coax for interconnects

[mikmas]

Thanks Svend -

I understand how a conventional audio lead is constructed (and have also made many), what I am a bit confused about is the use of the term 'coax' in that context.
I have always understood coax to be a particular kind of arrangement with specific requirements in relation to construction of the insulation layer surrounding the inner core, with 'ordinary' audio cable as such not falling into that category.

I am no EE though ... and perhaps that's what's needed to clarify the distinction.

[JohnG]

I've used the Van Damme Low Cap, and liked what it was offering, it is in with my use again cable pile and the Ecosse Cable it replaced is now shelved.

[Svend N]

Thanks Svend -

I understand how a conventional audio lead is constructed (and have also made many), what I am a bit confused about is the use of the term 'coax' in that context.
I have always understood coax to be a particular kind of arrangement with specific requirements in relation to construction of the insulation layer surrounding the inner core, with 'ordinary' audio cable as such not falling into that category.

I am no EE though ... and perhaps that's what's needed to clarify the distinction.

Got it Mike. Misunderstood your question, then. I thought your query was far more basic

[Stryder5]

Thanks Svend -

I understand how a conventional audio lead is constructed (and have also made many), what I am a bit confused about is the use of the term 'coax' in that context.
I have always understood coax to be a particular kind of arrangement with specific requirements in relation to construction of the insulation layer surrounding the inner core, with 'ordinary' audio cable as such not falling into that category.

I am no EE though ... and perhaps that's what's needed to clarify the distinction.

I'm no EE but I believe you're correct in that there are specific requirements for "coax", that being that the coax must maintain a specific impedance. Care must be taken to ensure that conductors and dialectric do not effect this impedance.

Coax is constructed with a single conductor and an outer shield ( normally a braid with maybe a foil or film outer). Hence the name coaxial construction.

For example 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm are typical standards, although there are others.

Hope I'm not teaching you to suck eggs.

Gary

[mikmas]

Hope I'm not teaching you to suck eggs.

Gary

Not at all Gary - thanks for that, seems to confirm what I was thought I knew and why this topic confuses me a bit

[karma67]

Not at all Gary - thanks for that, seems to confirm what I was thought I knew and why this topic confuses me a bit

Do what I did a google search, coax for interconnect and then like me you’ll be even more confused lol

[Stryder5]

Not at all Gary - thanks for that, seems to confirm what I was thought I knew and why this topic confuses me a bit

The answers to your OP did wander around a bit......

[struth]

Thanks Svend -

I understand how a conventional audio lead is constructed (and have also made many), what I am a bit confused about is the use of the term 'coax' in that context.
I have always understood coax to be a particular kind of arrangement with specific requirements in relation to construction of the insulation layer surrounding the inner core, with 'ordinary' audio cable as such not falling into that category.

I am no EE though ... and perhaps that's what's needed to clarify the distinction.

Yup, its a mix between the dialetric and the inner and outer cores that make the coax, and the dialetric size for 50 or 75 ohm; plus the connectors have to be the correct ones too. a proper bnc for 75ohm doesnt have dialetric. Getting the capacitance wrong can chop the square wave of a digital signal for instance.
an rca version is usually not exactly 75ohm due to the plug although canare plugs are 75ohm

[mikmas]

Do what I did a google search, coax for interconnect and then like me you’ll be even more confused lol

You ain't wrong on that one - right hornet's nest on some forums

[mikmas]

Yup, its a mix between the dialetric and the inner and outer cores that make the coax, and the dialetric size for 50 or 75 ohm; plus the connectors have to be the correct ones too. a proper bnc for 75ohm doesnt have dialetric. Getting the capacitance wrong can chop the square wave of a digital signal for instance.

Good stuff Grant ... roughly what I thought, but then some ....

I have used pairs of 75ohm leads in the past for analogue connectors (out of curiosity) and to be honest found no difference to speak of.
The reverse though was more destructive - using a typical RCA analogue lead as an SPDIF carrier did have a clear effect on the sound .. noticeably brittle and harsh.

Have also done some limited experimentation with mic cable for unbalanced (and pseudo-balanced) ICs but found no real advantage as yet over the more conventional Van Damme/Neutrik combo.

Might give some Mogami 2549 a whirl ... have some of the famous Star plugs on their way from the orient at the mo' so will see when they eventually land