interconnects

[kininigin]

im thinking about making some interconnects as a trip to france and a festival to go to means i cannot quite afford some mark grants i have a couple allready and really like them.

I have never made any before and after re wiring my tone think i can tackle this but need suggestions on what parts to use.

Im thinking of spending upto £50-60 and need two stereo pairs about 0.5m long and 1.0m long.One set to go from a technics tt to croft pre and another to go from beresford dac to croft pre.

Any suggestions?

[Ali Tait]

Buy the purest silver wire from ebay,and some teflon tubing to feed it down.Prhaps some braiding to protect it.Terminate with the plugs of your choice.

[Ali Tait]

Or just buy from the ebay seller tomjlive.He sells silver i/c's he makes himself which are very good IMO.Several peeps here use them.He also sells just wire if you'd prefer to make your own.

[colorved]

Hello, Darren

"Alaqeia" can be found on ebay.
It's Silver Plated OFC. available in DIY from the roll or fully assembled.

Good Luck
Vladimir

[Jonboy]

Hi Darren,

You could make some as per Barry's instructions, i use these and they cost me about £7 a pair with standard Neutrik plugs Here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEUTRIK-GOLD-PHONO-RCA-PLUGS-Connectors-Set-4-NEW-/300382990654?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item45f038b13e)

and Maplins Mic cable, i think this is the right onehere (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98022)

Perhaps you could give a link to your post for this Barry

[Mike]

Hello, Darren

"Alaqeia" can be found on ebay.
It's Silver Plated OFC. available in DIY from the roll or fully assembled.

Good Luck
Vladimir

These are the folk... http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Missing-Link-Audio-Cables?_rdc=1

Or direct... http://www.the-missing-link.net/

[John]

Or just buy from the ebay seller tomjlive.He sells silver i/c's he makes himself which are very good IMO.Several peeps here use them.He also sells just wire if you'd prefer to make your own.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/99-999-0-6mm-Solid-Silver-Wire-Teflon-PTFE-Insulation-/280536319239?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item4151448507 Seems like a bargain to me

[kininigin]

thanks for the suggestions guys but hold off for the moment as mark grant might offer me a deal i cannot refuse.

[DSJR]

My own feeling differs, but it's so cheap you could try it sometime, if not now...

From the techie to phono input I'd echo Audio Origami and say that Van Damme pro-patch mic cable is amazing!!! It allows subtle cartridge adjustments to be clearly reproduced and is flexible enough as well. get some Neutrik plugs (most use the great but inexpensive "Rean" versions, but if budget allows, try the pro ones, which are superb IMO). I use an AO cable myself and have made up other turntable interconnects with this wire and recommend it highly.

I really like Van damme cables, which now use top quality copper and with a handful of silver strands too apparently. Ebay's "SoundStable" makes an excellent interconnect for under £15 and the wires (above too) are available separately from seller -

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Audio-Supplies?_rdc=1

Plugs etc from -

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/audio-spares?_rdc=1

Be careful with the soldering as bad solder joints can ruin an otherwise good interconnect. I've traditionally used low melting point solder with approx 2% silver in..

[kininigin]

and Maplins Mic cable, i think this is the right onehere (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98022)


Would this cable be ok for rewiring headphones with namely grado 125's?

[DSJR]

thanks for the suggestions guys but hold off for the moment as mark grant might offer me a deal i cannot refuse.

Missed the above - good luck with Mark, he's a great chap to deal with :)

[Ali Tait]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/99-999-0-6mm-Solid-Silver-Wire-Teflon-PTFE-Insulation-/280536319239?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item4151448507 Seems like a bargain to me

Yes,his i/c's are the best I've tried.

[John]

I use something very similar

[Ali Tait]

It would seem the purity of the silver does actually make a difference.I've no idea why.

[goraman]

Everything you need to make a first rate pair of cables is right here.
http://www.homegrownaudio.com/



This place has both teflon and silk sleeveing,and teflon shrink tubeing and teflon tubeing as well.http://www.partsconnexion.com/
Look under heat shrink,tubeing and brade.






I would not bother and just order from this guy.http://www.whitezombieaudio.com/index.aspx
You can't build them cheaper because the solder he uses will cost you a mint for one roll.


You will need a heat gun and a really hot iron for silver.

[mmar]

agree purity of the silver does make a big difference ive been a missing link cryo reff owner for the last 2 years and owned more cables than i care to mention having tried most manafatures i can hand on heart say the cryo reff are the best ic,s around and worth saving up for bested jps superconductor 3,s , nordost valhallas , mit 350,s , transparent reff to name only a few all of which where far more expensive

these may seem rather pricey in the context of the post but i have tried many diy silver cables including those from sellers on ebay and self made and the missing link was a reverlation had i came across them earlyer i could have saved a fortune and endless hrs burning and listerning to cables rather than music

[kininigin]

i,ve got some mark grant cables now or will have hopefully tomorrow.
Just like to say what a great guy to deal with.

Im looking forward to an all G1000HD set up.

Out of interest can someone explain why you would have a silver plated copper cable,rather than all copper or silver?

[Mike]

Out of interest can someone explain why you would have a silver plated copper cable,rather than all copper or silver?

Best of both worlds or worst of both worlds... depending on who you ask.

[kininigin]

ahh i see,think i would be in the copper or silver camp.

[Stratmangler]

I use this cable http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=132 , with these plugs http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1006 , with the cable terminated in a psuedo balanced configuration (basically means that the screen is connected at the source end only), with the signal ground being made by one of the two conductors.

This means that the cables are directional by construction.
The cable I've linked to does have directionality arrows on the outer sheathing, so I use this to indicate which end has the screen connected (ie the directionality is marked as being from source to amp)

They're very neutral, and work for me;)

[DSJR]

The Van Dammes I use are the same and to prevent ground loops in a fully balanced setup, the pseudo-balanced way you've described is how many are made IIRC.

[goraman]

agree purity of the silver does make a big difference ive been a missing link cryo reff owner for the last 2 years and owned more cables than i care to mention having tried most manafatures i can hand on heart say the cryo reff are the best ic,s around and worth saving up for bested jps superconductor 3,s , nordost valhallas , mit 350,s , transparent reff to name only a few all of which where far more expensive

these may seem rather pricey in the context of the post but i have tried many diy silver cables including those from sellers on ebay and self made and the missing link was a reverlation had i came across them earlyer i could have saved a fortune and endless hrs burning and listerning to cables rather than music

I really don't think they would beat out Audio Note Soto,Sogon or even Kimbers best offering.I actualy did compair the whitezombies with some of the cables above and found them to be a little more forward but very close otherwise sonicly.

[Tripmaster]

I use this cable http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=132 , with these plugs http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1006 , with the cable terminated in a psuedo balanced configuration (basically means that the screen is connected at the source end only), with the signal ground being made by one of the two conductors.

This means that the cables are directional by construction.
The cable I've linked to does have directionality arrows on the outer sheathing, so I use this to indicate which end has the screen connected (ie the directionality is marked as being from source to amp)

They're very neutral, and work for me;)

Hi

Those links just take me to the Maplin home page. Do you have a product number?

Thanks

[John]

They're very neutral, and work for me;)
This sums it up well for me too I am so happy I no longer worry about cable performance

[Stratmangler]

Hi

Those links just take me to the Maplin home page. Do you have a product number?

Thanks

Cable is XS40T

Phono connectors are JU06G

[Tripmaster]

Cable is XS40T

Phono connectors are JU06G

Thanks :)

[Stratmangler]

Thanks :)

You're welcome.

It works out to be under £13.00 for parts and cable per stereo pair, which is pretty cheap. If you shop around you can probably get the connectors for less.

[Barry]

Hi Darren,

You could make some as per Barry's instructions, i use these and they cost me about £7 a pair with standard Neutrik plugs Here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEUTRIK-GOLD-PHONO-RCA-PLUGS-Connectors-Set-4-NEW-/300382990654?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item45f038b13e)

and Maplins Mic cable, i think this is the right onehere (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=98022)

Perhaps you could give a link to your post for this Barry


Hello John,

Here is the link: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4358&page=6.

Regarding interconnects using shielded twin core cable wired in a semi-balanced configuration: that is the inner cores used for the signal and return path, with the screen/shielding connected to the return at one end only; these cable are directional due to their asymmetrical construction.

It is usually stated that the end to which the screen is connected should be that of the source: any arrows or markings pointing away from the source.

What is important is the need to connect the screen to the point of lowest potential. Usually this is at the source but not necessarily. For sources with double insulation and a two core mains lead, the '0V' rail or signal return will not be the point of lowest potential. The point of lowest potential is usually the metal work of the preamp which is connected to the mains earth. Under these conditions the semi-balanced lead needs to be used the other way round.

Don't blindly follow the arrows. Try the interconnect in each direction and decide for yourself which sounds better.

Regards

[lovejoy]

I was at Maplin last night and picked up a few metres of the above mentioned cable. I was expecting the Van Damme cable, but as it turned out it's labelled 'Bandridge' - The make up of the cable fitted the description though so I got home and fitted some Neutrik phonos and made them up as per the instructions.

Let's just say I was up quite late listening to tunes. They are excellent. Really weighty and authoritative sounding, plus it's really cut the amount of 'fuzz' I get when I wind up the volume with no music playing which has in turn brought the low level detail up.

Not bad for a tenner! Thanks for the recommendation. Now to try some more on the rest of the system.

[Stratmangler]

Hi Rich

Glad the cable works well for you.
I am a little bit bemused, as the part number for the cable XS40T is definitely Shark cable.

While checking the part number out I noticed a cut cable of higher specification that Maplin only sell from the website.

Curiousity has got the better of me, so I've placed an order for 2m of the cable and some phono connectors while I was at it - saves me having to go to the shop I suppose.

Cable part number is XX61R
Phono connectors are 2 off JU08J, and 2 off JU09K

Just got to wait for the postie now:rolleyes:

[lovejoy]

Ah no.
I was following Jonboy's link from the first page which took me to an order code of N96CK...

I should get some of the other stuff to try too then ;-)

[Stratmangler]

The bits I ordered arrived on Friday - just got around to making the cables up.
All I can say is WOW !
And the cables I was using were very good indeed.
If you're making up pseudo balanced cables give this stuff a go. It's well worth the the extra expense of the higher grade cable stock. And it's worth the inconvenience of having to purchase the stuff on the internet and wait for The Royal Snail (sorry Mail) to deliver it to your doorstep.

[DSJR]

The Shark wires tend to be very good on my experiences. I've been using Van Damme cables with good results.

I think that if the cables are made with sensible parts and the phono plugs are good with low capacitance, you won't go wrong tbh..

[Tripmaster]

The Shark wires tend to be very good on my experiences. I've been using Van Damme cables with good results.

I think that if the cables are made with sensible parts and the phono plugs are good with low capacitance, you won't go wrong tbh..

Exactly. Providing the signal cables are not running in parallel with the mains, standard twisted pair CAT5 cable sounds fine. 1M of CAT5 cable will produce 4x 1M interconnects. That's cheap!

I still haven't made the cables with Shark wire. I hope to build these buy the end of the week.

[Reid Malenfant]

The bits I ordered arrived on Friday - just got around to making the cables up.
All I can say is WOW !
And the cables I was using were very good indeed.



The Shark wires tend to be very good on my experiences. I've been using Van Damme cables with good results.

I think that if the cables are made with sensible parts and the phono plugs are good with low capacitance, you won't go wrong tbh..
Well i guess i'm not the only person using this stuff (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=26923)then & being very happy with it indeed :lol: Nice to hear other people find it of decent quality. A lot of my stuff is balanced so instead of the good quality maplin phonos i obviously used the black neutrik XLR plug with gold plated contacts.