Has anybody tried different XLR plugs (pin material related)?

[struth]

Where did you get that Ohm symbol from? On a PC?

used to be alt 234 on num locked keypad. but its not on mine now. dunno if its the format on this site

[Barry]

My EMT cable was obtained from the US, as was the Neumann cable. I believe that the EMT cable is now being 're-made' by Gotham in the US (not sure if Gotham make it in Switzerland.)

Just noticed your Furutech cable is FA-220, now discontinued, but claims to have a conductor resistance of < 10mΩ per metre. This will change the equivalent change in cable length to 50mm - still not a great amount.


As I have said I like to make up my own cables, for several reasons: I can have control over the quality and neatness of the soldering, and I like to make the cables no longer than they need be. Between sources and the preamp, the cable lengths are 0.5m.

I also like to use cable that is supple and flexible, so usually cable that is used with microphones. The only exception is the EMT, which despite being of narrow diameter is a bit 'springy'. Of other cables I have tried are:

Mogami 'star quad' cable (forget the type)
Mogami microphone cable
Mogami low-noise cable
Klotz MC5000
Gotham GAC-2
Sommer CarboKab 225
Van Damme XKE

and

Belden 8402

I like them all, with the possible exception of the Sommer and the Belden, both of which are a little thick and unwieldy.

But the point is, when using balanced-line connections, the audible differences claimed between conductor type and construction and of the dielectric insulation cladding, is minimised. I believe this to be due to the complete separation between the signal 'ground' and that of the mains safety ground - thus any circulating mains-bourne noise does not enter the signal path.

[The Black Adder]

I've tried standard, silver and gold. To be totally honest... no. I didn't notice anything. So I went with standard Neutrik ones but with decent cable. Cable makes more of a difference though but even then, not by much. On the other hand, I do think different types of RCA plugs and cable have a much bigger impact.

With XLR I prefer the star quad cable.

[CageyH]

Thanks for the input.

I have not tried a star quad, as I have read that they are good for noisy environments, and long cable lengths. I don’t think that matters in my system. However if I find a reasonable one I may give it a go.


Like Barry, I make my own cables so I can build the cable the length I need, rather than having a cable which is far too long.

[The Black Adder]

Yep, you should give Starquad cable a go... I thought the same as you but found it very surprising.

[CageyH]

The Elecaudio SC-221-OCC has been soldered to the silver plated Neutrik XLR connectors.
Sounds fine.

Job done.

[CageyH]

I tried the Mogami 2549.
It almost sounds broken in comparison to the Elecaudio OCC.
Definitely sticking with the Elecaudio.

I wanted to try the Furutech, but it won’t fit the plugs.

[CageyH]

More time spent this morning with the OCC cables.
If you are still using the Mogami, you owe it to yourself to try the Elecaudio cable. Less than €20/m. In terms of an upgrade, it is a veritable bargain.