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Pls help me choose rca cables (Magwire,PBJ or Heartland)

post #1 of 8
1/23/04 at 6:17am
Thread Starter 
I am going to buy rca interconnects (1m pair) but there are too many choices. I would like to go with the right one or at least be aware of pros and cons of each choices. My budget is below $40 and my currrent selections are

-Magwire Naked $24.99, this seems to be an interesting choices and cheapest one too.

-Heartland L-5CFB $30, they look neat and well made.

-Magwire Original $35.99 , Not sure if it is the same as Naked but wrapped in the insulation?.

-Kimber PBJ, used one

I'm leaning towards Magwire Naked since they are cheapest and have same design as PBJ. Have anyone ever compared Magwired Naked with Kimber PBJ or Heartland L-5CFB? Which one will you choose from the choices above? I havn't included Outlaw PCS since 1m pair would cost more than $40 which is my limit. In fact, I would like to get the Kimber PBJ since they have long time reputation, but I have to get the used one. Besides, I have heard many recommendations on Magwire and Heartland but not sure which one to go for.
Thanks,
NEO
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post #2 of 8
1/23/04 at 7:47am
The Magwire nakeds are basically the same as the original except for the outer jacket. I havent heard the heartland cables, but my old magwire nakeds held its own against my other IC which was 4-5 times more expensive than it.
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post #3 of 8
1/23/04 at 4:25pm
The insulation on the Nakeds are really fragile. I mean, REALLY fragile. So if you plan to just set it, and forget it, Nakeds will be fine. Otherwise the extra insulation (clear rubber tube with tech flex on the outside) will protect it quite well. So, yes. The Originals are the same as the Nakeds, but with extra insulation. These wires are really stiff, so plan your lengths accordingly. Remember that James will make pretty much any length you want, and customize them too. Like put different connectors on the MagWires, etc.

The only thing I didn't like, is that I guess James smokes like a chimney. His cables reak of it. So be prepared to clean the connectors. Otherwise his workmanship is top notch. Really clean and strong solder joints.

-Ed
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post #4 of 8
1/23/04 at 6:30pm
Thread Starter 
Ed, do you mean it can break if I readjust the cable often?

How is the comparison between Heartland and Magwire Naked?
,or Naked and PBJ?
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post #5 of 8
1/23/04 at 7:39pm
Never heard any of them myself but based on what I have read and speculation my vote is for the Naked's. Edwood has a point about the thin insulation but unless you are dropping things on them, or they are rubbing against sharp objects and stuff like that you should be fine. Putting some rubber tubing around them or the like will change the sound as they then become an additional dielectric. Part of why those Magwire's sound so good is the lack of heavy insulation. The PBJ is likely comparable but from what I gather the Magwire's might be more forgiving in the treble and if you don't have the best source that might be a positive thing. I've never heard them but I'm not thrilled with the design of the Heartland cable. It's a straight coaxial type first of all and second it's based on a Canare coaxial cable that does not have the best dielectric insulation (it's not teflon).
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post #6 of 8
1/23/04 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally posted by NEO
Ed, do you mean it can break if I readjust the cable often?

How is the comparison between Heartland and Magwire Naked?
,or Naked and PBJ?
Yes, the magnet wires used are solid core. Bend them too far and often, and the metal will fatigue and break. But you'd have to deliberately try. I'm talking the "painted" on thin insulation of the magnet wires themselves. It is really thin, and easy to chip away.

I didn't like the PBJ very much. Just sounded kind of "hollow" to me. Heartland cables (with the Eichmann Bullets) were pretty nice. They are a little "brighter" sounding than the magwires. All in all I would choose between the MagWire and HeartLand. Or better yet, try both and keep the one you like. James offers 100% money back guarantee last time I checked.


-Ed
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post #7 of 8
1/23/04 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Edwood
Yes, the magnet wires used are solid core. Bend them too far and often, and the metal will fatigue and break.

-Ed
If you bend them back and forth a lot of times, I think it will break, but you have to really try to break them intentionally for them to break apart. Think of it as a metal paper clip

The magwires can be conformed to any shape you want if you do it carefully. I once molded one into a small letter "U" and another into an S shape, it was easily done.
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post #8 of 8
1/23/04 at 9:37pm
www.headphile.com

I really cannot pimp out these cables enough, you can get their copper magnet wire standard IC's for your desired price, with free shipping. If they sound anywhere near as goo as my silver ones
(which blow the Heartland Belden/Eichmann cables out of the water IMO) you will be very happy. The build quality is also excellent, and the calbes are nice and flexible.
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