[spikyho]

I originally posted this in the cables section but the thread hasn't gotten any responses over there so now I'm moving it here:

My new Go-vibe V5 amp is currently making its way from canada to my house and I am in need of a pretty good quality mini to mini interconnect in order for me to be ready for it when it arrives. I have searched and read numerous threads about DIY cables and was wondering if a DIY mini to mini made from swithcraft connectors and canare starquad would function better than a $15 cardas interconnect. (BTW, This would be my first DIY cable and my dad would have to teach me how to solder). Any help would be great

(or if Turbo wanted to hook it up like he hooked that other guy up that would be phenomenal

)

Thanks

Ryan

 

[Garbz]

By functioning better you mean it would get behind the electrons and give them a push? Or does the cardas cable not let sound through at all, in which case a working cable would function better.

Just pick the cheapest option and enjoy the learning experience too. Providing a cable is properly assembled there's no difference between them.

 

[spikyho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbz By functioning better you mean it would get behind the electrons and give them a push? Or does the cardas cable not let sound through at all, in which case a working cable would function better. Just pick the cheapest option and enjoy the learning experience too. Providing a cable is properly assembled there's no difference between them.

LOL electrons, I guess I deserve the smartass comment, but I was just looking for a cost effective solution and was pretty sure I could save money by going DIY, however I just wasnt sure I was gonna be able to build a cable that would sound quite as good as maybe a cardas. I guess I'll put my order in for the starquad.

Looking back, I probably should have specified SOUND QUALITY and not functionality (althought I was pretty sure this was implied). So to rephrase the question, should I expect to hear better SOUND QUALITY from a $20 cardas mini to mini or a DIY starquad cable with switchcraft connectors cable?

 

[cantsleep]

from my experience, both ICs are good enough. which is better? i really cant say.. they just sound different..

by the way, starquad IC would cost you less than $10

 

[mb3k]

Just as Garbz suggested, I don't think you would be able to tell the difference between the Cardas cable and a properly made DIY cable. Yes, there might be electrical differences, ie. conductance, resistance, etc. but at the end of the day IMHO they would sound very much the same. I think it's more about the eye candy and shielding than anything else.

For the sake of DIY and options, try making your own. That way you can customize the length, test out different types of wire (ie. stiff solid core VS more flexible stranded) and make it as flashy or subtle looking as you want.

 

[spikyho]

Awesome, I hope the parts can make it over here pretty quick. Do you guys know where markertech ships out of?

 

[mb3k]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spikyho Awesome, I hope the parts can make it over here pretty quick. Do you guys know where markertech ships out of?

All the way across your country from Saugerties, New York.

 

[spikyho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb3k All the way across your country from Saugerties, New York.

Weak Sauce. Amp will probably beat it (I hope so, I've been hearing horror stories about people not getting their amps for daaaaaaaaaaaays). Well then, according to you guys my simple rat shack mini to mini should sound good enough while I'm waiting for and building a decent one. Actually will the SQ vary that much?

 

[mb3k]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spikyho Weak Sauce. Amp will probably beat it (I hope so, I've been hearing horror stories about people not getting their amps for daaaaaaaaaaaays). Well then, according to you guys my simple rat shack mini to mini should sound good enough while I'm waiting for and building a decent one. Actually will the SQ vary that much?

For myself, I had a cheap $3 mini-mini from Ebay for a while before I made my pure silver mini-mini, and to my suprise, I couldn't tell the difference. Hopefully you're the same on some level so you don't overspend on stupid (now I think my money spent on silver wire was a waste) last minor %ages in SQ.

 

[69CamaroSS396]

I have a custom made 6" mini-mini I paid $35 for, a 6" Cardas I got for $12, and a really nice one I made myself for the tremendous amount of less than $3. I braided orange and orange/black Teflon covered silver wire that I purchased on ebay, covered it with black 1/8" Techflex, added Neutrik connectors, a bit of heat shrink, and it looks awesome. It feels great to make your own, and it sounds the same as the others.

 

[ayt999]

spikyho - send me a PM and I'll try to help you out.

 

[BTV]

Hi spikyho! As you are here use multimeter for checking any IC you will get. While its resistance is below 1 Ohm they will all sound the same.

 

[spikyho]

Thanks a bunch guys, I think I'll feel more comfortable as soon as I start putting my own IC together because of all of the tips I have received. I'll probably have a ton more questions as soon as I get started so I'll be sure to keep this thread alive. Thanks again.