Advice on leads?

[Attica!]

I'm looking to upgrade my leads in my rig, and wondered if anyone can advice good brands, and single out the ones I should avoid?

I'm looking for a couple Instrument leads to attach my power amp to my pre amp. Also to use them to attach my pre amp to my home monitors. Also looking for a good quality long lead for the guitar. And a couple of Speaker cables for the cabs.

I'm almost ready to bite the bullet and order some HESU cables as their Black Connect series looks really tough and good quality. The only thing that has stopped me at the moment is the fact I have to order from Europe and they're not the cheapest. Just seeing if there is anything better and easier to get hold of in the UK :)

[dave_mc]

The Award Session/Cleartone stuff is pretty good, and not too dear.

If you're ok with Thomann they have the Sommer stuff at pretty decent prices (and bulk discounts on things like patch cables). And again it's pretty good, and not too dear. The Sommer cable is a little bit stiff, though, so it depends on what you need it for.

[38thBeatle]

Yep, Award Session for me too. I've converted the whole band- well apart from the drummer and he is beyond hope.

[Attica!]

With the Cleartone/Awward Session cables, what is it that makes you like them over other cables?

[Toe-Knee]

Van Damme cables with Neutrik or amphenol jacks.

You can get the cable pretty cheap by the meter and a few jacks and knock cables up in 5 mins.

[dave_mc]

^^ They're pretty cheap but still pretty good quality. You can easily pay as much (and often more) in a guitar shop for stuff which isn't as good.

[CommonCourtesy]

Planet Waves are pretty good and not too much. Lifetime guarantee as well I have a couple I use as backups and for rehearsals and such.

My whole rig is literally wired by Mogami cables though, they cost a bit but also have a lifetime guarantee and are the best sounding cables in terms of clarity, transparency and tone go. Most professional studios use them too. Great cables that I've had since 2010.