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Advice Sought for Balanced Bulk Interconnect Long Runs

108.29.174.29
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 10:12:52
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 I need about 22 feet of balanced interconnect between fully balanced SS amp and fully balanced SS pre-amp. As I would like to keep cost at or below $7/ft, bulk seems to be the way to go along with excellent connectors. Would go a bit higher if the reward is there.

Currently using Mogami 2549 and seems an improvement over short interconnect and long speaker cables.

Choices I have considered (actually what appears available in bulk):

Stay with the Mogami
Belden 1800F
Belden 89207
Canare L-4E6S Star-Quad
Discovery (Original-NOS)
DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Series II
DH Labs Pro Studio
CONNEX (DH?) BL-Ag "Pure solid-core SILVER"
Cardas Crosslink ll
SUPRA Dual
SUPRA EFF:I
WireWorld Oasis 6

All suggestions welcome. Thanks.

 

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RE: Advice Sought for Balanced Bulk Interconnect Long Runs, posted on January 24, 2017 at 19:56:52
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Hi Mel,

If you are familiar with the sonic signature of solid core pure silver wire, the Connex (DH Labs) BL-Ag sounds very good for the price. While it does not present the warmer sonic signature of pure copper wire, it's not necessary bright sounding from a treble standpoint, other than a notably energetic treble, which might be considered as bright sounding if a more subdued treble energy is preferred. But rather, the overall tonality is substantially more vivid, with a bolder presence than what is typical vs. solid core copper wire, not to mention the denser-sounding fullness of stranded copper wire. I can't predict how a rather long-length 22 foot run might sound, but such vividness might be an advantage in comparison with a stranded copper interconnect cable unless a more laid back tonality is preferred. However, I don't know what the the actual capacitance per foot might be, which is an important factor for long interconnect cable runs.

The Wireworld Oasis 6 is the most interesting option that you mentioned since the design is an unshielded 4-conductor cable (self-shielding), but I don't know what the the actual capacitance per foot might be. A safe bet for such a long-length run based on a lower-budget level might be to stay with the Mogami 2549 since it is designed for long-length runs and re-terminate the cables with audiophile-quality XLR connectors which can make a great impact on performance. I'll offer advice about XLR connector options if you describe what you might seek for your DIY XLR interconnect cable project.

Cheers, Duster

 

RE: Advice Sought for Balanced Bulk Interconnect Long Runs, posted on January 24, 2017 at 20:24:53
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 Duster,

Thanks for the comments. Just for the record the Mogami is terminated with your suggested EIZZ XLRs. They are lovely units and very easy to work with.

I think I prefer what you call the "laid back" sound, though the CONNEX is awfully tempting.

Though often we read about the benefits of long interconnects and short speaker cables vs. the opposite, not much is actually written about long interconnects in a home audio system. I have really searched around, here and elsewhere. I'm willing to experiment, but at these lengths experiment can be costly.

I am convinced though, even with the very inexpensive Mogamis, that long balanced interconnects is the way to go for me.

Mel

 

RE: Advice Sought for Balanced Bulk Interconnect Long Runs, posted on January 24, 2017 at 20:43:05
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Is there anything about the presentation that you might wish to improve at this point? I ask this because I identify with individual audiophile's instincts when it comes to the cable upgrade itch. Perhaps there is a reason(s) why you are exploring better performance via XLR interconnects?

 

RE: Advice Sought for Balanced Bulk Interconnect Long Runs, posted on January 25, 2017 at 20:58:12
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 The capacitance of the Connex silver interconnect is said to be 24pF C to S and 13 pF C to C. This is pretty low, but not close to the Mogami figure of 3.4pF C to C (23 pF C to S). All figures per foot. The DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Series II capacitance is 44pF C to S and 24 pF C to C. A more recent Discovery cable capacitance is 22pF C to C. I mention this particularly because I am informed that at shows it was regularly, and successfully, demonstrated at 40 foot lengths between preamp and amplifier. The older (original) Discovery is 30pF C to C.

So that raises the question which I could never find written of in the Asylum, to wit, how much capacitance is tolerable and how much is too much?

To answer one question directly, as for connectors, given the relatively low cost of Asian connectors about which you have written I see no reason not to use good ones. I have also used Xhadow (silver over copper) spades and am now using these (below) said to be silver over copper, but possibly rhodium. I'll find out for sure as they age. I am also using Valabs.

As for my own use, first of all with real balanced components at each end I am a good candidate for long interconnects. Using VERY inexpensive wires both for interconnect and speakers (for the moment biwiring with 2m of SUPRA Ply 3.4/S on top and Home Depot 10 ga on bottom) I am confident that I have improved my system compared to the short interconnect and long speaker wire of "name" brands I have used for many years. In a word: Clarity. Like the window has been washed. I could live with what I have.

As for where to go from here. Like most of us, obsessive as we are, I wish for more of everything. Mostly I listen to orchestral music. I would like better articulation without boosting the high frequencies. That is the start and stop of instruments. More body (three dimensionality) of each to set them apart from their neighbors. Must keep the mellow quality on the bottom I hear in live concerts. And like everyone else a larger sound stage, deeper and wider outside of the speakers.

Thanks for listening here and thanks for all you do at the Asylum.

 

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