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!
Thanks in advance!
yes. You don't need to buy in bulk. A few $$ buys you cable cut from the reel. Belden and Van Damme are both good brands for this. Which country are you in?
It depends on the quality you're going for. Personally I find 75 ohm coaxial video cable such as RG59 works well.
I've also used a $1 6ft unshielded RCA cable from the dollar store that worked better than a $30 fancy one, too.
I've also used a $1 6ft unshielded RCA cable from the dollar store that worked better than a $30 fancy one, too.
If you want to make them yourself I'd get one of these cables:
50FT RCA Digital Coax Coaxial Audio Video Cable Subwoofer Cord RG59U 75ohm M/M | eBay
and some of these:
10/20 Pcs RCA Male Plug Audio Video Locking Cable Connector Gold Plated 45mm | eBay
For under $40 you can make 11 4.5ft cables.
Cheers
50FT RCA Digital Coax Coaxial Audio Video Cable Subwoofer Cord RG59U 75ohm M/M | eBay
and some of these:
10/20 Pcs RCA Male Plug Audio Video Locking Cable Connector Gold Plated 45mm | eBay
For under $40 you can make 11 4.5ft cables.
Cheers
yes. You don't need to buy in bulk. A few $$ buys you cable cut from the reel. Belden and Van Damme are both good brands for this. Which country are you in?
Thanks for the brand suggestions. I'm in the United States.
If you want to make them yourself I'd get one of these cables:
50FT RCA Digital Coax Coaxial Audio Video Cable Subwoofer Cord RG59U 75ohm M/M | eBay
and some of these:
10/20 Pcs RCA Male Plug Audio Video Locking Cable Connector Gold Plated 45mm | eBay
For under $40 you can make 11 4.5ft cables.
Cheers
Thanks for the suggestions!
I made some out of coax cable, no difference on my system but at least I have a nice set of crimpers hahaha
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.
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.
I use Belden cable and RCA compression connectors. I sleep well at night. (note - in my early entry into audio in the 80's, I tried several interconnects. I am happy with my DIY cables and it is much less costly)
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.
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