[moosik]

I've just made the transition from unbalanced to balanced equipment in my HT.


I am quite unfamiliar with balanced XLR cables. I need to buy both short and long (50') runs. I am always looking for good shielding and excellent terminators. In that regard, I heard that Neutrik is a good terminator.


Can you please refer me to where I may find good balanced cables at reasonable prices?


Thanks

 

[RoboRay]



Quote:
Originally Posted by moosik /forum/post/16873137


Can you please refer me to where I may find good balanced cables at reasonable prices?


Thanks

Blue Jeans Cable and and Monoprice. Check the forum sponsor banners at the top of the page.

 

[Ron Alcasid]

I recommend Markertek for balanced cable. While not as cheap as Monoprice, it's very reasonably priced compared to cables of similar quality offered by other vendors.

http://www.markertek.com/Cables-Conn...SC100XXJ.xhtml

 

[Chu Gai]

Might find something at your local pro audio shop like Guitar Center. Look in the Yellow Pages.

 

[moosik]

Thanks for the suggestions.


Blue Jeans and Monoprice are often recommended in these forums. However, their prices are VERY different. Is there a significant difference in the sound quality between cables from these two companies?

 

[duvetyne]



Quote:
Originally Posted by moosik /forum/post/16874431


Thanks for the suggestions.


Blue Jeans and Monoprice are often recommended in these forums. However, their prices are VERY different. Is there a significant difference in the sound quality between cables from these two companies?

no.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chu Gai /forum/post/16874055


Might find something at your local pro audio shop like Guitar Center. Look in the Yellow Pages.

+1


I use my local guitar/pro audio shop for all my XLR cable needs. They should be able to build anything you want.


No shipping costs, you get them instantly and supporting a local business isnt a bad thing.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by moosik /forum/post/16874431


Thanks for the suggestions.


Blue Jeans and Monoprice are often recommended in these forums. However, their prices are VERY different. Is there a significant difference in the sound quality between cables from these two companies?

SQ no, build quality yes!! The look, durability and feel of the BJC is better


Blue Jean is very, very customized. You can pick the color, length, etc.


Both are popular, you just have decide which one you like.

 

[Dzhokhar]

I don't think monoprice is the way to go for long analog cables...


Once you get into the 50' range you don't want to be scraping the bottom of the barrel.


Monoprice is great for short analog cables and digital cables though.

 

[TPnBobcats]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dzhokhar /forum/post/16874694


I don't think monoprice is the way to go for long analog cables...


Once you get into the 50' range you don't want to be scraping the bottom of the barrel.


Monoprice is great for short analog cables and digital cables though.

While I know nothing specifically about the quality of Monoprice's long cables, I did work retail and the markups on cables of all types are enormous. So price is not a useful guide.

 

[Sharp1080]

Signal cables are quite good. I was under the impression that most of the cable companies buy the cable in bulk and wrap their jacket,logo,connectors,special windings,etc to it.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by TPnBobcats /forum/post/16875069


While I know nothing specifically about the quality of Monoprice's long cables, I did work retail and the markups on cables of all types are enormous. So price is not a useful guide.

I do not think his post was stating monoprice was bad because of the price tag. I think Monoprice only sources cables and they do not build any of them therefore reliability could be in question. Probability of having problems at short distances is low but longer distances require build quality else things go bad in a hurry.


I know I have replaced monpriced cables that were about 50' long...one HDMI, one RCA coax. The connectors came apart but monoprice replaced them without question so I will also post that Monoprice has great customer service in my books!


If someone is concerned about build quality then BJC does do a better job IMO since they put together the cables we specify. I still buy from monoprice because I seldom need long runs and I tend to be a guy that can replace things at any time so if problems exist Im not worried about replacing it.


Another point is that original Monoprices XLR to RCA cables had more noise in them then others I have purchased. Since then Monoprice does offer premium XLR to RCA cables.


and I will say it again, find a local music store and give them the sale

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

I've happily bought many cables from www.audiopile.net .

 

[Yubbie]

Balanced XLR = microphone cable. All your local pro-audio dealers will have them. Musical instrument stores usually carry them as well. Thousands of places to buy them online.

www.sweetwater.com has a number of pricing options. Sound quality will be the same regardless of manufacturer, length, quality of parts used, etc.


Unless you're really into look/feel of these cables, there's no need to pay a premium for HT use. An expensive 10' XLR cable isn't going to sound any different than a cheap 100' XLR cable. If you were using them in a pro-audio situation I would say that build quality is more important, as the cables need to be more durable for daily use.