How to make an interconnect Step by Step With Pics

[Demolition]

Most of my Cat5 cables are computer interconnects, so I can't comment on how a Cat5 audio interconnect might sound. But, I've seen a number of people in these forums using Cat5, particularly for headphone and speaker cables. A search for "cat5" would turn up those threads.

In any case, I suspect that Cat5 plenum-rated cable with foil shielding might work well. Then again, there are lots of unshielded interconnects that sound fine. Perhaps the only way to find out is to build one of each and see what they sound like on your rig.

D.

 

[superjohnny]

Quote:

Originally posted by brschmid you are welcome! Is the guide easy to follow, or do i need to perform some editing?

The guide is excellent. It's clear and simple... don't change a thing.

 

[brschmid]

Quote:

Originally posted by superjohnny The guide is excellent. It's clear and simple... don't change a thing.

thanks

 

[hartphoto]

I'm needing to make a cable to convert a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack (i.e. Shure E3c) into a headphone amp that has a Neutrik Locking 1/4" headphone jack.

Searched many of the links and/or manufacturers web sites, and can't seem to find a decent 3.5mm female stereo connector for this.

Any ideas?

BTW, first post after lurking for awhile.

Thanks for any input!

 

[brschmid]

welcome.

My suggestion would be so search markertech and see what they offer.

 

[Demolition]

Quote:

Originally posted by hartphoto Searched many of the links and/or manufacturers web sites, and can't seem to find a decent 3.5mm female stereo connector for this.

A few of us were discussing 3.5mm stereo inline jacks in this thread. Calrad's jacks look pretty good.

D.

 

[brschmid]

updated 2-10-2004

just added a pic of rca-rca

 

[brschmid]

Quote:

Originally posted by hartphoto I'm needing to make a cable to convert a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack (i.e. Shure E3c) into a headphone amp that has a Neutrik Locking 1/4" headphone jack. Searched many of the links and/or manufacturers web sites, and can't seem to find a decent 3.5mm female stereo connector for this. Any ideas? BTW, first post after lurking for awhile. Thanks for any input!

i am going to need one of these as well, i was just gonna use a 3.5mm jack and wire it directly to the 1/4" jack to make a connector. When i do this, i will post pics.

 

[hartphoto]

Just made an adapter from 3/8" jack to 1/4" plug using:

Calrad 30-319F
Switchcraft SW297
Canare Star Quad
Flextech
Kester Silver Solder 62/36/2

I'm a believer in quality interconnects now, at least comparing it to the 3/8" female to 1/4" male 'one piece' stereo adapter that Ratshack sells.

I bought another set of plugs to make the same cable with some of the HGA Diva Braid. Will make that one soon to compare with.

Thanks for this thread. Mucho helpful. I can post some pics if you want. Gonna go fall asleep listening to my rig now though

 

[brschmid]

Quote:

Originally posted by hartphoto Just made an adapter from 3/8" jack to 1/4" plug using: Calrad 30-319F Switchcraft SW297 Canare Star Quad Flextech Kester Silver Solder 62/36/2 I'm a believer in quality interconnects now, at least comparing it to the 3/8" female to 1/4" male 'one piece' stereo adapter that Ratshack sells. I bought another set of plugs to make the same cable with some of the HGA Diva Braid. Will make that one soon to compare with. Thanks for this thread. Mucho helpful. I can post some pics if you want. Gonna go fall asleep listening to my rig now though

can you post some pics, that would be awesome if you could

 

[3lite]

Some questions:

What is heatshrinking, and where am I meant to do it?

I want to make a RCA to RCA cable like this:

How can I do the Y splits nicely? I searched google and couldn't find anything

.

The bottom diagram in my picture is how I would solder the cables; brown is ground and black is the other bit. Is this OK?

Thanks!

 

[brschmid]

there is heatshrink on the left side of this pic. I used it to cover the y-split and hold the techflex in place.

heatshrinking? where ever you think you need it. I heatshrink my plugs(under the outside cover) and where techflex ends.

 

[Ebonyks]

Something perhaps worth mentioning:

While i don't reccomend using starquad in any situation (PVC dieletrical, it's terrible stuff), if you have to, use the white part to carry the signal. PVC's dieletrical properties are compromised by adding coloring agents (This is unique to PVC, if you're using a wire with a superior dieletric, like teflon, this advice need not be followed)

 

[itza2mer]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ebonyks Something perhaps worth mentioning: While i don't reccomend using starquad in any situation (PVC dieletrical, it's terrible stuff), if you have to, use the white part to carry the signal. PVC's dieletrical properties are compromised by adding coloring agents (This is unique to PVC, if you're using a wire with a superior dieletric, like teflon, this advice need not be followed)

I agree. When using Starquad, you get a 'cleaner', more 'dynamic' sound if you use the white for the signal. I didn't know why until now. Thanks!

 

[brschmid]

i will keep that in mind and edit the guide