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where to buy reliable/cheap cables?

H

hgregs

Sep 25, 2008
226
13
ct/ny border
#1
i'm responsible for our soundsystem, and it seems i'm always needing to get cables and such. i'm not a cable-snob - just want reliability and cheap. any go-to places out there?

the guys on gearslutz like monoprice.com, but they're in cali, and s&h is $7 (compared to some amazon sellers were a 25ft xlr is $4 to start with).

right now i'm looking for a 25ft xlr/xlr connects.

thanks

edit: i know making my own is the best route... but i'm not going there.
 
#3
hgregs said:
i'm responsible for our soundsystem, and it seems i'm always needing to get cables and such. i'm not a cable-snob - just want reliability and cheap. any go-to places out there?

the guys on gearslutz like monoprice.com, but they're in cali, and s&h is $7 (compared to some amazon sellers were a 25ft xlr is $4 to start with).

right now i'm looking for a 25ft xlr/xlr connects.

thanks

edit: i know making my own is the best route... but i'm not going there.
Click to expand...

A decent 25ft.cable made by either Rapco, Horizon or Proco should not run more than $25 at a store if you prefer to buy local. No need for monster cables or any cable with. Fru-fru marketing pitch. I use the Rapco brand for my cables, but they are now the parent company of Proco as well as Horizon and changed their distributing network. Which means nothing to you, but it meant I lost some close old friends on the inside at Rapco when the move went down last month.

You could also try Interstate Music.com they are out of my back yard in WI, and usually provide good prices with quick service.
 
#7
For me the big difference in cables is the connector. The old style Switchcraft ones with the allen wrench screw kinda sucks because it gets loose without any warning. The Newtrik brand connectors are better.
 
#11
Monoprice has their place - their IEC style power cords are dirt cheap! - but I would not trust their no-name Chinese connectors for audio. Audiopile offers Neutrik connectors alongside their Korean house brand EWI connectors, and the quality of assembly on the cables I own has been very good.
 
#12
That bad eh? I have a massive order to place myself so I'll be watching this thread closely. Amazon reviews of Monoprice weren't that great, but not too bad but it does classify under the OPs cheap request, its just the reliability issue.

I was hoping people would say they have had good luck with monoprice!
 
#15
If you believe that cable failure has a cost, then there is no such thing as a cheap cable... Audiopile and Proco/Rapco/Horizon is as low as I go. For the most part I go custom using Canare cable for mics or mogami for interconnects, neutrik xlr or swichcraft .25". Yes it costs more. They sound better to me, more clear, more open, brighter and they tend to last longer...
 
#18

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