Can interconnects go bad over time???

[Barry]

Conductor Material: HYBRID: High purity dense Silver coated high purity Matched Crystal OFC + Linear Structured Carbon ® saturated layer(s)



http://www.vandenhul.com/p_B09.aspx

Looking at the above links it is clear that VdH has used the carbon layers to discharge any static charge build up on the dielectric. This is a common technique used on cables that are subject to frequent flexing, such as microphone cables; though in these a single layer only is used directly underneath the outer shielding.

I don't understand what VdH is talking about the "conversion of magnetic fields into electric fields". All adding a layer of a mediocre conductor, such as carbon, will do is to increase the skin-depth slightly.

I have assembled cables using this low-noise construction, and used them without any problem for the last thirty years.

Can you say in what way the cables are noisy? Is it a white-noise 'hiss', or is it intermittent 'crackling'?

[UV101]

Hi Barry, the noise is like a constant high freq interference. definitely not a white noise hiss or intermittent crackling type noise.

I'm going to work through removing the power from various bits of kit to see if I can isolate the source. I'm still not convinced its not just the combination of the cable and the amp as I tested both cables with another set up in the same room last night without issue.

[Canetoad]

Makes you wonder if it's something to do with the carbon breaking down, being as they're hybrid construction. They've had very positive reviews over the years, what always put me off was the source grounding and the fact there seem to be a few counterfeit ones doing the rounds.

John

... and the fact they stop working after 10 years!

[johnwhit]

... and the fact they stop working after 10 years!

Yup, that too

[UV101]

Or maybe 12........time flies

[chrism]

Hi Ian,

Ever tried them without the shield being connected to either end? Just wondered if the shield is acting like an aerial at all.

Regards

[johnwhit]

Hi Ian,

Ever tried them without the shield being connected to either end? Just wondered if the shield is acting like an aerial at all.

Regards

That's a damn good idea

John

[Alex_UK]

My logical problem solving part of the brain suggests (IMHO) that it is not the cables at all, but something else that has changed with the refit into the new rack. If you've tried them in another setup and there was no problem then it must point to that? Are you using them on a different input? With just one set and one source, do you still get the problem? And have you tried another i/c in the new setup to see if it is just with these? All "suck eggs" advice, but a bit of methodical testing should isolate the issue I hope.

[Stratmangler]

If I were a betting man I'd wager that you haven't got an effective earth on the Jungson amp.

[johnwhit]

If I were a betting man I'd wager that you haven't got an effective earth on the Jungson amp.

Same here, I'd attach a ground cable to the amp chassis, running to an earth point on the distribution block and arrange the VDH with ground at the amp end despite the manufacturers recommendation of source end.

John