making your own cable: is this BS?

gplanet

Senior member
Jan 5, 2002
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I stumbled across this article:

http://www.soundstage.com/synergize/synergize021998.htm

It claims that these homemade RCA interconnects are superior and cheaper to most, even expensive, interconnect cables. My dad, who has an EE degree, claims that this article is total BS. I don't really understand the grounds on which he says that, but he also says that expensive interconnects are a waste of money and you cannot tell the difference between a the cables.

Now I've never listened to an audio system and then changed the interconnects to see a difference, and I don't think my dad has either, so I can't judge. If you're an expert in this, what do you think of this article and the homemade cable?
 

Stealth1024

Platinum Member
Aug 9, 2000
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Balanced XLR style connections are far superior but aren't seen on low end consumer equipment... usually
 

Triumph

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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most self-proclaimed "audiophiles" who claim to hear a difference between different cables/interconnects/whatever are just fools trying to justify the rip off price they paid. You can get just as good a signal out of a LAMP CHORD as you can out of Monster Cable. True, this stuff isn't speaker wire, but the idea is the same. Your dad is probably right.
 

gplanet

Senior member
Jan 5, 2002
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these homemade interconnects are $10-$20 a pair, and the guy (and other ppl) claim they sound better or the same as interconnects in the hundreds of $$. That is what I would like to know if it's true. Even though I wouldn't put down more than $50 on a manufactured cable, i'd rather spend $20 and build one myself (if it will be better, or even the same)
 

Stealth1024

Platinum Member
Aug 9, 2000
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did I mention balanced low-Z XLR style connections can be wired with relatively cheap shielded thin wire over long distances? lol

Agreed... most people who say they can hear a difference between $20/foot and $200/foot Monster cable are hearing things... As for speaker wire, using 14 gauge to wire speakers coming from high powered amps is not unreasonable, even if its 14 gauge "lamp cord" as you said... In fact I don't see why you can't use a 120V extension cord, although someone will surely point out how these aren't shielded and can induce interference on other cables
 

Renob

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
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You can get just as good a signal out of a LAMP CHORD as you can out of Monster Cable


Not True. Now I don?t think you need to spend $1000.00 on wiring your home system because I think you will reach the point of diminishing return on your investment at around $500.00

BTW Im not just talking wiring your audio system but your intire Home Theater.
 

CocaCola5

Golden Member
Jan 5, 2001
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I'd like to make RCA cables out of RG6 but I don't want to spend$$ on coaxial stripper and crimpers.
 

glen

Lifer
Apr 28, 2000
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In long runs, cables can pick up a lot of interference.
XLR cables won't.
 

Triumph

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,031
14
81


<< You can get just as good a signal out of a LAMP CHORD as you can out of Monster Cable


Not True. Now I don?t think you need to spend $1000.00 on wiring your home system because I think you will reach the point of diminishing return on your investment at around $500.00

BTW Im not just talking wiring your audio system but your intire Home Theater.
>>


I've got an article buried somewhere in an old Stereo Review where they discuss this. But no way am I going to drag it out! :p

*edit* BTW, the cheapest place I've found for both speaker cable and coax cable is Loew's. Speaker cable is cut to order. I think they've got connectors as well, but I'm not sure what they're priced like. This is getting off-topic tho.
 

Renob

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
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Triumph

Maybe I should of said( Not True for me) On my HT I can both hear and see a difference between the cheap cable and the expensive. I spent around $450 on cables for my system, and think it was money well spent..
I guess people just need to let their own eyes and ears tell them what to spend.