Making my own cable, any suggestions on wires?

Echosphere
Echosphere Posts: 395
edited May 2010 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
Need something to keep me busy these days and don't do knitting so thought I'd make my own pair of IC's.

Anyone have a suggestion on wires?

I was thinking about something along the lines of Kimber PBJ wires.
Post edited by Echosphere on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2010
    PM PerfectCreature.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101899
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    PM PerfectCreature.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101899

    Those aren't I/C's.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Those aren't I/C's.

    That's what I get for not reading closely... I saw "wires" and took off running. Sorry OP!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah, I alreadly looked at this thread but passed since I did not delve into making ICs, just some speakers cables. Which I replaced, but it was a learning experience.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    That's what I get for not reading closely... I saw "wires" and took off running. Sorry OP!

    No worries!

    PC, those are nice! Though, are you saying you don't use them anymore? didn't work out?

    Basically, I would want to make a "Y" cable from a mini plug headphone out to a pair of Camac terminals.

    Have the terminals, just need a source for good raw cable.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Just curious if anyone has tried Home Grown Audio wire before?

    I've always used copper so not sure what silver has going for it besides being more expensive.

    http://www.homegrownaudio.com/silver_braid.htm
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    Silver usually(not always) has a more detailed sound at the expense of a little low end.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    Ben has been known to make some Silver ICs... perhaps get in contact with him?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Silver usually(not always) has a more detailed sound at the expense of a little low end.

    Reading a bit about that now.. Oooh, no give up low end. Cardinal rule...

    Thanks Dane, who's Ben? :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    PM PerfectCreature.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101899
    Yes as Face pointed out PC's cables are speakers not ICs (once you are done, maybe you and PC should share experience on the different type of cables you made. I know PC really learned and enjoyed him self, right PC?
    Face wrote: »
    Silver usually(not always) has a more detailed sound at the expense of a little low end.
    ...since silver is a better conductor.

    Copper and aluminium were chosen due to their more affordable price while not being the best they are actually the best bang for the buck. However (not sure in The US but at least in Canada) we turned away from aluminium cable since it isn't as durable and even worse, when it comes to electricity it is actually a hazard.

    Gold is even a better conductor (used for the termination connectors) than silver (that I know of) but again when involved with cable it self there is a compromise and silver is used on the surface of the conductor since it is a better bang for the buck compared to gold.

    I hope you get to enjoy you IC DIY thread and cable making as much as PC did. Simply try to avoid cable debat as such.

    Cheers!
    TK
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    Yes as Face pointed out PC's cables are speakers not ICs (once you are done, maybe you and PC should share experience on the different type of cables you made. I know PC really learned and enjoyed him self, right PC?

    ...since silver is a better conductor.

    Copper and aluminium were chosen due to their more affordable price while not being the best they are actually the best bang for the buck. However (not sure in The US but at least in Canada) we turned away from aluminium cable since it isn't as durable and even worse, when it comes to electricity it is actually a hazard.

    Gold is even a better conductor (used for the termination connectors) than silver (that I know of) but again when involved with cable it self there is a compromise and silver is used on the surface of the conductor since it is a better bang for the buck compared to gold.

    I hope you get to enjoy you IC DIY thread and cable making as much as PC did. Simply try to avoid cable debat as such.

    Cheers!
    TK

    Thanks TK! Really appreciate this information. I think you just helped me pull the trigger on this:
    http://www.homegrownaudio.com/silver_braid.htm
    "IC-1: Silver/Copper Hybrid 3 Strand Interconnect Braid"

    Or just getting Bulk Wire from them and twisting my own:
    http://www.homegrownaudio.com/bulk_wire.htm
    "22 AWG Solid Silver wire with Teflon insulation" 1 Strand
    "22 AWG OFHC Copper wire with FEP Teflon Insulation" 2 Strands

    Basically, I think I'll make my own Kimber "PBJ's".
    Found that it has 3 strands. 1 for hot and 2 for ground.
    Btw, is that normal to have more wire for ground?

    Figure I'll use the silver for hot and the two copper for ground.

    Will let folks know how it goes. Should be pretty cheap too as I don't need more 3 feet.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    Connect both grounds at the source end and leave one of the grounds disconnected at the component end, it'll act as a shield.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Connect both grounds at the source end and leave one of the grounds disconnected at the component end, it'll act as a shield.
    Cleaver (takes care of EMI)... since the other end isn't connected it acts as an antenna to discard the unwanted external signals to ground.

    What gage of cable will you be using for the IC? 22 gage area??? Any info on best gage for such project???

    Looks like you are already on your way with those cable... that should be interesting to watch your thread :cool:

    BTW: Have you chozen you terminating connector yet? Some nice gold plated connectors I gather?
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    BTW: Have you chozen you terminating connector yet? Some nice gold plated connectors I gather?
    Whatever you do, please don't use gold plated cheapo brass connectors. Check out Cardas and Vampire. Of if you have the funds, Eichmann.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Whatever you do, please don't use gold plated cheapo brass connectors. Check out Cardas and Vampire. Of if you have the funds, Eichmann.
    Ah, here you go! How about the proper gage for those ICs?
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    I'm using Neotech NEI-3004, which is 20ga IIRC. Anything from 20-24 should be fine.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    You guys are freakin awesome! Thanks for all the advice and you pretty much have already answered most of my questions I was going to ask! lol :D

    Yes, think I'll use the 22 awg wire as that what HGA uses in their "pre-made" cables and perfectly between 20-24 that Face mentions above.

    I'll make sure to keep you all posted step by step, as this is going to be an interesting project and probably one of a kind.

    Mini to Camac Y cable. From MacMini to Mark Levinson ML-9.

    Bought the mini plug here:
    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=092-157
    Didn't realize till now that it was brass... Should I look for something better, it was cheap...
    092-157_L.jpg



    I have the Camac terminals made by Fischer. Gold plated not sure about the metal core though.
    4626316310_2fc1c07e1b_o.jpg

    Basically it is going to be this cable but with Camac's on the ends instead of RCAs:
    http://www.kimber.com/products/interconnects/analog/gqmini/ag/
    gqmini.cu.png
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    Just make sure the outer conductor is good and tight and making solid contact. Any loose or not sure connection will induce a lot of noise.

    You're feeling better I hope!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Whatever you do, please don't use gold plated cheapo brass connectors. Check out Cardas and Vampire. Of if you have the funds, Eichmann.

    Btw, I bought these spades to make speaker cables and pretty sure they aren't copper for that price? Does it make as much of a difference for speaker wires as interconnects? I've just noticed that IC's are ALOT more sensitive in quality that speak cables...

    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=095-668
    095-668_L.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    I'm not understanding your post. Are you saying you are planning to use spades on the ICs?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Just make sure the outer conductor is good and tight and making solid contact. Any loose or not sure connection will induce a lot of noise.

    You're feeling better I hope!

    Yes, thanks, feeling better. We're taking shifts, plus can't sleep anyways...

    Thanks, will make sure to keep a tight connection. Would normal solder be ok to use?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I'm not understanding your post. Are you saying you are planning to use spades on the ICs?

    Sorry, that was confusing. Edited the post above.

    Just making tonight some speaker cables and was worried about using cheap spades on them.... I just got them done and might post a separate post on how I made them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    Echosphere wrote: »
    Sorry, that was confusing. Edited the post above.

    Just making tonight some speaker cables and was worried about using cheap spades on them.... I just got them done and might post a separate post on how I made them.

    I like silver solder, Cardas especially.

    A far as using cheap spades, as long as the connection to the spade is solid and you are able to get a really tight connection on the forks, you should be good to go, unless the base material is brass.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    Cleaver (takes care of EMI)... since the other end isn't connected it acts as an antenna to discard the unwanted external signals to ground.

    What gage of cable will you be using for the IC? 22 gage area??? Any info on best gage for such project???

    Looks like you are already on your way with those cable... that should be interesting to watch your thread :cool:

    BTW: Have you chozen you terminating connector yet? Some nice gold plated connectors I gather?

    I've seen alot of other folks do that too with the Cleaver (is that what its called?) leaving it unattached on one end.

    Though, the PBJ has the 2 ground wires attached on both ends, right? So curious which is better?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I like silver solder, Cardas especially.

    A far as using cheap spades, as long as the connection to the spade is solid and you are able to get a really tight connection on the forks, you should be good to go.

    Thanks! Can that stuff be found at home depot or radio shack?

    I was looking at the copper core spades on Audio Advisor earlier but at $5 each, too expensive for me...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    Echosphere wrote: »
    Thanks! Can that stuff be found at home depot or radio shack?

    I was looking at the copper core spades on Audio Advisor earlier but at $5 each, too expensive for me...

    Cardas solder compared to regular solder is expensive.

    http://www.google.com/products?q=cardas+silver+solder&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=P-oATJ2dCMP-8AaVlpWKBw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CDkQrQQwAg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    Ah, for a 1/8" plug your only choice will probably be brass. Brass isn't always bad though, it's the real cheap stuff from Monoprice I would look out for.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Ah, for a 1/8" plug your only choice will probably be brass. Brass isn't always bad though, it's the real cheap stuff from Monoprice I would look out for.

    Brass is great for damping and mechanical impedance coupling to other metals but as a conductor IMHO it's lousy.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Echosphere wrote: »
    No worries!

    PC, those are nice! Though, are you saying you don't use them anymore? didn't work out?

    Basically, I would want to make a "Y" cable from a mini plug headphone out to a pair of Camac terminals.

    Have the terminals, just need a source for good raw cable.

    Ah, I found a deal on rocket 33s. I had had my eye on them for a long time...and the price was right. So now I am selling them on ebay. Or, I can demo them out if someone wanted to try them.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Ah, I found a deal on rocket 33s. I had had my eye on them for a long time...and the price was right. So now I am selling them on ebay. Or, I can demo them out if someone wanted to try them.

    Geez I just looked up the Rocket 33s. Music Direct sells them for $284. For about $65 more you can find a used pair of MIT Music Hose MH 750 bi-wires cables and will have taken a major jump in SQ plus when you upgrade your gear you won't have to upgrade from the 750s.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter