View Full Version : Cost of connectors
I've just been browsing for cable related stuff and found these:
http://u.jimdo.com/www66/o/sfbd1820a08157a1d/img/ibb0b7127f07f966d/1393457528/thumb/image.jpg
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mMvjuK0TwLqQ6YOkqCeE2qA.jpg
Which look exceedingly like these:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgfP1FvhEm38twTq6lTef4DQtZ7KCdz OzakMCL8it79jHiTyWC5Q:www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/2405-thickbox_default/graham-nalty-legacy-gn3-gn4-rca-connector.jpg
The difference being that a set of four of the Aurealis ones are AU$30 = £16.68 and the Graham Nalty 'Legacy' ones are £80 for four!
The picture for the Graham Nalty ones shows them in silver but I am comparing copper for copper prices.
Ah, but the Graham Nalty ones are UK designed.... Nalty Nalty!
Yeah right ;). I guess the patent rights have expired on the ETI Bullet plugs.
The Aussie plug is available in gold and rhodium plating -exactly like the GN ones...
Welcome to the world of HiFi! :doh: :rolleyes:
pete_mac
28-03-2014, 03:41
The price from Aurealis is indeed good.. about the same as buying directly from the manufacturer's website in small quantities:
http://www.aeco.tw/style/frame/templates14/product.asp?content_set=color_7&lang=2&customer_id=853&name_id=42366
I'll be buying directly from Aurealis when I get around to making some DIY interconnects. Geoff from Aurealis reckons that these cheaper RCAs are all but indistinguishable (sonically) from the original Eichmann/ETI RCAs.
I hadn't seen the manufacturers website. As you say, I can't see any reason why the copper ones should be any different to the copper ETI/Eichmann's (or the Graham Nalty)0
I've just been browsing for cable related stuff and found these:
http://u.jimdo.com/www66/o/sfbd1820a08157a1d/img/ibb0b7127f07f966d/1393457528/thumb/image.jpg
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mMvjuK0TwLqQ6YOkqCeE2qA.jpg
Hi Mark,
What are "these", then? Linky please to where you found them (the manufacturer's website would be good), so we can discover what they actually are :)
Marco.
Ah, sorry - just noticed that Pete has already supplied the info! :doh:
As far as I can see, though, there's nothing there outlining the construction of the plugs or the quality of copper used in the conductors, so are we 100% certain that they're identical to the Nalty ones and/or original Eichmanns?
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
28-03-2014, 08:47
Ah, sorry - just noticed that Pete has already supplied the info! :doh:
As far as I can see, though, there's nothing there outlining the construction of the plugs or the quality of copper used in the conductors, so are we 100% certain that they're identical to the Nalty ones and/or original Eichmanns?
Marco.
Who cares about construction if they give the same or better performance for less money :scratch:
Oh, I read all that info from another Australian site (ETI Eichmann are an Australian company) - most of the blurb is identical copy and paste between the Graham Nalty and the Aurealis plugs - also very like the ETI Eichman - gold plating over tellurium copper. If one looks at the construction of the solder buckets etc, the Graham Nalty and Aurealis are identical (with slightly larger solder buckets than the ETI Eichmann plugs).
Honestly, I'm 100% certain that the GN and Aurealis are the same thing - and they are both a close copy of the ETI Bullet plug with a minor difference in the shape of the ground collar. The new Harmony Eichmann plug has a different copper and is silver plated - these would be my first choice, but at lower cost I see no problem with the Aurealis (other than they are a coppy of another design - the ETI Bullet).
http://www.aurealisaudio.com.au/purchase-connectors/
Who cares about construction if they give the same or better performance for less money :scratch:
It matters, Andrew, if the purity of the copper used for the conductors is inferior on one plug or the other. However, I'm not saying it is, as I don't know.
One thing I've learned with, for example, using Furukawa cable-based power leads, is the sonic advantages of copper that has been constructed from the Ohno Continuous Casting Process: http://www.audiotweak.co.za/items/1306765741-0910.pdf
Quite simply, it sounds superior to all other types of copper I've used in cables, therefore the lesson learned is that when it comes to cable (and plug) construction, the purity of the metal used in the signal conductors is crucial to achieving the highest sonic performance, the benefits of which are easily heard in a genuinely high-resolution system.
I'm not sure that has any relevance to the plugs being discussed here, but it's most certainly relevant to high-end copper cable design and plug construction in general.
Marco.
Honestly, I'm 100% certain that the GN and Aurealis are the same thing...
That's fine, Mark, and I would tend to agree, but it doesn't make it fact, unless you can provide irrefutable proof. In any case, in the grand scheme of things, none of this really matters, so simply choose the plugs you like the look of, or think offer the best SPPV :)
Marco.
That's fine, Mark, and I would tend to agree, but it doesn't make it fact, unless you can provide irrefutable proof.
Umm, OK - but I can't help but wonder what would you need to constitute irrefutable proof - an affidavit signed in blood?
Lol! Like I've just said:
...none of this really matters, so simply choose the plugs you like the look of, or think offer the best SPPV.
I'm not sure, therefore, that there's a lot more to add? :)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
28-03-2014, 09:56
It matters, Andrew, if the purity of the copper used for the conductors is inferior on one plug or the other. However, I'm not saying it is, as I don't know.
One thing I've learned with, for example, using Furukawa cable-based power leads, is the sonic advantages of copper that has been constructed from the Ohno Continuous Casting Process: http://www.audiotweak.co.za/items/1306765741-0910.pdf
Quite simply, it sounds superior to all other types of copper I've used in cables, therefore the lesson learned is that when it comes to cable (and plug) construction, the purity of the metal used in the signal conductors is crucial to achieving the highest sonic performance, the benefits of which are easily heard in a genuinely high-resolution system.
I'm not sure that has any relevance to the plugs being discussed here, but it's most certainly relevant to high-end copper cable design and plug construction in general.
Marco.
Your telling me anything new, I've been banging on about this for years.
Umm, OK - but I can't help but wonder what would you need to constitute irrefutable proof - an affidavit signed in blood?
:lol:. Do you really think they are going to tell you how they are made:scratch:
it's sarcasm - I already know how they are made.
The Black Adder
28-03-2014, 10:13
I'd question buying them if they don't tell you how they are made, materials, processes etc. As well as their usp's over the other types of the same ilk out there. If they are just jumping on the bandwagon in regards to copying ETI in design (and adding some shiny bits) then that will soon become apparent.
If they are worth their salt as a manufacture they should answer the questions, if not then buy ETI.
I'd question buying them if they don't tell you how they are made, materials, processes etc. As well as their usp's over the other types that of the same ilk out there.
Indeed. That's what I look for when buying items like that - I want ALL the relevant info, in juicy detail, rather than the presumption that you know exactly what is being sold, or the deliberate withholding of any information.
I'm 99% certain Mark is right, but the Aurealis products aren't exactly sold in a particularly enthusiastic or informative way, which for some may inspire less confidence in their authenticity or efficacy, in comparison with those from ETI.
Marco.
Hmm, for me being told every tiny detail of manufacture is kind of protesting too much. Like they're desperate to convince you of something, exploit the power of marketing.
Maybe it's just a different type of customer they're aiming at.
Absolutely... As they say, different strokes for different folks! :)
Marco.
Not to say I don't enjoy the emotion that a good bit of marketing brings - turns something boring like connectors into something to be slightly excited by. Almost worth paying for itself.. and a complete cable sceptic might be missing out on that!
On another point, the KLEI Pure Harmony all pure silver versions when they're released are to be about AUS145 according to the website which is about £80, ok a little cheaper but not far off the all silver Eichmann that exist right now. What will the difference be or is it just a bit of business competition?
I got four with metal housings for £56, attached to a Coherent systems cable secondhand.. bit of deoxit and physical cleaning and they should be as good as new.
brian2957
28-03-2014, 21:24
These look interesting chaps http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281284426381?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1380wt_721
Available in Rhodium plated , silver plated and gold plated all for the same good price.
These look interesting chaps http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281284426381?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1380wt_721
Available in Rhodium plated , silver plated and gold plated all for the same good price.
My god, even Valab are at it now!
brian2957
29-03-2014, 13:34
I've just bought a set . I'll report back when I get them .
pete_mac
31-03-2014, 03:36
Ah, sorry - just noticed that Pete has already supplied the info! :doh:
As far as I can see, though, there's nothing there outlining the construction of the plugs or the quality of copper used in the conductors, so are we 100% certain that they're identical to the Nalty ones and/or original Eichmanns?
Marco.
The manufacturer's website has this information:
http://www.aecconnectors.com.tw/
SOLDER TYPE
BODY: RED/WHITE ABS
PIN: TELLURIUM COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED (WITHOUT NICKEL)
SHELL: BRASS WITH NICKEL PLATED
SOLDER TAB: COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED (WITHOUT NICKEL)
WITH RED/WHITE RING
CABLE HOLE: 8.5MM
RoHS COMPLIANCE
Basically, all of their premium RCA connectors are based upon tellurium copper centre pins and outer pins, with either gold, silver or rhodium plating for the same price. The outer metal shell (not in the signal path) is brass.
Ninanina
31-03-2014, 22:50
I just can't help thinking that you get what you pay for in many ways
I NORMALLY find that if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is !!
The reason I purchased my interconnects from an established British manufacturer (Mark Grant) was to ensure my money is going on approved items, like genuine Japanese Oyaide Silver cable and genuine WBT Silver connectors
This way I can be assured that the raw product has been sourced from good suppliers and not some cheap "lookalike" product. I can be certain of very high quality, even if it may cost a bit more
I could be totally wrong, of course, and the cheaper cables and connectors may well be just as good, but for my peace of mind, and to ensure quality and value in my purchases, I just wouldn't risk that route...
Just my 2p worth and all that... ;)
Also, while I think my soldering skills aren't too bad, Marks are just superior to anything I could do
And also I believe that the WBT connectors are the best I have ever heard; I did try Marks cables with the standard Neutrik connectors and they were superb, then I tried the exact same cable but with Copper WBT connectors and the difference was amazing; BUT then I tried the exact same cable with the WBT Silver connectors and the difference was plain to hear and it only took a couple of bars of music to decide they were worth the difference. However my last upgrade is to Japanese Oyaide Silver cable, with Silver WBT's of course, and again the difference was amazing
Hmm... I wasn't that keen on the Oyaide silver cable, despite being the 'real thing'.
Ninanina
31-03-2014, 23:17
Hmm... I wasn't that keen on the Oyaide silver cable, despite being the 'real thing'.
What didn't you like about the Oyaide cable?
Good question - It was a while ago now but let me use an analogy (always dangerous with hi-fi), imagine a light illuminating the audio spectrum from low to high - I thought the Oyaide was a bit like a bright flashlight centred on the upper mid with the sound becoming progressively darker and less defined as it moved to the frequency extremes.
I've also heard a similar thing with mine, although that sonic signature can suit some applications/equipment (and no doubt overall systems) rather well.
One thing I would say, however, is that as good as the Oyaide cables in question are, when used as analogue stereo pairs, they only really come into their own when fulfilling their primary function, which is as digital coaxial cables.
I use one between my Sony CDP and DAC, and despite trying very hard, I've yet to find a better cable for that application, at any price :)
Marco.
Yes, I can see how they may suit Ninanina's (sorry, can't see your actual name) system and I only tried it as an analogue interconnect. In Essence it's construction is not dissimilar to Mark's copper interconnect - a solid central core used for + and a braided outer shield used for the return. I believe there is some extra intermediate shielding between the inner core and the shield - perhaps this alters the capacitance?
Some general observations Mark (not intended as reference in particular to MG cables). If it's mylar foil RFI shielding then it will but only very slightly. The dielectric insulation used with silver has more of an impact on SQ imho than overall capacitance, especially within the context of line level duties.
I can't remember what the inner insulation is - PTFE I would guess, but it may not be.
I've also heard a similar thing with mine, although that sonic signature can suit some applications/equipment (and no doubt overall systems) rather well.
One thing I would say, however, is that as good as the Oyaide cables in question are, when used as analogue stereo pairs, they only really come into their own when fulfilling their primary function, which is as digital coaxial cables.
I use one between my Sony CDP and DAC, and despite trying very hard, I've yet to find a better cable for that application, at any price :)
Marco.
That's the same kind of description you gave for silver plated copper isn't it? Oyaide 510 is only pure silver in its core and silver plated copper screen which is used as a conductor here. Perhaps that's it?
Could be, Nat. What I am certain of though, at least in the context of the systems I've tested it in, is that the Oyaide excels more as a digital cable than an analogue one.
Marco.
Ninanina
02-04-2014, 20:31
I now have Oyaide 510 Silvers both as my digi coax cable as well as my RCA interconnects
The Oyaide 510 cable is a very subtle cable, what I mean is that on initial listen it is not necessarily an impressive sounding cable, but I have learnt over time that any sound that is IMPRESSIVE at first can become tiring..... nope the Oyaide is NOT an impressive sounding cable, and if IMPRESSIVE is what you are after then this is definitely NOT the cable for you
What the Oyaide 510 cable does excel at though is it gives you every little tiny nuance of the music... it is astonishingly articulate, absolutely nothing is missed out in the music.... In particular, for instance, you seem to know what words are coming next, it's spooky that way, even if you don't know the track that well
I find that normally a cable that has these qualities can be rather bright/harsh sounding but the Oyaide 510 cable is as far from these traits as possible.. It sounds 'as-sweet-as-a-nut'... the very sweetest sounding cable you will ever hear
I know it is an expensive cable but I for one think it's worth it
The only thing I can think of trying in my system now are Silver speaker cables, as I am so sold on silver as a cable now... It may be that my Audio Note Oto was certainly designed with silver cable in mind...
I've just been browsing for cable related stuff and found these:
http://u.jimdo.com/www66/o/sfbd1820a08157a1d/img/ibb0b7127f07f966d/1393457528/thumb/image.jpg
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mMvjuK0TwLqQ6YOkqCeE2qA.jpg
Which look exceedingly like these:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgfP1FvhEm38twTq6lTef4DQtZ7KCdz OzakMCL8it79jHiTyWC5Q:www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/2405-thickbox_default/graham-nalty-legacy-gn3-gn4-rca-connector.jpg
The difference being that a set of four of the Aurealis ones are AU$30 = £16.68 and the Graham Nalty 'Legacy' ones are £80 for four!
The picture for the Graham Nalty ones shows them in silver but I am comparing copper for copper prices.
Thanks for this Mark, I've been looking around for some connectors for my new DIY cables.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.