Topic: What type of interconnects do you use and why?

[nedstruzz]

I need to order 6-8 new interconnects and just wondering what people use these days.  I'm currently using the Audio Magic Xtremes but they are a bit too long now that I am using a smaller bag. 

Any advice, pro's, con's etc etc??

Thanks in advance!!

[Krispy D]

Ned, I made some that I am really happy with out of milspec cable and stubby RA Neutrik XLR's.  I'm sure you could just make some or find one of our trusty TS.com cable builders to build you some.

[nedstruzz]

Thanks Kris! 

Its been many years since I've used a soldering Iron so I have a call into Ed at Kind Kables.  I was just doing some research on different types of cables and while most of it is over my head I want to be sure I am getting quality stuff when I do speak with him.  I see a lot of talk about silver clad cables and whether its best to have a full silver cable or just the exterior coating being silver. 

Either way I just need some new quality interconnects that are about a foot long a piece.  Just curious to see what people like these days. 

[Krispy D]

I would make my ic's at least as good as my mic cables.  good copper, silver clad, all silver... almost doesn't matter.  Good conductors with good connectors with good solder joints is what you are looking for.  IC's should have reinforced ends as well.  Lotsa stress in a small space!

[bgalizio]

Thanks Kris! 

Its been many years since I've used a soldering Iron so I have a call into Ed at Kind Kables.  I was just doing some research on different types of cables and while most of it is over my head I want to be sure I am getting quality stuff when I do speak with him.  I see a lot of talk about silver clad cables and whether its best to have a full silver cable or just the exterior coating being silver. 

Either way I just need some new quality interconnects that are about a foot long a piece.  Just curious to see what people like these days. 

All of my cables were made by Ed (taping and home stereo). I prefer standard copper vs. silver clad. It's a personal preference thing. Ed definitely makes great cables!

[nedstruzz]

What would be the audible differences between a silver vs copper cable? 

[Krispy D]

What would be the audible differences between a silver vs copper cable? 

oh great...

I would say none as long as the copper is of good quality.  I have done countless AB comps with cables with my home stereo and have found almost* 0 audible difference.

* as the night wears on you start to trick yourself into hearing whatever you want...

[bgalizio]

With silver cables, some claim to hear more high end detail and overall clarity. Others find silver cables hyped or fatiguing. Still others discern no difference.

IMO, it will depend on your recording gear and playback gear (and your ears) as to what combinations work for you.

[boojum]

Can of worms, closed.

I use Neutrik.  I have heard they are the best, and that is why I use them.  Despite what others say is possible, I get excellent results with the solderless connectors and can whip out a pair of cables in 20 - 30 minutes.  I buy the Canare star quad on large rolls.

[F.O.Bean]

I use Hi Ho cables exclusively because:

1. Matt(aka thegreatgumbino) does EXTREMELY nice work and has made me custom pairs that I will NEVER ahve to buy again. He also did some ANAL things that I asked him to, like put heatshrink over each solder joint

2. He does or did custom jobs and uses the highest quality components

3. Was willing to techflex the cables together to make "one" cable, except about 1' from each end

They were kind of pricey, but I COULD NOT be any happier And I wont need to buy acbles for MANY YEARS, so they were totally worth it for me He made me a pair of 20' 'actives'(mini-xlr's) and a pair of 20' regular 3-pin XLR's w/ Neutrik Black/Silver connectors

[nedstruzz]

Thanks guys,

It looks like I am in need of the following if any of you can make recommendations.  Not sure if Matt is still making cables and I have a call into Ed at Kind Kables. 

4 Right angle females to straight male

2 Right angle females to right angle males

all 12 inches

1 5-6 foot AES cable that I only need for a few months if someone wants to loan me one?? 

Thanks for all the insight so far!!

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Ned, those cables that were in my rig are the mil-spec SPC.  You are welcome to borrow them if you want to try them.

[nedstruzz]

Thanks Michael, PM on its way. 

[deadheaded]

hey ned
i have got you covered i need to order a bunch of female right angle xlr's.
you can work out the silver vs. copper can of worms i have both in stock.
i can make you a loaner aes cable if you need.  you can hold it hostage until i get your order shipped to you.
thanks
ed

[Krispy D]

hey ned
i have got you covered i need to order a bunch of female right angle xlr's.
you can work out the silver vs. copper can of worms i have both in stock.
i can make you a loaner aes cable if you need.  you can hold it hostage until i get your order shipped to you.
thanks
ed

I have to do the same, is Markatek the best source (price) for these?  Or is someone else better these days?