[Hal Rockwell]

I think I did quite good this time. I made two 1.2m cables - one for my Noontec Zoros and the other for my Monoprice headphones to replace the crappy cables that came with them. The cables seem to be very durable. I don't know much about the improvement in SQ cause I'm not a big believer of cables affecting it in any way (at least not in those lengths). I also doubt the ability of the human ear to tell the difference. Anyway, about the cable construction itself: 3 braid of 26awg SPC wire from navships, techflex sleeving, shrink and the highest quality plugs I could get at the local electronic supply store (I don't know what brand they are).

 

[fihidelity]

My setup currently uses super cheap RCA interconnects and instead of forking out for some ready made cables, I thought I'd have a go at making some for myself. I've had a fair amount of experience in soldering but I haven't ever made cables before. Could someone take me through all the materials/parts that I would need as if I went out and bought the parts now I'd almost certainly miss something out.
 
What gauge cable would I need bearing in mind being flexible is not an issue and which material is best?
Are some connectors better than others?
Do I need to buy cable strains or anything like that?
What sleeving should I use?

 

[DutchGFX]

My setup currently uses super cheap RCA interconnects and instead of forking out for some ready made cables, I thought I'd have a go at making some for myself. I've had a fair amount of experience in soldering but I haven't ever made cables before. Could someone take me through all the materials/parts that I would need as if I went out and bought the parts now I'd almost certainly miss something out.

What gauge cable would I need bearing in mind being flexible is not an issue and which material is best?
Are some connectors better than others?
Do I need to buy cable strains or anything like that?
What sleeving should I use?

Get some 22 AWG wire, I use 26, but 22 will definately be sturdier. You can find some on eBay, search 22 AWG Stranded Silver Plated, you will find some, or you can search for eBay seller Navships, he makes great wire. I just made some RCA cables with connectors from Redco, I used Canare RCA connectors. Some connectors are better than other because the contact is gold plated or silver plated or nickel plated. However, passed that, it's all aesthetics. Search Nylon Multifilament Cable Organizer on google, you will find Black Nylon Multifilament, that's the sleeving most people use, I would get 1/6" if they have it. I use 1/8" personally.

 

[fihidelity]

Quote:

Get some 22 AWG wire, I use 26, but 22 will definately be sturdier. You can find some on eBay, search 22 AWG Stranded Silver Plated, you will find some, or you can search for eBay seller Navships, he makes great wire. I just made some RCA cables with connectors from Redco, I used Canare RCA connectors. Some connectors are better than other because the contact is gold plated or silver plated or nickel plated. However, passed that, it's all aesthetics. Search Nylon Multifilament Cable Organizer on google, you will find Black Nylon Multifilament, that's the sleeving most people use, I would get 1/6" if they have it. I use 1/8" personally.

Thanks for that, I probably won't be doing it for a while now as I told my dad that I was thinking of making some and he brought out a bag of RCA connectors and a load of 24AWG cable. I just put together a couple of leads, they're about a foot long and fit much better into the setup than the old cable did. Thanks for the comprehensive reply!

 

[DutchGFX]

Quote:

Thanks for that, I probably won't be doing it for a while now as I told my dad that I was thinking of making some and he brought out a bag of RCA connectors and a load of 24AWG cable. I just put together a couple of leads, they're about a foot long and fit much better into the setup than the old cable did. Thanks for the comprehensive reply!

Nice! My dad would probably show me to my bike and say go buy your connectors lol, happy soldering

 

[KimChee]

Just thought I'd post another pic of my 8 wire hybrid, it's settled down a bit from the initial braiding..
 
 
 

 

[liquidzoo]

Had to share what I just got in the mail.  Cables made with them are coming within the next week or so.  (click for larger images)
 
 

 
(Bad Pic, sorry; need to get out my photo lighting)
 

 
Wenge 6.3mm + 3.5mm TRS
 

 
Katalox 3.5mm TRS, 2x 3.5mm TS (mono), 1x Y-Split
 

 
Cocobolo 3.5mm TRS + Y-Split

 

[TrollDragon]

Very nice, I just love wooden shells.

.

 

[liquidzoo]

The pictures (especially the small ones, but even the big ones) really don't do them justice.  Clint did a wonderful job on them!

 

[FraGGleR]

Quote:

Had to share what I just got in the mail.  Cables made with them are coming within the next week or so.  (click for larger images)
 
 
 

Wow, that's alot of wood!  Glad that Clint is getting business from this thread, he is an incredibly nice guy who is very good at what he does.

 

[Kamakahah]

Anyone know if you can do an order from him for just Y-splits?

 

[liquidzoo]

Quote:

Wow, that's alot of wood!  Glad that Clint is getting business from this thread, he is an incredibly nice guy who is very good at what he does.

 
He certainly is.  He was incredibly helpful throughout the whole process.  I picked the wood blanks and sent them to him and he did the work, super quick turn around.
 
Quote:

Anyone know if you can do an order from him for just Y-splits?

 
Should be able to.  Doesn't hurt to ask him on his website.

 

[audiofreakie]

 
Quicksilver V3
- Pure silver solid core 24 awg heatshrinked, 4 strand, 1.2 m, total 11gr of pure silver used
- Silver argentium pin
- Rhodium silver plated 3.5 connector.

 

[Bad and Quiet]

Quote:

Had to share what I just got in the mail.  Cables made with them are coming within the next week or so.  (click for larger images)
 
 

 
(Bad Pic, sorry; need to get out my photo lighting)
 

 
Wenge 6.3mm + 3.5mm TRS
 

 
Katalox 3.5mm TRS, 2x 3.5mm TS (mono), 1x Y-Split
 

 
Cocobolo 3.5mm TRS + Y-Split

 
 
Nice! You can buy them somewhere?

 

[Netforce]

http://www.yewaudio.com/apps/webstore/
 
Looks amazing