DIY RCA interconnects worth it?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I'd like to get a decent set of interconnects to run between a VPI Prime turntable to a VTA PH-16 tube phono stage and then on to a VTA ST-120 tube amp. Are interconnects something where you can save money by buying cable in bulk and soldering the RCA connectors on yourself? If so, can anyone recommend specific cable stock and connectors?

Thanks in advance!
 
It depends on the quality you're going for. Personally I find 75 ohm coaxial video cable such as RG59 works well.

I've also used a $1 6ft unshielded RCA cable from the dollar store that worked better than a $30 fancy one, too.
 
Belden 89207 or 89259 are popular. Both available per foot from Raw Cable -- Cable, Connectors, and Tools.

Mogami 2549 is also popular...

Mogami 2549 2-Conductor Microphone Cable 22AWG Per Foot - Black

It really depends if you want a coax or twinax cable. The important thing is to keep the capacitance low depending on your cartridge. Both the Bleden cables mentioned above are not very flexible (they are teflon) which may be a concern too.

Thank you for those links!
 
I'd like to get a decent set of interconnects to run between a VPI Prime turntable to a VTA PH-16 tube phono stage and then on to a VTA ST-120 tube amp. Are interconnects something where you can save money by buying cable in bulk and soldering the RCA connectors on yourself? If so, can anyone recommend specific cable stock and connectors?

Thanks in advance!

If you have to buy all the parts, cable, connectors, sleeving and heatshrink, you will be hard pressed to do what you want to do for less than the cost of the interconnects from Blue Jeans Cable.

On the other hand, if you know how to solder rca connectors well, and want to make your own interconnects for pride of workmanship, ownership, etc., there are a lot of choices and none will break the bank.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.