Sommer Carbokab 225 (with silver-plated MS Audio non-metallic POM RCAs)

[CageyH]

By the negative, I assume you mean the braided screen?
You still need to connect the two wires inside the screen to each RCA plug.

Personally, I would try all three configurations, and see which I preferred.

[Pepperamip]

Yeah I did mean that. I've read both cores to be used as positive and the braid as negative to one side only. Just gotta wait a month now for the Star Line RCA's to turn up from Taiwan

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[CageyH]

That won’t work.
If using both cores as positive, the braid needs to be connected at both ends, otherwise the cable will not pass a signal.

[Pepperamip]

You can tell i don't normally do this.

So either use the two cores alone (one to centre pin one to outer) or use the braid with the outter wire. Please tell me that's right.

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[Stryder5]

You can tell i don't normally do this.

So either use the two cores alone (one to centre pin one to outer) or use the braid with the outter wire. Please tell me that's right.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Yep, it's right.

Gary

[CageyH]

Connect one wire to the centre pin, one to the outer body of the RCA plug, and connect the screen at the pre amp end only.
That is how most people who like them have them wired up.

If you are not used to doing this, it will be a good idea to check the finished cables for a short using a cheap multimeter.

[Alp]

I have made-up three sets of these cables which sound very good but I found the soldering to be a nightmare, especially to the centre pin of the silver-plated MS Audio non-metallic POM RCAs. Simply put, it would not stick to the pin, despite using rosin etc., and when it finally does the mechanical strength is very poor. I used silver solder and the RCA plugs were inserted in an old amp to prevent them getting too hot. Does anyone have any tips?

[Stryder5]

I have made-up three sets of these cables which sound very good but I found the soldering to be a nightmare, especially to the centre pin of the silver-plated MS Audio non-metallic POM RCAs. Simply put, it would not stick to the pin, despite using rosin etc., and when it finally does the mechanical strength is very poor. I used silver solder and the RCA plugs were inserted in an old amp to prevent them getting too hot. Does anyone have any tips?

By silver solder I assume you mean a tin/silver solder, which has a melting point around 220-240 degrees C, depending on the mix.

So your solder tip could be the wrong shape, low temperature or not enough power to maintain the temperature of the tip and the pin.

Added....I never insert into a socket as this may conduct away the heat you need

Gary

[CageyH]

I first tin the cable.
Then I heat the centre pin, add the solder and while it is still molten, fit the cable, maintaining the heat to ensure that the solder on the cable flows, and then remove the heat and let it cool.

The issue with the MS Audio plugs is the stress relief. You may need to build up the exterior of the cable to allow the single screw to work effectively.

[Alp]

Thanks guys. I tinned the cable but maybe the problem was conducting the heat away as suggested. I'll try redoing one to see if it makes a difference.