I am setting up a system with an M 80ti system and a Denon 4802 receiver. Can anyone out there recommend a highly adequate (read not ridiculously expensive) wiring option for the speaker connections as well as dvd in and out. There seems to be no limit to the amount of $ that cant be spent in this area and I am uncertain regarding cost/benefit. Is the Monster cable worth the $ or is heavy gauge lamp cord as effective? Any suggestions are welcome.

Your correct you can spend as much as they will take from you. Any good quality wire will work well heavy guage lamp cord (12) will work. As for the interconnects buy any of the decent priced cables from a vendor and you will have great results.

Check these out before you purchase:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/tweaks.html
http://www.soundstage.com/entry12.htm

There is a lot of info available on simple, affordable DIY cables.

Ernst

This is an age old question and debate. If you want the best bang for the buck (and probably the best bang your going to get) get a good quality 16 gauge or higher (depending on distance) cable from the electrical supply store. Be careful when making the connections to ensure they are tight.

Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer

I suggest that you use AR speaker wire.( bi-wire) your speakers for best output. And use S-Video cable and optical cable for your DVD. ( AR makes these also) YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

Personally, cables can make a audible difference. Try Tara Labs interconnects or speaker cable. The Prism series offers alot of performance for the money OR go to Markertek.com, and use their canare quadlink RCA/RCA as an interconnect. The canare's are GREAT for the money, built well, and have a lifetime warranty. As for Monster cable they are mediocre EXCEPT for one series- their Z series speaker cables are SUPER good- well worth the cost. IMHO, you really should use better cable than lamp cord to power your Axioms- you will hear a difference.