DIY RCA Cables

[Bigman80]

Hi all,

In an effort to not devastate my tiny budget for new kit I've decided to make some RCA cables.

Has anyone had any experience with this or already loaded a thread ?

Thanks.

[karma67]

if you make some of these up you wont go far wrong,thy sound very good!

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?33332-MS-Audio-Klotz-MC5000-interconnects-build-offer-for-all-AoS-members

[Firebottle]

I make up my own cables (no surprise there) Oliver. I'll show you when you are round.

:)

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Hi all,

In an effort to not devastate my tiny budget for new kit I've decided to make some RCA cables.

Has anyone had any experience with this or already loaded a thread ?

Thanks.

Lots of experience with RCA's ,
I use 1, a hobby vice for holding the RCA plug, and dont forget to thread the outer plug on to the wire first
some modern RCA plugs you can thread it later- so check . Use a magnifying glass
where needed.
2. Temperature on your iron to about 280 degrees
3 Trim conductor ends so they are exact to where they go, short as you can is best
ensuring conductors cannot touch each other.
4 Tin the wire ends first, and very important ** tin the solder tip
5 Use the holes on the RCA plug to position before soldering
6. apply heat no more than 5 seconds before solder is applied
7 Trim soldered ends with sharp side cutters if needed.
8 Check your work with a multimeter set to ohms for continuity each end
and check for shorts.



Hope that helps

Cheers / Chris

[Bigman80]

if you make some of these up you wont go far wrong,thy sound very good!

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?33332-MS-Audio-Klotz-MC5000-interconnects-build-offer-for-all-AoS-members

Ah, great thread. Thanks for the link. [emoji106]

[Bigman80]

Lots of experience with RCA's ,
I use 1, a hobby vice for holding the RCA plug, and dont forget to thread the outer plug on to the wire first
some modern RCA plugs you can thread it later- so check . Use a magnifying glass
where needed.
2. Temperature on your iron to about 280 degrees
3 Trim conductor ends so they are exact to where they go, short as you can is best
ensuring conductors cannot touch each other.
4 Tin the wire ends first, and very important ** tin the solder tip
5 Use the holes on the RCA plug to position before soldering
6. apply heat no more than 5 seconds before solder is applied
7 Trim soldered ends with sharp side cutters if needed.
8 Check your work with a multimeter set to ohms for continuity each end
and check for shorts.



Hope that helps

Cheers / Chris

Thanks Chris,

I like a step by step guide. I'm new to DIY cables etc so this is a great help.

Oliver

[Bigman80]

I make up my own cables (no surprise there) Oliver. I'll show you when you are round.

:)

Ha ha, Can't wait mate !

I'm becoming an addict .

[awkwardbydesign]

This may be of some use. I have made several of the X-cables. http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/diycables.html

[Bigman80]

What do you guys think is better. KlotzMC500 or this

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Instrument/Instrumentenkabel-SC-Spirit-XXL-300-0071.html

[Bigman80]

This may be of some use. I have made several of the X-cables. http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/diycables.html


Thanks for the link[emoji3]

The capacitance looks quite high on those cables. I was under the impression that the lower the capacitance the better the cable ? That's what I do for my guitars or am I wrong ?

[CageyH]

I have never tried the Spirit XXL, so can't comment on it.
The MC5000 has seen off many more expensive cables, but at the end of the day it is down to,personal preference.

Alan now has a set, do when you go round you can compare those to a few others and see which you prefer.

[Bigman80]

I have never tried the Spirit XXL, so can't comment on it.
The MC5000 has seen off many more expensive cables, but at the end of the day it is down to,personal preference.

Alan now has a set, do when you go round you can compare those to a few others and see which you prefer.

Definitely, this forum is a great resource.

I may build some cables with the sommer for a comparison. Not very experienced at this level so any cable is gonna be an improvement over my shop bought (currys) cables.

[awkwardbydesign]

Thanks for the link[emoji3]

The capacitance looks quite high on those cables. I was under the impression that the lower the capacitance the better the cable ? That's what I do for my guitars or am I wrong ?

The X-3 is only 100pF/m, which for ICs shouldn't be a problem. You wouldn't make long runs anyway as they are extremely labour intensive! I have several, X-1.5 and X-3, from 1/2 metre to 1 metre lengths, with MS Audio plugs.

[Bigman80]

I'm just wondering why, given the choice, to use higher capacitance cable rather than the lowest available ?

Is it cheaper ?

[Desmo]

What do you guys think is better. KlotzMC500 or this

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Instrument/Instrumentenkabel-SC-Spirit-XXL-300-0071.html

Never tried the Sommer, but the Klotz MC5000 works just great, and has many satisfied users on this forum. That's what I'd choose.

[awkwardbydesign]

I'm just wondering why, given the choice, to use higher capacitance cable rather than the lowest available ?

Is it cheaper ?


Because low capacitance isn't the be all and end all of cable construction. Frequently, high capacitance is a trade off with low inductance, and anyway, in the end it's how they sound in your system that matters. Which includes your room and your ears!
If you read the TNT blog, he finds that for some applications the higher capacitance cable sounds better.
And no, it isn't cheaper, if anything it's dearer!

[Bigman80]

Ok. I'll have a read. Thanks for your replies. All knowledge is appreciated and absorbed !

[Bigman80]

Never tried the Sommer, but the Klotz MC5000 works just great, and has many satisfied users on this forum. That's what I'd choose.

Ok. Food for thought !!!!

[awkwardbydesign]

Unless you believe that all cables sound the same (and many do; they will give their reasons too), they are VERY system dependent.

[Bigman80]

Ah ok so there should be a difference from my shop bought cheapo cables but maybe not huge difference between better cables as I'm using a budget amp too. Hmmm interesting.

[Bigman80]

What about RCA connectors ? are the ones on eBay cheap Chinese copies or legit ? WBT for £12 seems cheap ?

[karma67]

who cares! lol stick to what is recommended in the thread mate,they are good :)

[Bigman80]

Ok. I'll have a look into them. [emoji3]

[brian2957]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MS-Audio-Star-Line-Silver-Plated-Tellurium-Copper-RCA-Plugs-2-Pair-/321954809133?hash=item4af600852d:g:6HUAAOSwAL9Ua0M 1

These are the plugs Oliver . I can't see the rhodium plugs at the moment , that's what I normally use . They're an excellent match for the Klotz MC5000 .
Unfortunately they can take up to 3 weeks to come from Taiwan .

[Bigman80]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MS-Audio-Star-Line-Silver-Plated-Tellurium-Copper-RCA-Plugs-2-Pair-/321954809133?hash=item4af600852d:g:6HUAAOSwAL9Ua0M 1

These are the plugs Oliver . I can't see the rhodium plugs at the moment , that's what I normally use . They're an excellent match for the Klotz MC5000 .
Unfortunately they can take up to 3 weeks to come from Taiwan .

Thanks Brian. How did you provide strain relief ? Heat shrink ?

[CageyH]

Yes. Build up layers inside the plug body, and secure with the grub screw.

[brian2957]

Yes , I build up the cable diameter with 2 layers of 9.5mm heatshrink then there's a little grubscrew which has to be tightened .
Sorry , never saw Kevins previous post :)

[Bigman80]

Build up layers ??? Sorry but I'm a noob to all this stuff

[CageyH]

Put one layer on, shrink it in place. Then repeat.

[awkwardbydesign]

What about RCA connectors ? are the ones on eBay cheap Chinese copies or legit ? WBT for £12 seems cheap ?
Unlikely to be legit. I have soldered some of them for a friend, and they don't take kindly to re-soldering.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MS-Audio-Star-Line-Silver-Plated-Tellurium-Copper-RCA-Plugs-2-Pair-/321954809133?hash=item4af600852d:g:6HUAAOSwAL9Ua0M 1

These are the plugs Oliver . I can't see the rhodium plugs at the moment , that's what I normally use . They're an excellent match for the Klotz MC5000 .
Unfortunately they can take up to 3 weeks to come from Taiwan .
These are the ones I like. Rhodium is tough!

[danilo]

What about RCA connectors ? are the ones on eBay cheap Chinese copies or legit ? WBT for £12 seems cheap ?

MY 2 cents :-)
Find and buy Soundcraft RCAs, Cheapish, Indestructible, Nickel plated and in widespread usage in Audio industry.
Designed for function, rather than show 'n tell.

[walpurgis]

There is another way to finish a lead off using heat shrink sleeving.

http://i67.tinypic.com/28megqf.jpg

Shrink it over the plugs, with a slimmer piece of sleeving behind the plug to give a tidy finish. Yes. I know they're only cheap plugs under the heatshrink, but they work just fine.

This is actually a digital interconnect, a nice sounding one too (no bright sparks telling me they all sound the same thanks :rolleyes:).

There is a benefit in using this method. It reduces the likelihood of the plug getting twisted in relation to the cable.

[Bigman80]

There is another way to finish a lead off using heat shrink sleeving.

http://i67.tinypic.com/28megqf.jpg

Shrink it over the plugs, with a slimmer piece of sleeving behind the plug to give a tidy finish. Yes. I know they're only cheap plugs under the heatshrink, but they work just fine.

This is actually a digital interconnect, a nice sounding one too (no bright sparks telling me they all sound the same thanks :rolleyes:).

That's a great idea.

[Firebottle]

For the price these are excellent plugs, including built in strain relief.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291355381326?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Only up to 6mm cable, perfect for Mogami microphone cable.

:)

[Bigman80]

For the price these are excellent plugs, including built in strain relief.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291355381326?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Only up to 6mm cable, perfect for Mogami microphone cable.

:)

Yes, those were the plugs I originally earmarked but the cable was too thick. I will look into Mogami cable too. Thanks Alan

[awkwardbydesign]

For the price these are excellent plugs, including built in strain relief.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291355381326?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Only up to 6mm cable, perfect for Mogami microphone cable.

:)

I've used these for older amps, where the sockets are too close together for modern fat plugs.

[CageyH]

IMHO, the plugs don't make a massive difference.
I have used Neutrik Reans, Switchcraft, MS Audio and KLE Harmony, and if you can hear any difference, it is very slight, so just pick a plug that looks easy to solder. ;)

[brian2957]

+1 . I have also tried various plugs and IMO the sonic differences weren't huge . The MS Audio plugs were the best I found .

[Bigman80]

+1 . I have also tried various plugs and IMO the sonic differences weren't huge . The MS Audio plugs were the best I found .

I like them. They look easy to solder too

[brian2957]

They're very easy to work with Oliver . :)

[walpurgis]

I tend to keep RCA and Banana plugs and sockets and sleeving in large quantities! :D

http://i63.tinypic.com/vybh53.jpg

Mainly cheapish from China. But I occasionally splash out on something fancy.

[karma67]

along with mission 774 arms as well :)

[awkwardbydesign]

I tend to keep RCA and Banana plugs and sockets and sleeving in large quantities! :D

http://i63.tinypic.com/vybh53.jpg

Mainly cheapish from China. But I occasionally splash out on something fancy.


along with mission 774 arms as well :)

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

[walpurgis]

along with mission 774 arms as well :)

Not to mention the eight arms of other makes, eight TTs, four SUTs and a dozen cartridges. Best not start on speakers, amps, DACs and CD players, etc. :lol:

[struth]

I am a reformed audioholic:)

[Bigman80]

I tend to keep RCA and Banana plugs and sockets and sleeving in large quantities! :D

http://i63.tinypic.com/vybh53.jpg

Mainly cheapish from China. But I occasionally splash out on something fancy.

Sweet Jesus !!! Lol that's quite a collection.

Envious

[Bigman80]

They're very easy to work with Oliver . :)

Excellent. I haven't done a lot of soldering TBH. I have recently started to try and learn. Using cheap speaker cable and cheap soldering lugs to try and improve before I destroy expensive gear lol

[brian2957]

I tend to keep RCA and Banana plugs and sockets and sleeving in large quantities! :D

http://i63.tinypic.com/vybh53.jpg

Mainly cheapish from China. But I occasionally splash out on something fancy.

Flippin eck Geoff :eek: I thought I was bad , but you beat me by a country mile :lol:

[Bigman80]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Gold-Snake-Quality-Gold-Plated-RCA-Phono-Plugs-Audio-Video-Solder-connector-/231602005229?hash=item35ec8e24ed:g:AUQAAOSwMmBViWy 0


Thinking i may use these, cheap and cheerful and i can upgrade them later. also right size for the cable.

[brian2957]

Yup , these are pretty good too Oliver .

[Marco]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MS-Audio-Star-Line-Silver-Plated-Tellurium-Copper-RCA-Plugs-2-Pair-/321954809133?hash=item4af600852d:g:6HUAAOSwAL9Ua0M 1

These are the plugs Oliver . I can't see the rhodium plugs at the moment , that's what I normally use . They're an excellent match for the Klotz MC5000 .
Unfortunately they can take up to 3 weeks to come from Taiwan .

Or the completely metal-free variety (other than the conductors themselves): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251981989033?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

;)

Personally, having heard the clear sonic differences between (heavy) plugs, with a high-metal content in their construction, and low-mass ones, featuring the minimal use of metal (or none whatsoever), such as those shown above, then I wouldn't touch the former with a barge pole....

Try to avoid using plugs with metal barrels and internal construction (other than the conductors themselves), if you can, would be my advice for optimum sound quality. Many folks make the mistake of thinking that because something is reassuringly 'nice and heavy' that it's better than something that isn't - well not with plugs! ;)

Marco.

[Bigman80]

Thanks Marco, Those metal free plugs have stoked my interest greatly. I am liking these very much.:eek:

[Bigman80]

Yup , these are pretty good too Oliver .

sweet, unfortunatly Marco has enlightened me towards another type !

[walpurgis]

Excellent. I haven't done a lot of soldering TBH. I have recently started to try and learn. Using cheap speaker cable and cheap soldering lugs to try and improve before I destroy expensive gear lol

Don't skimp on the quality of your soldering iron, make sure it has an adequate heat rating and use decent solder. It doesn't hurt to have a pot of flux handy either.

[Bigman80]

ok. its 60W and melt the solder lol i do have flux though. My practice runs have gone well so far so i can only give it a go.

Im very good at creating a through join (?) now

[awkwardbydesign]

I always fit a cheap RCA socket onto the plug when I solder now. That way if the plastic insulation softens, then the centre pin won't move. It also provides something for croc clips to grip, without scratching the pin. It will also act as a bit of a heatsink, but that does mean your iron has to be powerful enough to cope with this.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAvRZoD7CDg_5RFYvnGzq3Mi6HRWL2C z2RUzvijc_Vh1MnMiH7pg https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqfkQsgrSMs-SOLsuTSlDpfejoJDj6s_SmMG2mpy426rueRAeqBw http://images.maplinmedia.co.uk/60w-mains-lcd-solder-station.jpg?w=283&h=283&r=4&o=hYqDLagNZzE6rNEWEZfXJh9qzTYj&V=j65V

[Bigman80]

I always fit a cheap RCA socket onto the plug when I solder now. That way if the plastic insulation softens, then the centre pin won't move. It also provides something for croc clips to grip, without scratching the pin. It will also act as a bit of a heatsink, but that does mean your iron has to be powerful enough to cope with this.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAvRZoD7CDg_5RFYvnGzq3Mi6HRWL2C z2RUzvijc_Vh1MnMiH7pg https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqfkQsgrSMs-SOLsuTSlDpfejoJDj6s_SmMG2mpy426rueRAeqBw http://images.maplinmedia.co.uk/60w-mains-lcd-solder-station.jpg?w=283&h=283&r=4&o=hYqDLagNZzE6rNEWEZfXJh9qzTYj&V=j65V

thats a great idea :D

[walpurgis]

ok. its 60W and melt the solder lol i do have flux though. My practice runs have gone well so far so i can only give it a go.

Im very good at creating a through join (?) now

Even if the cable conductor ends look clean, give them a rub with some fine wire wool or emery. You'd be surprised how often a bit of nice shiny wire wants to 'resist' being soldered. Keep the tip of the iron well tinned with solder and clean it often with a stainless steel kitchen pot scourer.

[Blueflash]

Neutrik Profi RCA plugs are well made, together with Van Damme classic XKE cable make a very transparent cable.

I preferred the above to some expensive Furutech cable

[Bigman80]

Even if the cable conductor ends look clean, give them a rub with some fine wire wool or emery. You'd be surprised how often a bit of nice shiny wire wants to 'resist' being soldered. Keep the tip of the iron well tinned with solder and clean it often with a stainless steel kitchen pot scourer.

Ah, i wondered why some older cable resisted solder!

[Bigman80]

Do they have multiple cores or am i looking at the wrong thing ?

Van Damme classic XKE ?

[CageyH]

Why do you want multiple cores?
A coax type construction is easier to start making cables from.
After that, with a multiple core cable you can either float the earth, or terminate it at one end only.
The choice is yours.

[Bigman80]

the Van damme cable was recommended on an earlier post. when i looked it up it had multiple cores which confused me. thats why i asked

[CageyH]

Ah - they have a single core version as well.
Like this - http://www.vdctrading.com/shop/van-damme-cable/audio/Single-Channel-Analogue-Audio-Cable/van-damme-pro-grade-classic-xke-instrument/

Klotz AC110 is also good.

[Bigman80]

Okay, after much research and deliberation ive decided to go with the Klotz MC5000. Ive read numerous reviews/threads on cables and I cant see why you'd pick anything else ? ££'s per meter is ridiculously cheap !

Connects are going to be..............

Star Line Silver Plated Tellurium Copper RCA Plugs

I know the construction looks a bit cheap with the plastic jackets but im intrigued by the possibilities of a metal free body. If theyre rubbish i can change them to the Rhodium version.

Firebottle is showing me his cables tomorrow so i may be influenced again lol

[Bigman80]

Ah - they have a single core version as well.
Like this - http://www.vdctrading.com/shop/van-damme-cable/audio/Single-Channel-Analogue-Audio-Cable/van-damme-pro-grade-classic-xke-instrument/

Klotz AC110 is also good.

Just had a look at these too. I like the 55Pf/M rating of the Klotz and 100% shielding

[CageyH]

You can't see the plugs in normal use, so who cares!

Good luck. Just take your time,

[Bigman80]

You can't see the plugs in normal use, so who cares!

Good luck. Just take your time,

True. Just gotta be careful not to soften the structure. the tip about using a cheap rca socket was ingenius!

[walpurgis]

When you want something fancy. Take a look at the Audio Note site.

http://www.audionote.co.uk/comp/cables.shtml

You may find some of the prices 'interesting'. And this is a few years old.

The basic red coloured copper coax is very nice. I have some.

[Marco]

Okay, after much research and deliberation ive decided to go with the Klotz MC5000. Ive read numerous reviews/threads on cables and I cant see why you'd pick anything else ? ££'s per meter is ridiculously cheap !

Connects are going to be..............

Star Line Silver Plated Tellurium Copper RCA Plugs

I know the construction looks a bit cheap with the plastic jackets but im intrigued by the possibilities of a metal free body. If theyre rubbish i can change them to the Rhodium version.


Trust me, they won't be! Good choice on both counts :)


Firebottle is showing me his cables tomorrow...

Yes, he does that with all the boys :kiss: Start to worry when he gets his etchings out! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[karma67]

When you want something fancy. Take a look at the Audio Note site.

http://www.audionote.co.uk/comp/cables.shtml

You may find some of the prices 'interesting'. And this is a few years old.

The basic red coloured copper coax is very nice. I have some.

their ae only up the road from me,i may have a dive in their bins!

[Bigman80]

When you want something fancy. Take a look at the Audio Note site.

http://www.audionote.co.uk/comp/cables.shtml

You may find some of the prices 'interesting'. And this is a few years old.

The basic red coloured copper coax is very nice. I have some.

hhmmmm, very interesting indeed

[Marco]

Yes "interesting" is one word you could use... I could slip in something instead that's rather less polite but more apt! ;)

Marco.

[Bigman80]

Here's my first attempt with some SKY tv cable and some cheap plugs I removed from some cheapo interconnects. They aren't perfect but they do work. 1st of many attempts !!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/05/e85464e0f6f5d66a5a323ad7154fa8d9.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/05/52359f4f44463f9a074bd353f8ac4bc7.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/05/2d2959e373c0fc98fd5a296cee1398dc.jpg

[Bigman80]

So, today I made my second cable and decided even though it's only for soldering practice I should see how they sound.

Blown away. The cable is coaxial cable I got off a sky tv installation. Plugs are off a cheap set of leads.

The bass is tight, really tight. Mids are fuller sounding but the treble seems to be rolled off a tad.

To be fair the cables I was previously using were cheap as chips and had too much treble.

In summary, I'm now a believer that cables make a significant difference.

I've just ordered some klotz 5000 cable and some RCA plugs. I'll post pics when it's done.

[Bigman80]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/06/b4313d90df2fcd8a1145f6e2eb40fde6.jpg


Opted for these beauties. Half the price of the MS Audio plugs so i thought it safer to try cheaper ones first !!

[brian2957]

They look decent Oliver , where did you get them from ?

[Bigman80]

They look decent Oliver , where did you get them from ?

eBay Brian. they are from a British seller so I hope that translates to quality! I'm not expecting much from them. They were £5 for 4. They're called Rean by neutrik

[brian2957]

OK thanks mate . They must be new , I've never seen those particular ones before . Should be decent quality then . :)
Please keep us posted on how you get on with them .

[danilo]

There is Always the choice to use BNC connectors rather than the geriatric and mediocre RCA design
Reduced Bling in BNC's tho :-)

[Bigman80]

OK thanks mate . They must be new , I've never seen those particular ones before . Should be decent quality then . :)
Please keep us posted on how you get on with them .

Will do Brian, can't wait to get them installed lol

[CageyH]

OK thanks mate . They must be new , I've never seen those particular ones before . Should be decent quality then . :)
Please keep us posted on how you get on with them .

Brian,

They have been around for ages. They are the version that accepts slightly larger cable diameters as they don't have the little rubber boot. http://www.rean-connectors.com/en/products/phono/phono-plugs/nys352bg

As for quality, it's sufficient. ;)
The MS Audio plugs are not much more difficult to solder, you just need to be aware that keeping the iron on the contacts will eventually start to melt the plastic.

[Bigman80]

Should mention that Alan (Firebottle) recommended these. He uses them on his klotz mc5000 cables. Sounded good to me !

[brian2957]

OK thanks chaps I'll have a look and maybe give them a try :)

[Bigman80]

I like the Ms audio plugs but I'm pretty sure I'll melt them. Lol

[brian2957]

You would have 2-3 weeks to practice before they arrived from Taiwan Oliver :lol:

[cyclopse]

I like the Ms audio plugs but I'm pretty sure I'll melt them. Lol

A tip here. I plug into a detached rca socket that connects my sons XBOX to headphones. The socket takes the heat away from the MS Audio plug.

[awkwardbydesign]

I like the Ms audio plugs but I'm pretty sure I'll melt them. Lol

They are no worse than any other plugs, IME, and the small amount of metal means they solder quite quickly. In fact, their plastic seems more resistant to melting than most cheap plugs. Teflon insulation takes most heat, but the MS ones aren't bad. And my tip in post #56 means it isn't a problem anyway.

[Bigman80]

They are no worse than any other plugs, IME, and the small amount of metal means they solder quite quickly. In fact, their plastic seems more resistant to melting than most cheap plugs. Teflon insulation takes most heat, but the MS ones aren't bad. And my tip in post #56 means it isn't a problem anyway.

Yep, noted that tip

[Bourneendboy]

I now use KLE Copper Harmony plugs. At £45 for a set of 4, they are not cheap, but I found they made a big difference over my previous favourites Neutrik Profis.
They are also extremely easy to solder, by far the easiest I've used.
Work great with WBT solder and Klotz MC5000.

[Bigman80]

I now use KLE Copper Harmony plugs. At £45 for a set of 4, they are not cheap, but I found they made a big difference over my previous favourites Neutrik Profis.
They are also extremely easy to solder, by far the easiest I've used.
Work great with WBT solder and Klotz MC5000.

I'll have a look at those.

[Bigman80]

Cable and plugs arrived today. Here's the first plug soldered on. Won't show the soldering lol. It's passed the multimeter test so well pleased. Another 5 to do !!!!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/3b6ec92c1a2e4d9deff9200477530dac.jpg

[brian2957]

Jobs a good'un Oliver :D

[Bigman80]

Jobs a good'un Oliver :D

Thanks Brian, I never would have attempted this without the info provided on here so thank you for sharing you experience. [emoji106]

[Desmo]

Looks good. What did you decide to do about the shielding in the cable? Connected at one end, both ends or not connected at all? There has been some debate about this. I go for connecting the shield at the 'source' end only, and I think several others here do the same.

[brian2957]

Glad it's working for you Oliver . Practice makes perfect mate :D

[Bigman80]

Looks good. What did you decide to do about the shielding in the cable? Connected at one end, both ends or not connected at all? There has been some debate about this. I go for connecting the shield at the 'source' end only, and I think several others here do the same.

Well I had planned to not use the shield at all BUT after listening to Alan's (Firebottle) and discovering he connect the shield at one end I decided to try it. His reasoning was sound and he's an electronic genius.

I haven't soldered the shield just in case but it's tucked nicely under the cable grip.

[Bigman80]

Glad it's working for you Oliver . Practice makes perfect mate :D

I couldn't solder at all last week so definitely true lol

[Desmo]

Well I had planned to not use the shield at all BUT after listening to Alan's (Firebottle) and discovering he connect the shield at one end I decided to try it. His reasoning was sound and he's an electronic genius.

I haven't soldered the shield just in case but it's tucked nicely under the cable grip.

Sounds good - and then you can always experiment at a later date. Well done.

[walpurgis]

Thanks Brian, I never would have attempted this without the info provided on here so thank you for sharing you experience. [emoji106]

You'll be building a valve amp next! :D

[Bigman80]

Lol. Maybe !

[Bigman80]

Finished. Really pleased with the end product. Unfortunately the nippers are in bed so can't try them until tomorrow !!!!

On the one end which I connected the shield I trimmed the excess off and then placed a cut off piece of sheath on the end and secured it with electrical tape. I would have used heat shrink but it hadn't arrived in time.

The Rean plugs seem like good quality and easy to solder. They are a bit snug so next time id probably go for a bigger plug. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/58ad9c71dfc90660af45f586c242e547.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/92a2f534ad2d6bc3e8428b22e222b55a.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/2c9e0252e1e7752a63b1970dcb665692.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/e7284bf14006c560b5d5f723d989dff2.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/513443ce2cba08a6560a7b8f9c5b8e3d.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/08/d1718e5b6c9f3444d9f33299ba69e62c.jpg

[brian2957]

That's nice tidy work Oliver and the finished cables look fantastic , well done sir :)

[struth]

Indeed. very neat, and an interesting tool.


...mine is knackered :o

:rfl:

[Bigman80]

That's nice tidy work Oliver and the finished cables look fantastic , well done sir :)

Thanks Brian. That's high praise indeed. I'll let you know how they sound after a burn in period. I'm hopeful of good things.

[Bigman80]

Indeed. very neat, and an interesting tool.


...mine is knackered :o

:rfl:

Thanks. That tool was the best £2 I've spent for a long time lol

[CageyH]

It's a good tool for coax cable, it is designed to strip down to the centre connector.
Personally, I would not use it on MC5000.

[walpurgis]

I've tried a few cable trimming tools and found them far from ideal. I rely on the careful use of a sharp knife. Works for me!

[Bigman80]

It's a good tool for coax cable, it is designed to strip down to the centre connector.
Personally, I would not use it on MC5000.

It is for coaxial cable but it's not for cutting to the centre connector. It's used for removing the outer sheath. It has adjustable depth for different sized cable. Once I'd done a couple of test cuts and found the desired depth of cut it was spot on. No loss of copper strand at all. One rotation and some gentle bending of the cut and it split open perfectly. [emoji106]

[Bigman80]

I've tried a few cable trimming tools and found them far from ideal. I rely on the careful use of a sharp knife. Works for me!

That's the way I was taught as an electrician. The tool was recommended to me by a Sky installer. Worked really well after a few test attempts.

[CageyH]

It is for coaxial cable but it's not for cutting to the centre connector. It's used for removing the outer sheath. It has adjustable depth for different sized cable. Once I'd done a couple of test cuts and found the desired depth of cut it was spot on. No loss of copper strand at all. One rotation and some gentle bending of the cut and it split open perfectly. [emoji106]

I have one of the tools for stripping coax. It has two blades, one for the outer sheath, and the other down to the centre core normally. If you have adjusted the blade that goes down to the centre core, or better still, removed it then it will be fine. I was just concerned you may be cutting into the insulation of the conductors. I also have a tool for removing just the sheath.

Apologies if I was trying to teach you to suck eggs, but I don't know what your background is.

[Bigman80]

I have one of the tools for stripping coax. It has two blades, one for the outer sheath, and the other down to the centre core normally. If you have adjusted the blade that goes down to the centre core, or better still, removed it then it will be fine. I was just concerned you may be cutting into the insulation of the conductors. I also have a tool for removing just the sheath.

Apologies if I was trying to teach you to suck eggs, but I don't know what your background is.


Ah, no apologies necessary ! I see what you mean now. it does have two blades but i set it to remove the outer sheath only. I checked the integrity of the insulation thoroughly while testing the depth so it's all good.

:D

[awkwardbydesign]

BTW, you could practice veneering some RCA plugs! :D
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2M1gxNjAw/z/N4IAAOxyeR9TJfTc/$_57.JPG

[Bigman80]

Lmao. I actually really like those !!!

[Bigman80]

Well I'm staggered. The cables sound tremendous. I really didn't think that cables would make such a difference but wow !!!

[brian2957]

Nice one Oliver . All worth the effort then :D The Klotz MC5000 is a very good cable indeed :)

[Bigman80]

absolutely. just ordered more for me cd player lol

going to change the Female RCA sockets on the turntable to high quality ones, the current fittings are smaller than standard for some reason. causes a looseness around the outside of the plug.

[karma67]

Well I'm staggered. The cables sound tremendous. I really didn't think that cables would make such a difference but wow !!!
its great when you've made them yourself and first plug them in and hear the difference!
re your pm,sorry but my veneering days are over,i dont have a worshop anymore :(

[Bigman80]

Fair enough, worth a try.

Yes, cables are brill but i'm gettimng a slight buzzing since installing them so as im making another set for the cd player im going to leave the shield un connected and see if it makes any difference. no buzz with the old cables so something is amiss

[brian2957]

Fair enough, worth a try.

Yes, cables are brill but i'm gettimng a slight buzzing since installing them so as im making another set for the cd player im going to leave the shield un connected and see if it makes any difference. no buzz with the old cables so something is amiss

Did you solder the shield to the plug at the source end mate .

[Bigman80]

I didn't solder it but trapped it under the cable clamp

[CageyH]

It needs to be soldered.

[brian2957]

Yup , it needs to be soldered Oliver . This could be the cause of the hum .

[Bigman80]

Ah, ok. I'll get that done. Thanks guys.

[Bigman80]

Any tips on soldering that part ?

[Firebottle]

Make sure you have the iron on the tag and braid long enough to heat the parts for the solder to flow into the braid, but remove the iron as soon as it has.

Good results Oliver :)

[Bigman80]

Make sure you have the iron on the tag and braid long enough to heat the parts for the solder to flow into the braid, but remove the iron as soon as it has.

Good results Oliver :)

Thanks Alan, I'll see if i can get it done today when im finished work.

[Bigman80]

16005

Fitting these when they arrive too. they are by CMC ? apparently they are vey well respected in America. An opinions ?

[Firebottle]

They look about a million times better than the ones that are fitted :doh:

[CageyH]

I have never upgraded the RCA sockets on my equipment, so can't comment.

[Bigman80]

They look about a million times better than the ones that are fitted :doh:

Lol, that made me laugh. they are shocking and i really resented having to bend the rean plugs to try and get a good contact. I am sure it will be an improvement.

[Bigman80]

I have never upgraded the RCA sockets on my equipment, so can't comment.

I've never replaced anything lol, I have a Project (rip -off) rca junction box on the TT but the sockets are dodgey lookin chinese jobbies (Alan suspects) and thus are slightly smaller than they should be hence a poor connection. Also ive read that RCA plugs and Sockets can "throttle" the quality of the signal ? these are rated highly so thought id give them a chance. I'll try and find the "throttle" article and post here

[Bigman80]

its mentioned here somewhere

http://www.hificollective.co.uk/phono_sockets/wbt-0210ag-topline-nextgen.html

[awkwardbydesign]

its mentioned here somewhere

http://www.hificollective.co.uk/phono_sockets/wbt-0210ag-topline-nextgen.html

" The contact elements of the connector are made of high-purity silver, the best electrical conductor of all, in order to ensure optimum signal transmission. The metal is passivated so that the surface does not oxidise and impair contact quality."
So what does that do to the resistance? Bear in mind that Hifi Collective is a trader, so will be trying to sell stuff. BTW, I do use them regularly!

[awkwardbydesign]

16005

Fitting these when they arrive too. they are by CMC ? apparently they are vey well respected in America. An opinions ?

I like CMC sockets, but I use the rhodium plated version, as the plating is tougher, and match the rhodium plated MS plugs. But they take quite a lot of heat to solder to the negative legs.

[Bigman80]

" The contact elements of the connector are made of high-purity silver, the best electrical conductor of all, in order to ensure optimum signal transmission. The metal is passivated so that the surface does not oxidise and impair contact quality."
So what does that do to the resistance? Bear in mind that Hifi Collective is a trader, so will be trying to sell stuff. BTW, I do use them regularly!


I like CMC sockets, but I use the rhodium plated version, as the plating is tougher, and match the rhodium plated MS plugs. But they take quite a lot of heat to solder to the negative legs.

I did think the WBT sockets could be a great match for the All plastic MS audio plugs, might be a future project.

I considered rhodium but my interconnects are gold so gold to gold is better isnt it ?

[awkwardbydesign]

I considered rhodium but my interconnects are gold so gold to gold is better isnt it ?
All things being equal, one would think so. I also prefer plating without a nickel layer, if possible, and plugs without crimped negative tags, for the same reason; less joins or changes in metal. Solid silver or copper would be my ideal*, except they both corrode without a protective layer, and as I tend to plug and unplug components more than the average, I like a plating that is tough. Besides, rhodium is shiny!
* Actually hard wired would be ideal, but that is not practical.

[Bigman80]

All things being equal, one would think so. I also prefer plating without a nickel layer, if possible, and plugs without crimped negative tags, for the same reason; less joins or changes in metal. Solid silver or copper would be my ideal*, except they both corrode without a protective layer, and as I tend to plug and unplug components more than the average, I like a plating that is tough. Besides, rhodium is shiny!
* Actually hard wired would be ideal, but that is not practical.

Ooooo shiny !!! Lol. Yep rhodium looks very nice maybe I'll go big on upgrades when in more settled with my setup.

[awkwardbydesign]

IME, cables CAN make a difference to the sound, but I would prefer to get the big things right first. Mind you, cables are easy and cheap to experiment with, so why not? Just don't get too caught up in it!

[Bigman80]

No, I'm not a big spender in all honesty so there's no chance of that

[CageyH]

The MC5000 work pretty well and a lot of users on here have replaced their much more expensive cables with them.

[Bigman80]

That's what convinced me to follow suit.

[Stig]

After many positive reports on the MC5000 cable I bought some many months ago but other projects kept coming along so I never got around to making the IC’s.

Until a few days ago.

Fitted with bullets what a surprise these turned out to be.:)

I have 1m pair between DAC/Pre and 2M pair between pre/power.

I’ve played with wires quite a bit in the past so have a few to compare the MC5000 with.

It butt kicked them all including the expensive ones.

Very even sounding with great detail and Bass.

Great find you guys.:wow:

[awkwardbydesign]

Well, I've ordered 2m of the MC5000 to see what all the fuss is about. It will be interesting to compare it with my silver ICs.

[brian2957]

After many positive reports on the MC5000 cable I bought some many months ago but other projects kept coming along so I never got around to making the IC’s.

Until a few days ago.

Fitted with bullets what a surprise these turned out to be.:)

I have 1m pair between DAC/Pre and 2M pair between pre/power.

I’ve played with wires quite a bit in the past so have a few to compare the MC5000 with.

It butt kicked them all including the expensive ones.

Very even sounding with great detail and Bass.

Great find you guys.:wow:

Nice one Shaun , that's also been my experience with the Klotz MC5000 . Blame it all on Kevin ( CageyH ) :D

[Bigman80]

Well, I've ordered 2m of the MC5000 to see what all the fuss is about. It will be interesting to compare it with my silver ICs.


Nice one Shaun , that's also been my experience with the Klotz MC5000 . Blame it all on Kevin ( CageyH ) :D

THey are really surprising. Ive now added a pair everywhere i can lol. made a pair for a mate too.

[Marco]

Nice one Shaun , that's also been my experience with the Klotz MC5000 . Blame it all on Kevin ( CageyH ) :D

Lol... As much as Kevin played his part, I think you'll find the whole 'Lets find a cable, used in studios, which delivers the highest SPPV' thing happened quite a bit before that... ;)

Then you came along, offering yer (much valued) soldering services, and it all clicked into place from there... As such, the Klotz MC-5000/MS Audio plug combo, was born from an AoS team effort! :grouphug: :hifive:

Marco.

[brian2957]

Yup , the MS Audio plugs which I was already using were a perfect match for the MC5000 . A joint AOS effort indeed .:)

[Marco]

...and as they say, the rest is history! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[brian2957]

:wheniwasaboy: Yesh sonny :)

[CageyH]

Lol... As much as Kevin played his part, I think you'll find the whole 'Lets find a cable, used in studios, which delivers the highest SPPV' thing happened quite a bit before that... ;)

Then you came along, offering yer (much valued) soldering services, and it all clicked into place from there... As such, the Klotz MC-5000/MS Audio plug combo, was born from an AoS team effort! :grouphug: :hifive:

Marco.

I have just checked the dates, and I started searching three weeks before you jumped on the band wagon.... :lol:

Who cares how it happened, the main thing is that loads of people are benefitting from the end result. :cool:

[Marco]

Indeed... It's certainly better than dropping insane amounts of money on some commercially produced 'badge-fi' interconnects, designed to fleece gullible idiots! ;)

Btw, when/if I can be arsed, I'd quite like to give some of this stuff a go: http://professionalaudiocables.co.uk/epages/eshop927201.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop927201/Products/%22Tricone®%20MKII%22

I smell similar high SPPV, and another potential 'giant-killer'! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[CageyH]

Not interested in similar....
Better, yes but it will be tough to find.

I am about to place an order for some headphone cable bits soon, and my supplier has this in stock.
If you want to try it, I will make a 1m pair up for you with MS Audio plugs?

[Marco]

Sure, mate, always up for a listen to anything. Just fire them over when they're ready :cool:

Marco.

[CageyH]

TRICONE MkII or TRICONE XXL?

[Marco]

Lol - you decide... Whichever you think is best! :)

Marco.

[CageyH]

That's easy. MC5000 :eyebrows:

There are some more "interesting" cables from Sommer slightly higher up the range

[Marco]

Such as? Gizza linky-winky....

Marco.

[Bigman80]

Indeed... It's certainly better than dropping insane amounts of money on some commercially produced 'badge-fi' interconnects, designed to fleece gullible idiots! ;)

Btw, when/if I can be arsed, I'd quite like to give some of this stuff a go: http://professionalaudiocables.co.uk/epages/eshop927201.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop927201/Products/%22Tricone[emoji768]%20MKII%22

I smell similar high SPPV, and another potential 'giant-killer'! :eyebrows:

Marco.

I can't open this link ???

[CageyH]

Such as? Gizza linky-winky....

Marco.

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Audio/Mikrofonkabel-Tempoflex-Microphone-200-0051T.html

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Audio/Mikrofonkabel-Club-Series-MKII-200-0051F.html

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Audio/Mikrofonkabel-SC-Carbokab-225-200-0281.html

And something different from a different manufacturer.
http://www.audiophonics.fr/en/balanced-cables/elecaudio-sc-221occ-balanced-occ-interconnect-cable-ptfe-o-79mm-p-5429.html

[Marco]

I can't open this link ???

Try this: http://professionalaudiocables.co.uk/epages/eshop927201.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop927201/Products/%22Tricone®%20MKII%22

Works for me!

Marco.

[CageyH]

And me.

[Marco]

http://shop.sommercable.com/en/Cables/Bulk-Cables-Audio/Mikrofonkabel-SC-Carbokab-225-200-0281.html


i like the look of that one... :)

Marco.

[CageyH]

Sommer seem to suggest wiring red and white to pin 1, with the screen separate - very similar to the Atratus III (or so I believe). Fancy trying it that way, or the way your MC5000 are currently wired, or a floating shield?

1m pair with MS Audio plugs? Not sure if I have silver or rhodium plated in stock.

[r100]

i seem to remember someone saying that wiring the two cores together would augment capacitance

[Marco]

Sommer seem to suggest wiring red and white to pin 1, with the screen separate - very similar to the Atratus III (or so I believe). Fancy trying it that way, or the way your MC5000 are currently wired, or a floating shield?

1m pair with MS Audio plugs? Not sure if I have silver or rhodium plated in stock.

Yeah, sure, if you're up for it. Try wiring it the way Sommer recommend :)

Marco.

[walpurgis]

i seem to remember someone saying that wiring the two cores together would augment capacitance

Sounds possible. You should be able to measure differences.

(sorry about the edit on your post. Clicked the wrong button to reply :))

[Bigman80]

Try this: http://professionalaudiocables.co.uk/epages/eshop927201.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop927201/Products/%22Tricone[emoji768]%20MKII%22

Works for me!

Marco.

Nope. Not having it. Must be my phone !!

[Marco]

Bloody phones... Use a propa computa! ;)

Marco.

[Bourneendboy]

I made up a pair of interconnects yesterday using 0.6 solid core copper hook up wire. Just a twisted pair and Neutrk connectors.

If you've not tried this, then you really must, it comes very close to my MC5000/KLE cable.

[Reffc]

Twisted pairs offer zero screening for single ended audio, which is why I'd not recommend them for hifi. Noise floor will be higher than for a properly screened cable because there is no common mode noise rejection mechanism for single ended circuits. The signal is referenced to ground (0 volts) so anything inducted into the ground return wire, twisted or not, WILL couple with the signal = spurious noise or if near power supplies etc = hum. Bad practice. better sticking to screened cables. Two core is higher in capacitance but at audio frequencies for domestic lengths it wont make a scrap of difference to frequency response unless your output source is very high impedance. Just connect one end of the shield to ground. For coax, both ends of the shield must be connected.

[r100]

Sounds possible. You should be able to measure differences.

(sorry about the edit on your post. Clicked the wrong button to reply :))

:)

[awkwardbydesign]

The 2 metres of Klotz MC5000 have arrived. To save me wading through loads of posts, how are they connected? The 2 signal wires to + and -, and the screen connected at one end only? That's what I would normally do.

[Stig]

The 2 metres of Klotz MC5000 have arrived. To save me wading through loads of posts, how are they connected? The 2 signal wires to + and -, and the screen connected at one end only? That's what I would normally do.

Yes that's how I have my IC wired but I think that there may be another way also.

[Reffc]

The 2 metres of Klotz MC5000 have arrived. To save me wading through loads of posts, how are they connected? The 2 signal wires to + and -, and the screen connected at one end only? That's what I would normally do.

That is the normal way of connecting twin core overall screened for SE cables.

[brian2957]

The 2 metres of Klotz MC5000 have arrived. To save me wading through loads of posts, how are they connected? The 2 signal wires to + and -, and the screen connected at one end only? That's what I would normally do.

That's the way I connect them too :)

[awkwardbydesign]

That's what I assumed, but thought I would check just in case there was some crazy new method.

[awkwardbydesign]

I made them up and had a listen. Then I took them to a friend who has a cable burning in machine! I figured it can't hurt, and might do some good, so they were left on overnight. Today I went back and we had a listen, then compared them to my usual 0.4mm PC-OCC solid silver in Teflon, plaited ICs.
I will be taking the MS Audio plugs off and re-using them on the next pair of silver cables! At least it was cheap enough to try the Klotz, and maybe they work for others, but not for me. But I tried them before making any comment, which is how it should be, I believe.

[Bigman80]

Fair play. I respect that.

They sound good to me but they replace a pair of currys RCA cables so....,,,,

[Bourneendboy]

I use the MC5000 with KLE Copper Harmony plugs. This works great between my Rega DAC-R and Lehmann Linear. I do occasionally find myself thinking it's a tad bright (probably the Lehmann). I tried a Mark Grant cable yesterday, the one with the Canare plugs, this was very smooth, but does lack detail.
This has got me thinking about Klotz AC110, possibly similar to MC5000, but a bit smoother?
I've not used it for years, any views on this?

[CageyH]

I personally found it lacks the detail of the MC5000.