Topic: Interesting Cable Read

[scervin]

Jon Risch is well known in the DIY and cable arena.  Here is a link to his site which I'm sure has been posted here, but in my search for new cables for the new gear I figured it was worthwhile. 

http://www.geocities.com/jonrisch/s1.htm

He prefers to use OFC and does not like the silver plated stuff based on contamination of metal.  Curious to hear all your thoughts as he not only gives his $.02, but also includes data and industry links on the subject.  I know many of you are using the silver plated stuff.

SC

[guysonic]

I also found his most of his advice and viewpoint both interesting and reasonable for consideration in making audio transmission cable. 

The point of using crimp terminals instead of soldering is where I take exception in my experience with audio. 

Soldering ALWAYS makes for best pulse transmission as compared to crimp for what I have found comparing the two.  Audio is part sine wave and pulse in characteristics, so using pulses to test transmission and connection practices seems valid for audio. 

He doesn't give any reasons for liking crimp over soldering and I do wonder how he came to this seeming radical conclusion.

[ghellquist]

I always get quite sceptic when people start talking about the skin effect at audio frequencys.  If you wonder why, do find the formulas and do the calculations yourself.

An alternative could be this article which gives a simple explanation.
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scots_Guide/audio/skineffect/page1.html

Regardless of my sceptic attitude, if YOU hear a difference there is a difference. I have fooled myself too many times though to not ever believe anything where the test is not completely "blind" to me. Somehow, the expensive stuff is always better to my ears when I can see the stuff.  Happens every time, until I stop myself in the track. Life is a bitch!

Gunnar