DIY Audio Projects (interconnects, and Speaker Cables)

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

Pepster himself makes a quality power cord one of which I own and compares very well to some PC's I had at 3 and 4 times the price. I would encourage anyone to talk to him about cables and see what he can do for you.....and I'm not just blowing smoke up his arse either.

Dont forget the IC's he makes as well. I have a Pepster powercable that will be used by my headphone amp, and will probably get another one for my computer.

He needs to keep going and get into the speaker cables and USB cables too so I can have a pepster approved rig top to bottom :biggrin:.....

Systems

SolidSqual wrote: »

I like the Mogami 2534 for my balanced ICs. I don't think there is anything more neutral, but balanced is less finicky than RCA. Have you compared the 2549 to the 2534 by any chance? I have and am interested in your thoughts.

Sorry, I have not compared the two.

Same wire as the 2534 (4 wires), but the 2549 being 22ga (2 wires) as opposed to 24?

When I braid it is easy to double the conductors if that is the desire.

That said I have used the Neglex 24 ga in single runs, and doubled up, thus I have heard the 20 ga version, and 24 ga version but have not heard the 22ga.

Systems

tonyb wrote: »

The last few post only serve to make my point. You guys listened for differences, scientific measurements aside. Isn't that the final measure of which all cables should be held, how they actually sound to you ? I know thats the final measure I use not only with cables but gear also. I could care less whats inside a pre amp, amp, speaker, etc, as long as it sounds good to me, who cares.

Mogami and Canare have been favorites of the DIY crowd for awhile and rightfully so. I have no doubt one can build himself a cable of equal or even better quality of some name brands, but, not because measurements on a scope say so, because your ears tell you so.

Pepster himself makes a quality power cord one of which I own and compares very well to some PC's I had at 3 and 4 times the price. I would encourage anyone to talk to him about cables and see what he can do for you.....and I'm not just blowing smoke up his arse either.

I know exactly where you are coming from Tony.
Alot of people do live for the specs and measurements though just like any hobby I suppose (I am not one of them).
Both sides have their own beliefs, and standard gauges they will go by in deciding.

For me, as far as cables go, I have had the same audio components for the last 2 or 3 years.
In my mind at least, it makes it easier to tell the difference (by ear) when cables are swapped because of the familiarity with my components.

The way people go through gear now a days, I would be surprised at best if they could tell 1 aftermarket power cable from another, considering the components in the system change so often.

SolidSqual

pepster wrote: »

I know exactly where you are coming from Tony.
Alot of people do live for the specs and measurements though just like any hobby I suppose (I am not one of them).
Both sides have their own beliefs, and standard gauges they will go by in deciding.

For me, as far as cables go, I have had the same audio components for the last 2 or 3 years.
In my mind at least, it makes it easier to tell the difference (by ear) when cables are swapped because of the familiarity with my components.

The way people go through gear now a days, I would be surprised at best if they could tell 1 aftermarket power cable from another, considering the components in the system change so often.

Do we really have to pick specs or ear? Both are useful. Specs can focus your search to help lead you in the right direction and your ear will let you know if you've veered off the right path. Simple as that. This is especially true since many people buy stuff off the internet where specs is all they have to go by.

Systems

True.

But in the end, those specs have to live up to what these ears like.
I am 100% blind in both ears! LOL

Face

I agree with the Mogami recommendation, I use Mogami Gold XLR cables throughout my den HT and 2 channel rig.

tonyb

Mike makes a valid point, yes specs are usefull of course, I don't think anyone is saying otherwise.

crouse

Question for everyone: is solid copper wire better than twisted strands for speaker wires or worse or no difference?

Systems

crouse wrote: »

Question for everyone: is solid copper wire better than twisted strands for speaker wires or worse or no difference?

I like solid core better.
Not going into details, other than my power cables, my whole system is wired
with solid core.

Something to consider about solid core speaker cables is stiffness.
No getting around it, they are going to be stiffer than stranded, but the trade off is worth it IMHO.

Welcome to the forum!

crouse

Thanks Pepster. I'm going to try the solid core.

Systems

Best "Bang for Buck" solid core speaker cables I have ever heard personally is the Nordost "Super Flatline".
Simply killer, and possibly in the $125-$150 used depending on length.
The basic Flatline is killer also depending on your other cables (digital, analog IC's, ect.).

I have tried many times to get away from them and tried many other types (even more expensive) but always came back to the the Super Flatlines.
Get a good digital cable and good pair of IC's and you will see what I am saying, they keep up with the best of cables when combined (keep up with much more expensive source cables)!:cheesygrin:
No brainers, and leave me wanting nothing more in speaker cables.

Attachment not found.

tonyb

Always wanted to try those Pep. Pretty satisfied with my Gregg Straley Reality speaker cables, he's a DIY'er too and compares favorably to many higher priced cables. I'll keep a look out for a used pair of flats just to compare.

steveinaz

I think solid core copper works great for a system lacking air/treble sparkle; multi-strand works well for more mid range energy, and to settle down overly-hot treble speakers. Just my experiences.