Middlephile

[amisdad]

I guess that's what I would consider myself? I usually don't go frugal, and I rarely go all out, top of the range when it comes to components. I'm a "middlephile".Maybe we should start a thread for those bits and pieces that are sometimes overlooked, but worth a serious mention. I know that many of you have stumbled upon something that was just too good of a buy. Like, " I can't beleive this was only $14.99" or "these are even better than ***** and half the price". I shop at partsconnexion.com sometimes, but this time I'm in the market for binding posts. They have a few specials on binding posts right now, and I'm placing an order on Monday morning. It's a tossup between Audio Note AN-SPKR, VAMPIRE BP-HEX_ 5 and CONNEX- 62002. All I know is that I'm not spending $50.00 for Cardas. They lost me with with those "over the top" priced wooden blocks. If anybody has had experience with any of this stuff, please let me know what's up. I have ordered the cheap Connex stuff from partsconnexion before, which I'm sure is sourced from China, and had absolutely fantastic results with them. The cheap RCA's from Connex sound great @ $5.95/pr. DH labs hookup wire is a deal at about $.50/ft. It sounds great and solders well. Kimber Kable's hookup wire is about $.80/ft and just as nice for about twice the price. Anybody have any input?

[metalman]

I have built a couple of projects now using the Connex speaker terminals. While they don't quite make the "Audio Jewelry" category, I have had very good results with them. They are well built and easy to work with.

That being said, when I've finished working with different variations on a theme and build a finalized amp that is going to be around for a long time, I move up the Vampire, and they are unquestionably excellent. I haven't worked with the Audio Note stuff, so I can't comment there.

If you're after bang for the buck, go Connex. If you want no-holds barred at a good price, go Vampire. Of course, everybody has their biases and preferences, so take what I say with a grain of salt. This is just my opinion and certainly not gospel by any meaasure.