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Platinum EIZZ Teflon XLR for DIY AES/EBU digital cable builds.

Posted by Duster (M) on May 22, 2017 at 20:27:24

I had been thinking for some time that the VH Audio V-Twist when implemented as a AES/EBU digital cable must deserve more attention to its termination options. I gathered ChrisVH's favorite rhodium XLR connector may indeed be special when it comes to the V-Twist for a digital application. Since I've not been in a position to order a set of them, I rethought my decision not to use the platinum EIZZ Teflon XLR for a DIY V-Twist AES/EBU build. My previous impression of the combination was that the V-Twist sounded too analytical, not full-bodied, and that the platinum connector simply did not complement the more refined and delicate nature of the 24 AWG twisted pair. It occurred to me that platinum is in the rhodium family, so it should be more favorable than gold which ChrisVH does not favor for the AES/EBU application.

What seemed most divergent is the platinum EIZZ connector features set-screw termination slots with large entry holes, obviously intended for somewhat large gauge stranded conductors vs. a finer gauge solid core wire which swims in the termination slot, even when doubled-over within the slot. The rhodium Furutech XLR is a solder termination design which is better suited for a small 24 AWG solid core conductor, and it's not a proven fact that a solderless termination method is superior for a digital signal, nor line-level applications for that matter. So I had to make a decision to re-terminate one of my V-Twist AES/EBU builds that was previously terminated with gold Abbatron XLRs with the platinum EIZZ XLR, but this time soldered rather than use the set screws. It was easy to solder the wires, with no problem making a good solder joint. I had great hope for the new configuration, since a new DIY 21 AWG star quad (18 AWG aggregate) solid core OCC copper with AirLok dielectric DC umbilical I built provides such a strong sonic backbone that is of great benefit for the digital application.

The result is more than satisfactory. The V-Twist with the solder terminated platinum EIZZ XLR performs excellent, to my ear. I'm certain the build has captured more of what is favored by ChrisVH via the rhodium Furutech XLRs. In addition, the very firm sounding 21 AWG (18 AWG aggregate) star quad DC umbilical provides exactly what the V-Twist AES/EBU build needed to satisfy my wants/needs. Most notable are improved spatial cues and ambient information, and the delicate treble characteristics that my line-level V-Twist rca interconnects provide. It is too soon to say the build is my new reference AES/EBU cable, but I'm very glad to have made the decision to re-terminate the V-Twist.

Edits: 05/22/17

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