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Interconnect question

Thanks for your input,regarding the xlr not being sensitive to length,so a pair with different lengths shouldn't make a difference to SQ?

Not in my experience, just ensure that the cables are adequate for the duty. For example I buy cables and interconnects from Studio Spares, specs are included, like you I have the preamp, cd etc. off to one side and had the cables different lengths, no indication of being out of balance. my youngest son (now I'm getting old he :)is now the arbiter of my system) found no difference in sound quality. But, he also is an engineer, so like me he spends on better equipment rather than cables, always ensuring of course that they are fit for purpose, plus a little headroom:) Problem with Hi Fi is that there are so many variables, one persons experience cannot always be replicated when the outcome is so subjective.
 
Not in my experience, just ensure that the cables are adequate for the duty. For example I buy cables and interconnects from Studio Spares, specs are included, like you I have the preamp, cd etc. off to one side and had the cables different lengths, no indication of being out of balance. my youngest son (now I'm getting old he :)is now the arbiter of my system) found no difference in sound quality. But, he also is an engineer, so like me he spends on better equipment rather than cables, always ensuring of course that they are fit for purpose, plus a little headroom:) Problem with Hi Fi is that there are so many variables, one persons experience cannot always be replicated when the outcome is so subjective.

Thanks for your useful reply,exactly the information/clarification I was looking for,thanks
 
If you want to use fancy cables, which is fine by me, a) buy them second hand so someone else can take the financial hit, and b) never even remotely consider a pair of mismatched length as they’ll have zero resale value!

PS Buy cables right second hand and they are free. They lose about 50-60% of retail price leaving the shop, but don’t drop any below that, as such they can be viewed as a returnable investment. I’d argue they were usually far cheaper to own than building your own when viewed long-term.

I'm using Audioquest speaker cable :)
 
I'm using Audioquest speaker cable :)

The only brand of speaker cable I've used which a plug has come loose and off. Two in fact. Easily screwed back on but still (they were assembled by Futureshop while I'm naming names -"Audioquest approved"!)
 
Not in my experience, just ensure that the cables are adequate for the duty. For example I buy cables and interconnects from Studio Spares, specs are included, like you I have the preamp, cd etc. off to one side and had the cables different lengths, no indication of being out of balance. my youngest son (now I'm getting old he :)is now the arbiter of my system) found no difference in sound quality. But, he also is an engineer, so like me he spends on better equipment rather than cables, always ensuring of course that they are fit for purpose, plus a little headroom:) Problem with Hi Fi is that there are so many variables, one persons experience cannot always be replicated when the outcome is so subjective.
Though not born a Geordie I've lived here for 50 years now so feel a 'part' paid up member so always ready to enjoy a bargain. Studio Spares look very interesting, I'm in need of an 8M set of speaker cables as I've recently repositioned my amp and been gulping at the price I'd have to pay for some of the 'talked about' cables from specialist hi-fi dealers.
Which speaker cables do you use?
 
Though not born a Geordie I've lived here for 50 years now so feel a 'part' paid up member so always ready to enjoy a bargain. Studio Spares look very interesting, I'm in need of an 8M set of speaker cables as I've recently repositioned my amp and been gulping at the price I'd have to pay for some of the 'talked about' cables from specialist hi-fi dealers.
Which speaker cables do you use?

It is nearly 60 years since we left, but still return regularly, a warm feeling when the Angel comes into view....
Have 2 sets of cable in use, the loft system Naim Nap 90 into 1974 Tannoy Monitor Golds, max 20/ 30watt Studio Spares Meridian SP225 2 x 2.5 black. Very adequate, 3mtre and 5 mtre....Amps at one side No unbalance we have noticed...we have listened for it!

Active ATC amps have 6 core Sommer, 4 x 4mm and 2 x 2.5 . The 2.5mm to the tweeters, quite a thick cable but as they are short runs not too obvious. Much depends on your kit, but 2x 4mm2 should be fine for 8 mtrs and again very adequate unless over say 250 watt amp/speakers, worth giving Studio Spares a ring to sort out your specific needs, if you can terminate then 20 mtres top of the range about £100, and very adequate, even less at 2.5mm2. Avoid 6mm2, to me too heavy and unnecessary overkil. Good luck
 
It is nearly 60 years since we left, but still return regularly, a warm feeling when the Angel comes into view....
Have 2 sets of cable in use, the loft system Naim Nap 90 into 1974 Tannoy Monitor Golds, max 20/ 30watt Studio Spares Meridian SP225 2 x 2.5 black. Very adequate, 3mtre and 5 mtre....Amps at one side No unbalance we have noticed...we have listened for it!

Active ATC amps have 6 core Sommer, 4 x 4mm and 2 x 2.5 . The 2.5mm to the tweeters, quite a thick cable but as they are short runs not too obvious. Much depends on your kit, but 2x 4mm2 should be fine for 8 mtrs and again very adequate unless over say 250 watt amp/speakers, worth giving Studio Spares a ring to sort out your specific needs, if you can terminate then 20 mtres top of the range about £100, and very adequate, even less at 2.5mm2. Avoid 6mm2, to me too heavy and unnecessary overkil. Good luck
Yes, I agree the 2 x 4mm should work, my amp is 18watt valve with 95dB speakers. I might give it a go.
 
This isn't AA, Robert!

Haha......Audioquest Midnight Hyperlitz.

Recently picked up a pair of Kef R3s and moved back to Cyrus amplifiers, and they use those bloody BFA connectors.
Needed to terminate some new cables so went to the shed where all old cables go to die and had a rummage around. In the 90s I was all into cables and a few survived to languish in the shed, including it turns out these AQs and some Nordost Flatline. A bit mouldy and dirty but it cleaned up well. Chopped off a little at each end and the copper looked fresh and the insulation perfect (looks like teflon).

Sounds superb, really can give the 79 strand a good run ;)
 
Ah, 79 Strand, was there ever a need for anything else?

BTW, Rob, do you still have a copy of that picture you long ago posted of the custom mains lead that went from your clothes iron, through a couple of extension cords with a hand drill running off one of them? I really miss those days.
 
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Ah, 79 Strand, was there ever a need for anything else?

BTW, Rob, do you still have a copy of that picture you long ago posted of the custom mains lead that went from your cloths iron, through a couple of extension cords with a hand drill running off one of them? I really miss those days.

I'm sure I have that somewhere Craig, I'll dig it out :)
 
Maybe not but I'll confess to using cat6 data cable. I got it out of the skip at work years ago and it's done me proud :D
Well, there's step 5 complete, only 11 more to go :)...

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
 
Except for one very bright yellow, shop-bought S/PDIF digital interconnect to patch my a Node 2i into a DAC, every signal carrying cable in my set up is DIYed with Mogami, terminated with Neutrik or Eichmann. I figure if it is good enough for pros and live gigs, it's good enough for me.
 


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