Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
I have read a lot about the DIY interconnects on various sites. There
are many different types of cables and connectors mentioned, along with about how "great" they are. So, I decided to give it a try. My question to those that are "in the know" is: 1. Cables, Mogami, Canare StarQuad, or Belden 89259 (which seems hard to get). 2. Connectors: Canare F9, Eichman bullits, or generic. Reasons for you choices would help a lot so I have a better idea of the "whys". Thanks |
#2
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
"TonyP" wrote ... I have read a lot about the DIY interconnects on various sites. There are many different types of cables and connectors mentioned, along with about how "great" they are. So, I decided to give it a try. My question to those that are "in the know" is: 1. Cables, Mogami, Canare StarQuad, or Belden 89259 (which seems hard to get). 2. Connectors: Canare F9, Eichman bullits, or generic. Reasons for you choices would help a lot so I have a better idea of the "whys". What is your definition of "interconnects"? Is this for a home studio? a commercial studio? on the road? Is this for semi-permanent wiring on the back of the equiment?, Or something like a patch bay with frequent changes? Can we assume that you are talking about RCA, unbalanced cables (based on the type of connectors you mentioned)? Why would you use 2-conductor (or 4-conductor) shielded wire for RCA interconnects? My preference would be whatever cable works best with the selected connectors. I would consider "premium" connectors only for heavy-duty applications on the road, or frequent patch changes, etc. Else seems like expen$ive overkill for no benefit. The warnings about how "fragile" the Eichman connectors would convince me to stay away from them. All downside and no benefit from the looks of it. |
#3
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
Richard Crowley wrote:
"TonyP" wrote ... I have read a lot about the DIY interconnects on various sites. There are many different types of cables and connectors mentioned, along with about how "great" they are. So, I decided to give it a try. My question to those that are "in the know" is: 1. Cables, Mogami, Canare StarQuad, or Belden 89259 (which seems hard to get). 2. Connectors: Canare F9, Eichman bullits, or generic. Reasons for you choices would help a lot so I have a better idea of the "whys". What is your definition of "interconnects"? Is this for a home studio? a commercial studio? on the road? Is this for semi-permanent wiring on the back of the equiment?, Or something like a patch bay with frequent changes? Can we assume that you are talking about RCA, unbalanced cables (based on the type of connectors you mentioned)? Why would you use 2-conductor (or 4-conductor) shielded wire for RCA interconnects? My preference would be whatever cable works best with the selected connectors. I would consider "premium" connectors only for heavy-duty applications on the road, or frequent patch changes, etc. Else seems like expen$ive overkill for no benefit. The warnings about how "fragile" the Eichman connectors would convince me to stay away from them. All downside and no benefit from the looks of it. I have read so much about DIY cables for home audio, I figured I would give it a shot and listen for myself. The cost of the ones I listed are certainly not budget busting by any stretch. These would be in my stereo or HT system. RCA connections. Just something to toy with on a cold winter evening. |
#4
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
"TonyP" wrote ...
I have read so much about DIY cables for home audio, I figured I would give it a shot and listen for myself. The cost of the ones I listed are certainly not budget busting by any stretch. These would be in my stereo or HT system. RCA connections. Just something to toy with on a cold winter evening. I use RG-59 coax and the crimp-on RCA connectors made for RG-59. The center pin is soldered, of course. Like this... http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=090-263 Be sure to use the RG-59 that has a stranded inner conductor, and copper-braid shield without layers of foil, etc. My favorite is Belden 9259 Good for audio as well as for video, digital, and RF interconnects. Not as good for long (100 ft or more) runs of RF, though. With different colors of heat-shrink tubing, you can color- code them in the usual manner. Satisfying to make, and a fraction of the cost of equivalent commercial cables. |
#5
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
Thanks to all that replied. Like I said, it's for something to do on a
winter evening. The cost is nominal to say the least. Belden 89259 seems to be real hard to get unless you want 1000ft of it. I also looked into 89207 with the same results. Any suggestions on cable would be greatly appreciated. |
#6
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
TonyP wrote:
Thanks to all that replied. Like I said, it's for something to do on a winter evening. The cost is nominal to say the least. Belden 89259 seems to be real hard to get unless you want 1000ft of it. I also looked into 89207 with the same results. Any suggestions on cable would be greatly appreciated. Just get normal good quality screened audio cable from your nearest electronic supply store. geoff |
#7
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
In article ,
TonyP wrote: Thanks to all that replied. Like I said, it's for something to do on a winter evening. The cost is nominal to say the least. Belden 89259 seems to be real hard to get unless you want 1000ft of it. I also looked into 89207 with the same results. Any suggestions on cable would be greatly appreciated. If there's an electronics surplus store in your area take a look. I used very small diameter coax made for military (aircraft?) use which measured 3 pf per foot, and had either silver or silver-plated braid and center conductor. I paid a few pennies per foot. For runs of a foot or so I doubt that it matters, unless the connectors start corroding (most likely if the plug and jack are of different metals, it makes no sense to use gold on one side and something else on the other). Mike Squires |
#8
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
TonyP wrote: Thanks to all that replied. Like I said, it's for something to do on a winter evening. The cost is nominal to say the least. Belden 89259 seems to be real hard to get unless you want 1000ft of it. I also looked into 89207 with the same results. Any suggestions on cable would be greatly appreciated. The only things that matter are.... 1. Screen/shield coverage. Some are a bit better than others. 2. Cable capacitance. 3. For practical reasons, flexibility. Graham |
#9
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
Eeyore wrote:
TonyP wrote: Thanks to all that replied. Like I said, it's for something to do on a winter evening. The cost is nominal to say the least. Belden 89259 seems to be real hard to get unless you want 1000ft of it. I also looked into 89207 with the same results. Any suggestions on cable would be greatly appreciated. The only things that matter are.... 1. Screen/shield coverage. Some are a bit better than others. 2. Cable capacitance. 3. For practical reasons, flexibility. Screens do seem to have a variation mechanical strength. Co-ax and other braided screens are not inherently better though - I've seen some pretty crappy and/or sparse braiding. geoff |
#10
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:23:43 -0500, TonyP
wrote: I have read a lot about the DIY interconnects on various sites. There are many different types of cables and connectors mentioned, along with about how "great" they are. So, I decided to give it a try. My question to those that are "in the know" is: 1. Cables, Mogami, Canare StarQuad, or Belden 89259 (which seems hard to get). 2. Connectors: Canare F9, Eichman bullits, or generic. A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. But the term "interconnect" worries me. It's often used by believers in magic :-) |
#11
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
"Laurence Payne" lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom wrote in message ... A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. Whilst I hate the "magic cable" attitude, I do believe there is a huge difference in long term performance between the crappiest cables on the market, and higher quality ones. The difference is as much mechanical as electrical, but to be "good enough" often requires more than just some conductivity and minimal shielding. Fortunately it doesn't require large amounts of cash though, as some sellers would have you believe. MrT. |
#12
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
On Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:23:57 +1100, "Mr.T" MrT@home wrote:
A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. Whilst I hate the "magic cable" attitude, I do believe there is a huge difference in long term performance between the crappiest cables on the market, and higher quality ones. The difference is as much mechanical as electrical, but to be "good enough" often requires more than just some conductivity and minimal shielding. Fortunately it doesn't require large amounts of cash though, as some sellers would have you believe. I wonder if this is for a static rig or for location recording/performance? In the latter case, mechanical durability is indeed an issue. Star-quad forced into platinum-plated RCA plugs for hi-fi line connections is just silly though :-) |
#13
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
Laurence Payne wrote:
On Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:23:57 +1100, "Mr.T" MrT@home wrote: A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. Whilst I hate the "magic cable" attitude, I do believe there is a huge difference in long term performance between the crappiest cables on the market, and higher quality ones. The difference is as much mechanical as electrical, but to be "good enough" often requires more than just some conductivity and minimal shielding. Fortunately it doesn't require large amounts of cash though, as some sellers would have you believe. I wonder if this is for a static rig or for location recording/performance? In the latter case, mechanical durability is indeed an issue. Star-quad forced into platinum-plated RCA plugs for hi-fi line connections is just silly though :-) Absolutely! Star-quad only works for balanced connections, it doesn't do anything over standard coax for unbalanced. My own interconnects are mostly RG59 cable using any good quality phono (RCA) plugs. Audio Technica used to make some very nice ones a few years ago, and I use those and Neutrix. RG59 has the benefit of having low capacitance, being well screened, reasonably flexible and being a 5 ohm cable, will work equally well for analogue as for digital. S. |
#14
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
"Laurence Payne" lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom wrote in message ... I wonder if this is for a static rig or for location recording/performance? In the latter case, mechanical durability is indeed an issue. Naturally a touring rig requires higher standards of mechanical durability, and the consequenses of failure are much greater. Star-quad forced into platinum-plated RCA plugs for hi-fi line connections is just silly though :-) Of course, but I'm often amazed at the huge difference in quality between leads at even low cost. I bought a pack of RCA-RCA leads a short while ago for $5 (made in China and on special admittedly) that were truly amazing quality (metal plugs not moulded plastic, heavy core cable with braided shields, and fully repairable if ever necessary) compared with the outright junk provided with most audio devices, which most people are happy to use. And I've certainly seen my share of faults with those, even in domestic installations. But when I see what some people spend for "quality interconnects", I just smile :-) MrT. |
#15
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
On Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:29:26 +1100, "Mr.T" MrT@home wrote:
. I bought a pack of RCA-RCA leads a short while ago for $5 (made in China and on special admittedly) that were truly amazing quality (metal plugs not moulded plastic, heavy core cable with braided shields, and fully repairable if ever necessary) compared with the outright junk provided with most audio devices, which most people are happy to use. And I've certainly seen my share of faults with those, even in domestic installations. But wouldn't you agree that, pending physical failure, the moulded junk gets the signal through just as well as anything else? And, in a static system, they generally don't fail? |
#16
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
"Mr.T" wrote: "Laurence Payne" lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom wrote in message A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. Whilst I hate the "magic cable" attitude, I do believe there is a huge difference in long term performance between the crappiest cables on the market, and higher quality ones. The difference is as much mechanical as electrical, but to be "good enough" often requires more than just some conductivity and minimal shielding. Fortunately it doesn't require large amounts of cash though, as some sellers would have you believe. You can get very nice RCA 'interconnects' on ebay for a few pounds each. They use decent quality cable and connectors. e.g. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HQ-Pro-Signal-...QQcmdZViewItem Graham |
#17
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
Mr.T wrote:
"Laurence Payne" lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom wrote in message ... A connector needs to connect. A cable needs to conduct, and have shielding where appropriate. Good enough is good enough. Whilst I hate the "magic cable" attitude, I do believe there is a huge difference in long term performance between the crappiest cables on the market, and higher quality ones. The difference is as much mechanical as electrical, but to be "good enough" often requires more than just some conductivity and minimal shielding. Fortunately it doesn't require large amounts of cash though, as some sellers would have you believe. I'd say 90% is 'mechanical'. geoff |
#18
Posted to rec.audio.tech
|
|||
|
|||
DIY interconnects.
TonyP wrote: I have read a lot about the DIY interconnects on various sites. There are many different types of cables and connectors mentioned, along with about how "great" they are. So, I decided to give it a try. My question to those that are "in the know" is: 1. Cables, Mogami, Canare StarQuad, or Belden 89259 (which seems hard to get). 2. Connectors: Canare F9, Eichman bullits, or generic. Reasons for you choices would help a lot so I have a better idea of the "whys". Neither the *make* of the connector or the cable will make any difference. Graham |
Reply |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
FAQ: rec.audio.* Wire 2/99 (part 8 of 13) | Audio Opinions | |||
Wires for Projection Syst/Stereo- Best arrangement for interconnects, | High End Audio | |||
Balanced interconnects? | High End Audio | |||
Interconnects and Speaker Cables | Marketplace | |||
TAS interconnects shootout | High End Audio |