Quote Originally Posted by Maelstrom View Post
Morning all,

First, a thank you. The advice on my system-building journey has been genuinely helpful – especially the repeated reminder that I need to think of the whole chain (room, speakers, amp, source) as one system, not a collection of shiny boxes. I'm trying to keep that in mind.

So here's where I am: I've narrowed down some speaker and amp options, I'm getting a handle on streaming sources, and I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that my new room will need a rug or two.

But one thing keeps nagging at me. Cables.

I know. I know. Mentioning cables on a hi-fi forum is like mentioning politics at a family dinner. Everyone has an opinion, and someone's going to get upset.

But I genuinely don't know the sensible approach for someone at my level. I'm not building a reference system. I'm not trying to hear the difference between power cords made from unicorn hair and virgin copper. I just want to connect my amplifier to my speakers without accidentally choking the life out of the music – or spending money I could have put into better speakers.

So, with the understanding that I'm asking for practical, experienced-based advice rather than starting a flame war:

When in the system-building process should I think about cables? Do I treat them as an afterthought, or should I budget for them from the start?

What's the "diminishing returns" point for someone with a £3-4k system? £20 for a basic OFC speaker cable? £100? £500? Where do I stop being sensible and start being a fool?

Is there a consensus on one or two genuinely good-value brands (UK-available) that won't embarrass my system but won't bankrupt me?

I'm not asking for a debate about whether cables sound different. I'm just asking what works without being stupid. If that's still too hot a topic, I'll accept a collective "go away and come back when you've bought the amp" as an answer.

Thanks for indulging me.

Alistair
Alistair,

Cables

1. They need to be of a sufficient length.
2. Dont believe the hype or bullshit.
3. They need to be able to conduct an electrical current

2mm Solid core electrical cable from Wickes can produce you some very nice power and speaker cables. I use silver, but that's just my quirk.