanship now...

Also, there is no such thing as an objective review on a cable. The only things about a cable that are objective: what type of cable it is and how long it is. How it sounds is purely subjective.

Since you are still starting out, I'd recommend to not shoot the moon. As you get more used to the intricacies of cable, then start to make changes with the ultra-high-end stuff.

[mgbaron]

Originally Posted by Vesuvius

Since you are still starting out, I'd recommend to not shoot the moon. As you get more used to the intricacies of cable, then start to make changes with the ultra-high-end stuff.

That's what I was thinking too. I was thinking about spending about $1000 for two interconnects, a USB cable and speaker cable. Does that sound like a decent starter set without shooting the moon?

Still there is a ton available in that price range. I guess I just need to pick something and roll with it.

[-E-]

Yep, just pull the trigger.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by mgbaron

That's what I was thinking too. I was thinking about spending about $1000 for two interconnects, a USB cable and speaker cable. Does that sound like a decent starter set without shooting the moon?

Still there is a ton available in that price range. I guess I just need to pick something and roll with it.

Go with a brand with decent resale value or one that your dealer will trade in for at a good rate. That way you won't be burnt too much as you explore the world of cables which, believe me, is a never ending story...

[mgbaron]

Spoke with another Audio shop in town, and this is what I'll be ordering with them on Monday:

Qty. 2 Kimber Hero 1m XLR interconnect ($210 ea) $420 total
Qty. 1 Kimber 8TC 10' single/bi-wire config speaker cable with spades $432
Qty. 1 Kimber Silver .5 meter USB cable $100
Qty. 3 Shunyata Venom 1.75 meter power cable ($75 ea) $225

Let me know if you have any thoughts.

[chessman]

My thoughts are that just made some outstanding purchases. The Kimber 8TC punches way above its weight and Shunyata power cords are excellent.

[mgbaron]

Thanks again to all of those on AA who have helped me get going, especially to the two member who sold me their gear. We just moved into a new house yesterday, and though most of our stuff is still in boxes, I did have a chance get the important stuff going first:



So far I'm very happy with how everything worked out.

The Ayre QB-9 is on loan from a local shop. I'm still deciding what direction I want to go with the DAC. The Ayre QB-9, NAD M51, McIntosh D100 and Bel Canto DAC3.5 are what I'm looking into primarily, although I was also told the Metrum Hex was worth looking at, but haven't found much info on it yet. Any thoughts are always appreciated!