Shielding on interconnects

**julesd68** · 31-03-2013, 14:01

Having got a new rack I need to get a longer interconnect to run from my valve phono stage to hybrid amp.

What exactly do I need in terms of shielding?

Is a copper or aluminium shield adequate or do I need a braided shield aswell?

**Firebottle** · 31-03-2013, 14:19

If it's a full wrapped copper or aluminium foil shield that will outperform a braided shield.
You don't need both, a braided shield gives greater flexibility to the cable.

Alan

**Wakefield Turntables** · 31-03-2013, 15:29

Cu or Al will work really well, the thicker the better.

**YNWaN** · 31-03-2013, 15:33

Most 'shielded' interconnects either use a Mylar foil or a braided sheath (quite often both). In terms of reducing hum, I have found the braised shield to be, by far, the most effective (it doesn't matter what metal it is made of).

**julesd68** · 31-03-2013, 16:04

hmm - options, options again!

I note the Mark Grant cable uses a "dual layer shielding system consisting of two layers of dense coverage high purity copper braiding".

Presumably this is the best "belt and braces" approach?

**brian2957** · 31-03-2013, 16:09

The shielding in Mark Grants cables is excellent . These cables are difficult to beat at this price IMO . Some other cables which I would also consider are the NVA Soundcords and also SSC ( Super Soundcords ) which are also very good VFM and very well shielded . Lastly, the Rega Couples are also very well built with excellent Neutrik Profi RCA plugs fitted .Shielding is also very good. All IMO of course (:

**YNWaN** · 31-03-2013, 16:16

Originally Posted by julesd68

hmm - options, options again!

I note the Mark Grant cable uses a "dual layer shielding system consisting of two layers of dense coverage high purity copper braiding".

Presumably this is the best "belt and braces" approach?

All the cables I mentioned in your recent 'what £50 interconnect' thread offer similar levels of shielding.

**julesd68** · 31-03-2013, 19:42

I'm not a cable swapper, just want to fit and forget, so want to spend a little time making the right decision here.

I've got Cable Talk 3 speaker cable so I thought I'd look at Cable Talk interconnects. The Missing Link bought up all their remaining old stock I believe. They are offering the top of the range Reference 3 for £65 - "4 x 6n pure copper conductors wrapped in a solid 6n pure copper foil tube for a perfect 100% shield". Doesn't really mean much to me - I'm sure it isn't the latest cable "technology" but is this value for money by today's standards?

**brian2957** · 31-03-2013, 20:10

There's a lot to be said for keeping all the cables in your system from the same manufacturer Julian . I've never heard these but I doubt if cable technology has changed so much as to make these obsolete . If the plugs look decent then there shouldn't be any problem with these interconnects at this money. Got a link to these mate ?

**julesd68** · 31-03-2013, 20:42

Not just any plugs these Brian!

< The RCA connectors machined from solid billet medical grade non magnetic stainless steel with adjustable cantre pin & skirt with hard gold plating for excellent contact >

Medical grade! If they are good enough for surgeons they're good enough for me!

Here's the link - you need to scroll right down to the bottom of the page -

http://www.the-missing-link.net/ex_dem.htm

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