Yet another low-cost DIY DC umbilical project.
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| Posted on October 19, 2020 at 12:09:10 | ||
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Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest Joined: August 25, 2002 |
 The most overlooked aspect of cabling is the often profound effect on audiophile performance due to the type of dielectric involved with any given audio cable application. This also holds true for a DC application based on the VH Audio AirLok cables I've used to build various DIY DC umbilicals with. Over the past few years, I've only implemented foamed/cellular dielectric cables and wires for any audio cable purpose other than for AC power cord use. A solid dielectric tends to impart too much signal degradation and coloration for audio use when foamed/cellular dielectric products are readily available as another option to choose from. A favorite low-cost option for line-level applications is the Mogami W3159 bulk cable intended as internal wiring for AES/EBU digital audio recording studio consoles, which allows the cable to involve a very small outer diameter due to the notably thin jacket that is not intended to protect the cable from nicks and scratches, nor the potentially abusive handling of a portable cable. As such, the Mogami W3159 cable must be covered with protective Techflex braided sleeving, especially for a DC umbilical project for safety purposes. It should also not be used for a portable application unless careful storage, portable cases, and handling can be assured. Even then, a static home audio environment is the only situation I would use the cable for a DIY DC umbilical cable build. Also, I would only use the Mogami W3159 cable for a low-current DC application where minimal risk is involved. The Mogami W3159 bulk cable features a pair of 24 AWG stranded bare copper conductors insulated with a foamed CPP (Cellular Polypropylene) dielectric, a served stranded bare copper shield with a drain wire, and a notably thin overall jacket that needs to be protected with Techflex sleeving for just about any application other than internal wiring, especially for a DIY DC umbilical build. It's very easy to terminate with a typical DC plug, but a proper DIY strain relief method must be carefully considered, of which I find PTFE Teflon tape comes in handy. Note: If a cable builder does not wish to pay special attention to protective measures, they should simply pass on this DIY project. Like most shielded twisted pair cables, the shield should be terminated to negative contact of the DC plug at the source end (DC power supply) and left floating at the load end (audio component). As such, a directional arrow or other indicator should be affixed to the DC umbilical if the same type of DC plug is used at both ends of the cable. A 34 cents per foot, the Mogami W3159 bulk cable offers big bang for the buck, and I find it provides good transparency with a lowered noise floor due to both the foamed CPP dielectric and the served shielding. See link: 
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