Acoustic Research cables?

Has anyone used the Acoustic Research cables or speaker wire that Parts Express sells? Saw they had optical and S-Video cable, wondered how it compares to something like the more expensive Silver Serpent from BetterCables.com.

I've seen the Acoustic Reasearch cables and wasn't impressed. Of course that was with my eyes not my ears. After buying and listening to the Outlaw cables I'm not buying anything else!

As far as Outlaw's cables go, I concur with Hullguy -- and Outlaw's optical cable ($20 for 1.8 meter) is as well made or better made than BetterCables' optical. I don't know how their S-Video compare to BetterCables' Silver Serpent S-Video, but I have used some of the Silver Serpent and been extremely impressed. Having compared the Silver Serpent Audio cables to the Outlaw PCA, though, I am very curious about what an Outlaw S-Video cable could do...

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Gonk

I'm also impressed with the Outlaw cables. Didn't realize I needed another toslink or I would have ordered two with my 1050.

Does Outlaw make an S-Video cable yet? Was thinking they didn't, but if they do -- I'll just order two of those and one toslink and be done with it!

No S-Video yet, or even any word that they're going to do one, but with the impending arrival of the PSC-75 cable (which will handle coax digital audio, composite video, and component video), about the only cables that are left out of their line are S-Video and speaker cables. I'm hoping that they'll do an S-Video cable at some point.

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Gonk

I'm currently using A/R coax,sub,and speaker cables - have had not problem whatsoever. Thinking about ordering an Outlaw Toslink cable. I have a question - what is better - toslink or coax and what is the difference?

Some say coax is better, but I have had a very difficult time telling any difference between the two.

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Gonk

I hooked up my 1050 last month with optical, S-video, sub-woofer and Y adapter from AR and am very pleased. These were the gray cables, not the blue ones (which appear to be of lesser quality). Got mine from accessories 4 less via the net at very good prices. Had them 3 days after the order withiut special shipping.

Did you order the "Master Series or the "Pro Series cables. I'm struggling with the interconnect issue right now. For me the Outlaw's are budget busters. Accessories4 less has excellent prices on the AR Pro series cables and Parts Express has their Dayton line that would run about one third less than the AR's. I suppose that I could audition both and return one.

The cables that AC4L.com sells are the Pro Series. I just outfitted my whole setup with them. The cables seem to be much better constructed than the Performance Series found @ Best Buy. And the cost is comparable from AC4L to Best Buy's for the lesser product.

I'm trying to find out which cables Outlaw sells, and how much they are. I'm adding a CD player and thought I'd try them out.

Outlaw makes their own cables, and they currently have two products available (with more coming this spring). Check out this page for details on their analog audio and optical digital cables. They are excellent cables. A 75-ohm coax cable (for digital audio, composite video, and component video) is going to be available this spring.

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Gonk

Dan (or anyone) have you tried any of the IXOS cables from AC4L.com? Saw they have some nice-looking 2m S-Video cables on sale for about $30 (from $50). Still looking around for cables...

Dan Issacs is correct. The gray AR cables are the "PRO" series". There is a wide variety of lengths and types available. I looked at the IXOS cables but decided that the AR's were a better value unless you find the IXOS line on sale.

I have had AR Master Series for about 2 months now and they are by far, better then any other cable AR makes. Monster stuff doesnt come close in my opinion. Monster cables seem to slightly color the sound and thats not the intent of cables.

I previously used the Pro series from AR and liked them but like I said, the Master Series is better in all aspects. With my gear, music is less bright which makes listening more relaxing.

I got mine at HHgregg, here are the prices and types I use....

6 ft. toslink $60.00
6 ft. coax digital $60.00
12 ft. component video $130.00
2 pair of 15 ft. 10 gauge speaker cable..$110.00 (2 pair in each container) I had to buy 3 of them)

So there alone I spent almost $600.00. This might seem outrageous to some but I believe I got my $$'s worth

I am interested in Outlaws cables so I think I'll order some this week when I get paid..Happy Listening!

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Play it LoUd!!

As long as you feel satisfied with your purchase, that's all that matters. I just bought myself one of Outlaw's optical cables for my satellite connection and was VERY impressed with the build quality, packaging and performance (not necessarily in that order).

I'd be curious to hear how you think the Outlaw cables compare. Be sure and let us know!

The Toslink and coax digitial prices sound a little bit on the high side but the rest of it doesn't seem too far out of line. I've seen people pay 10x that for speaker wire... insane if you ask me.

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Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net