What RCA Cables and Speaker Cables to import from Unites States.

[AmitKumar]

Dear FMs,

I have been thinking of upgrading my RCA interconnects and Speaker Cables. I am exploring the option of importing the cables from US. I need to change my turntable RCA interconnects and need two more interconnects. I have shortlisted following cables:

For making RCA interconnects:
1) Mogami w2549, costs about 0.8 USD per feet.
MOGAMI
2) Mogami w2534, costs about 1.3 USD per feet.
http://www.mogamicable.com/category/bulk/microphone/quad/

For Speaker Cables:
1) Mogamai w3103 costs about 2.8 USD per feet.
http://www.mogamicable.com/category/bulk/speaker_cable/conventional_configuration/

I am planning to import the raw cables, buy neutrik connectors from India and then make RCA from them. I need your guidance/suggestion on following:

1) Are the selected cables decent ones or you would like to recommend something else in the same price range.
2) For the speaker cable, shall i get them terminated with any kind of sepcific spades or raw cables are fine.
3) if the termination with the spades is recommended then pls recommend the brand/model of those spades.
4) Anything you would like to add/recommend to above.

Waiting for your guidance/suggestions

Regards, Amit

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

You might not want to buy your cables from these people, but they tell you what bulk stock they are using and why. This could be a good starting point for you if you really want to DIY

Blue Jeans Cable

I'm no expert, but I have doubts that microphone cable is appropriate for RCA interconnects: isn't RCA usually coax? There is no point in using balanced cable for an RCA connection.

 

[Naturelover]

I'm no expert, but I have doubts that microphone cable is appropriate for RCA interconnects: isn't RCA usually coax? There is no point in using balanced cable for an RCA connection.

I had wanted to have a wired audio connection between the living room and bedroom which required 80 feet of cable. Googled and found that regular RCA cable would not do for such long lengths but microphone cable would not have any problems. Among the most recommended cables were the Markertek Canare L-2T2S microphone cable and another (cannot recollect the model) from Mogami. I got the markertek from the US and have now got it laid out. Will be terminating and connecting it in a few days. Keeping fingers crossed meanwhile.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

I fear that it is the topology which will not do. This kind of connection is designed to connect stuff on the same rack, whatever cable you use. Proof of the pudding, though, is in the eating --- good luck and do let us know.

 

[AmitKumar]

You might not want to buy your cables from these people, but they tell you what bulk stock they are using and why. This could be a good starting point for you if you really want to DIY

Blue Jeans Cable

I'm no expert, but I have doubts that microphone cable is appropriate for RCA interconnects: isn't RCA usually coax? There is no point in using balanced cable for an RCA connection.

i started my internet search with two brand names in my mind and they are blue jeans cables and mogami cables. The above mentioned model nos of Mogami popped up again and again, they are strongly recommended for making RCA interconnects in many forums. Infact these model nos appear in our forum multiple time. Further these mogami cables are used quite extensivly in Studios across the globe.

 

[AmitKumar]

I had wanted to have a wired audio connection between the living room and bedroom which required 80 feet of cable. Googled and found that regular RCA cable would not do for such long lengths but microphone cable would not have any problems. Among the most recommended cables were the Markertek Canare L-2T2S microphone cable and another (cannot recollect the model) from Mogami. I got the markertek from the US and have now got it laid out. Will be terminating and connecting it in a few days. Keeping fingers crossed meanwhile.

i also read about Canare, it is highly recommended, though i dont remember the model number.
80 ft is pretty long, i hope you get good results.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

i started my internet search with two brand names in my mind and they are blue jeans cables and mogami cables. The above mentioned model nos of Mogami popped up again and again, they are strongly recommended for making RCA interconnects in many forums. Infact these model nos appear in our forum multiple time. Further these mogami cables are used quite extensivly in Studios across the globe.

I'm not a technician, engineer, electrician or any kind of expert, so please take my comments on this merely in the spirit of conversation.

You'll find all kinds of funny things on forums like, for instance, people using networking cable for speakers. Sometimes it is only required that a cable actually conduct electricity, and yes, it will work, at least to a point, which is then credited by those people to their funny ideas rather than basic electrics. (Of course, occasionally funny ideas are right too, but often they are not).

From the little that I know about studios, most of the kit that they use will be balanced, which means balanced sockets, balanced plugs and balanced cables. Three-pin, not two. It's a different technology suited to studio and PA use. It uses three conductors, not two. It excludes noise over long runs, and with small signals such as those from microphones, but, without there being balanced equipment at each end, this will not happen. But, of course, it conducts electricity, so using the shield plus one or more conductors in an RCA unbalanced configuration will work. Will it be better than a cable designed for that purpose? I don't know, but I doubt it, and, even if it is only at-least-as-good, the balanced aspect is a waste of money. But there might be good technical arguments against everything I just said?

Have you read the articles on the Blue Jeans site? Some of the best technical info on cables. Again, whether you buy from them or not.

 

[AmitKumar]

I'm not a technician, engineer, electrician or any kind of expert, so please take my comments on this merely in the spirit of conversation.

You'll find all kinds of funny things on forums like, for instance, people using networking cable for speakers. Sometimes it is only required that a cable actually conduct electricity, and yes, it will work, at least to a point, which is then credited by those people to their funny ideas rather than basic electrics. (Of course, occasionally funny ideas are right too, but often they are not).

From the little that I know about studios, most of the kit that they use will be balanced, which means balanced sockets, balanced plugs and balanced cables. Three-pin, not two. It's a different technology suited to studio and PA use. It uses three conductors, not two. It excludes noise over long runs, and with small signals such as those from microphones, but, without there being balanced equipment at each end, this will not happen. But, of course, it conducts electricity, so using the shield plus one or more conductors in an RCA unbalanced configuration will work. Will it be better than a cable designed for that purpose? I don't know, but I doubt it, and, even if it is only at-least-as-good, the balanced aspect is a waste of money. But there might be good technical arguments against everything I just said?

Have you read the articles on the Blue Jeans site? Some of the best technical info on cables. Again, whether you buy from them or not.

My knowledge about electronics/technology/audio equipments etc is almost zero. I read about the balanced and unbalanced interconnects at some places. Fact remains that we use unbalanced interconnects in our home audio systems. These mentioned cables can be used in with the RCA interconnects too. atleast there seems to be a lot written about these cables if we do search the web. I have actually heard an RCA made of Mogami w2549 just about a week back and compared it to two other RCAs one is the most famous in the entry level range and the other is very famous in 2k range. and three of us who heard knew that the Mogami w2549 gave best results. I am not mentioning the details other two as of now. that mogami interconnect has been the bought from following site: Mogami 2549 Cable -- Neglex w/ Neutrik Gold RCA to RCA

Some comparison on the following link:
Budget Phono RCA Cables Interconnects Comparison - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
the above link includes two of the beldon models 1505F and 1694A, the interconnects of these two models are sold by the bluejeans cable and are mentioned in the link you provided.

Further idea here is to save some money by making own interconnects, we can make 3 interconnects with Mogami raw cables at the price of one sold by the bluejeans website or the proaudiola website. further my research yielded better results in the favour of Mogami, rest time will only tell us whether i am going onto right path or not.

 

[prem]

Hi Amitkumar

Mogami with Neutrik rca should work fine. Most studios world over use them. For speaker cables try Anticables.

 

[keith_correa]

Save your money. For speaker wire, consider this. It's aggregate 17 AWG [if you use the star quad configuration as intended] and should be sufficient for most. If you want to go one up, get this.

If you are rolling your own RCA's: make sure you get these.

Check Pacific Radio Electronics - your source for professional audio video cables connectors. They have the Switchcraft jacks and also the 4S6 Canare wire. You may save on shipping if you buy both from them.

Have fun experimenting.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Thanks Prem. The test seems to have been for phono, but I don't know if that makes a difference. It may even be that the much lower signal level of phono means that if it is good for phono it is even better for line-level?

<Crossposted>

Keith, what cable are you suggesting for RCA interconnects? And is it coax or multi-conductor?

...more...

Blurb for this one

Designed to use with microphones but are also excellent for line-level signals (i.e. mixer to power amps). Special 4 conductor configuration plus high shield density reduce hum and noise to less than 10% of conventional 2-conductor mic cables. Special construction also reduces handling noise while maintaining excellent flexibility. High density braided shield blocks electrostatic noise to eliminate annoying hum, buzz and radio interference. 4-conductor design cancels electro-magnetically induced noise from SCR dimmers and fluorescent lights. Excellent frequency response is preserved due to low capacitance provided by dielectric qualities of Polyethylene insulation. Handling noise is prevented by use of cotton filter material. Super flexibility results from using large numbers of thin wire strands, plus PVC jacket that remains pliant at extremely low temperatures (brittle point is -56F).

Am I mistaking the purpose of and/or underestimating multi-conductor RCA cables?

 

[keith_correa]

<snip>Keith, what cable are you suggesting for RCA interconnects? And is it coax or multi-conductor?<snip>

RCA cable? I did not recommend/suggest any because you folks would probably laugh at me

So, at the risk of being laughed at - 1 strand from good quality stripped CAT5 cable for hot and one strand for return. Try twisted and parallel runs. - whatever works better.

Now, go ahead, laugh!

 

[keith_correa]

Blurb for this one

Bare cable is at $1.25 per foot. Me likey! Thanks for the find. One more option to try in the future if I can get my paws on them.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Now, go ahead, laugh!

I'd laugh more if you said "cat-5 cable" --- because, in my mind, I beleive that people jump to the conclusion that, being designed for one kind of signal, ethernet cabling must necessarily be good at carrying other kinds of signal.

Otherwise... just that a single strand is, err... a bit thin, isn't it? And no shielding? Although I have noted that some quite pricey interconnects from, eg, Kimber, is platted and not shielded.

AmitKumar, apologies for digression. I hope this is not toooo far from your original request.

 

[AmitKumar]

Save your money. For speaker wire, consider this. It's aggregate 17 AWG [if you use the star quad configuration as intended] and should be sufficient for most. If you want to go one up, get this.

If you are rolling your own RCA's: make sure you get these.

Check Pacific Radio Electronics - your source for professional audio video cables connectors. They have the Switchcraft jacks and also the 4S6 Canare wire. You may save on shipping if you buy both from them.

Have fun experimenting.

Hi Keith_Correa

I am fine with using either of the Canare 4S6 or Canare 4S8, as the quantity used is not much, it might not make much diff on the cost part in absolute terms even though it might be high in percentage terms. What is more important is that you guide me as to how to use them. A single cable is sufficient for one speaker or two cables need to be bought for one speaker, further how do i use them.

For making RCA's i was planning to use Neutrik Rean NYS373, the one in the link Rean NYS373-2 RCA Plug Black with Red Indicator 092-113
and these are available in india. if you feel that the ones recommended by you are better ones then i dont mind using them.

Regards, Amit

 

[AmitKumar]

Hi Amitkumar

Mogami with Neutrik rca should work fine. Most studios world over use them. For speaker cables try Anticables.

Hi Prem,

It would be a great help if you can tell me about the exact model of the cable/cables you are recommending.

 

[prem]

Mogami 2534 with Neutrik RCA gold plated connectors

 

[manoj.p]

I had wanted to have a wired audio connection between the living room and bedroom which required 80 feet of cable. Googled and found that regular RCA cable would not do for such long lengths but microphone cable would not have any problems. Among the most recommended cables were the Markertek Canare L-2T2S microphone cable and another (cannot recollect the model) from Mogami. I got the markertek from the US and have now got it laid out. Will be terminating and connecting it in a few days. Keeping fingers crossed meanwhile.

Yes, microphone or XLR cable will not have problem over a long distance, provided, the signal going into and getting out is Balanced. If any of the termination is unbalanced, its no better than a RCA cable.

 

[keith_correa]

What is more important is that you guide me as to how to use them. A single cable is sufficient for one speaker or two cables need to be bought for one speaker, further how do i use them...

One single cable per channel.

For making RCA's i was planning to use Neutrik Rean NYS373, the one in the link Rean NYS373-2 RCA Plug Black with Red Indicator 092-113
and these are available in india. if you feel that the ones recommended by you are better ones then i dont mind using them...

The Rean stuff should do just fine. It's just that the SwitchCraft is considered superior. But I'm all for less metal in an RCA jack. Hell, a local MX does fine too.

 

[keith_correa]

I'd laugh more if you said "cat-5 cable" --- because, in my mind, I beleive that people jump to the conclusion that, being designed for one kind of signal, ethernet cabling must necessarily be good at carrying other kinds of signal

You should laugh IF they suggest something [CAT5 or something else] without trying it out first. Then it defies logic (if you can call it that). BUT, if they have tried it out and they FEEL that it makes a difference then there is no reason to laugh because in their mind (or in reality) it has worked and there's no telling otherwise unless you try it out yourself and it does not work for you. And even if it does not, there are too many variables that one can blame it on.

Otherwise... just that a single strand is, err... a bit thin, isn't it? And no shielding?

24AWG in my mind is too thick. And why do you need shielding?