valkyrieorion
Head-Fier
Thanks for the detailed response. I am looking at getting a new DAC/PreAmp/HPAmp. Was thinking on the Schiit Jot 2 or iFi Neo. Both kinda do what I need (neither seems to mute the headphones, the Jot 2 mutes the XLR output at least, but I like that the iFi Neo has USB or Optical input).Here are the ready made cables I used for RCA/XLR interconnects between my D90 and A90, both cables use Mogami 2534 Quad Star shielding:
1 Foot – Quad Balanced Microphone Cable Custom Made by WORLDS BEST CABLES – Using Mogami 2534 Wire and Neutrik NC3MXX-B Male & NC3FXX-B Female XLR Plugs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WU1BP10
1 Foot – Directional Quad High-Definition Audio Interconnect Cable Pair Custom Made by WORLDS BEST CABLES – Using Mogami 2534 Wire and Amphenol ACPR Die-Cast, Gold Plated RCA Connectors
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALHTVMO
WBC also have longer lengths. The RCA cables come as pairs, but the XLR cables required 2x to be purchased to make a pair. WBC also makes other configurations of cable builds using other wire makes and other connector makes/models. Check out WBC's Storefront for their varieties of pre-made cable builds.
WBC provides access to build custom cables per your specification if WBC doesn't already have a pre-made cable available.
I worked with WBC to create the specification for 3.5mm to Y Adapter 2x RCA cables to provide EMI/RFI shielding to connect from a 3.5mm audio output (DAPs/Radio/Phone/etc) to the RCA inputs on my A90/TA-20 using the smaller diameter Quad Star 2893 cable, with specific cable and Y split build lengths and connectors:
Mogami 2893 - (NYS231BG)(ACPL-CRD + ACPL-CBK) - 2ft 9in + [2x 3in] - Directional ... $22.95
Mogami 2893 - (NYS231BG)(ACPL-CRD + ACPL-CBK) - 5ft 9in + [2x 3in] - Directional ... $37.95
Total: $60.90
If you need a WBC custom cable now you can email them through "Ask a Question" on their Amazon Store Seller Profile to start the process.
I have already tried several highly rated cables for the 3.5mm to RCA role, but while each higher costing cable provided better EMI/RFI rejection, they all failed to get rid of all of the noise. I will update here after I receive and test the WBC custom cable.
I ran into the same thing when I was testing RCA cables, only the WBC Star Quad Mogami cables rejected all of the noise. WBC uses a lifted Shield at the destination, connected shield at the source method to increase EMI/RFI noise rejection over the shielding / twisted pair configuration alone. Pay attention to the instructions to connect the Flagged end to the source and the other end to the destination for the highest noise rejection.
Again, replacing RCA / USB cables wasn't enough to stop the PC USB power injected noise, I still need an ifi iDefender+ on each USB to DAC connection. Each noise path needs to be mitigated.
Have fun
I do have WBC as my RCA cables right now, although they are Gotham and 3ft long https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07FR3HX6L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 .
I really think my powered speakers are the problem though, with the RCA input also being a pre amp I think it's carrying in somehow (even though it has a switch to change it from pre amp to just an input). I tried the K5 Pro to another amp and speakers and had no issue. It is good to know though about the iDefender also.
I have decided to move the Triangle speakers just up to a tv for the kids at this point (kinda an expensive speaker for just watching Dora the explorer and Paw Patrol I guess) but I didn't wanna burn a bridge with the place I bought them from, and I can play some music to them when cooking at times.
