Making RCA Cables

[NaamanF]

Figured I would do a down and dirty on making your own RCA cables. The process I show is how I made my cables but can be modified to suit your needs.

Here is pretty much everything I use to make the cables.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1403.jpg
The cable is Canare star quad.
http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=L%2D4E6S&off=6&sort=prod
You can use this cable for both channel or as a single channel doubling up the conductors. It's a nice flexible cable that comes in many different colors to match just about any install.

RCA connectors from HomeGrownAudio
http://www.homegrownaudio.com/rca_connectors.htm
I find these to be well made locking connectors without breaking the bank (WBT). I would stay away from anything you have to crimp. I can always desolder these and use them for other applications in the future.

Solder, Techflex, and heat shrink from Partsexpress. I like to use silver solder due to the increased strength it provides. It does take a iron that gets hot.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1401.jpg
Most cheap irons will not get hot enough. If you have one of those just use regular lead/tin solder. Don't worry about the "sonic" difference between silver and regular solder.

I use razor blades like they are going out of style. I do all my striping with one. And I still have most of my finger tips :o .

The first think you want to due is cut the cable to the length you need. Then you need to figure out how much of the outer jacket to cut.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1367.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1368.jpg
Make sure to just cut down to the shield. You don't want to go through it and cut the conductors.

Next peel back the shield. I like to use a pick to pull it apart. Then use either a pair of small wire cutters or scissors to cut the shield flush with the jacket. The shield can be connected along with the ground conductor on one or both ends. It seems the preferred method is to attach the shield to the ground at the source end of the cable.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1370.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1383.jpg

Next you want to cut the conductor jacket to length. This is the part that takes the most patience and practice to get it right. If you cut the conductor to much just start over. If you cut your finger put a band-aid on it. Then twist the conductors together and tin. I use the white as signal and blue as ground. Some say that the dye used for the blue degrades the signal. I don't buy it but to be safe I use the white as signal anyway.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1386.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1387.jpg

Now I add the Techflex and heat shrink. I just use a pair of scissors to cut it. If you put it on right away and put the heatshrink on it does come apart and is cleaner than using a hot knife. The connectors I use don't have markings for left and right, so I use different color heat shrink.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1391.jpg

Next I put the wire in the connector and solder. Signal (white) goes to the center and ground (blue) goes to the outside. It looks like poop in these pictures but it is a good joint.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1396.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1398.jpg

Then the barrel goes on and it's all done.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o199/naamanf/IMG_1400.jpg

There many variations you can do with different wire and connectors.

[bobditts]

looks easy enough. how much do you figure a short length of RCA would cost dto do yourself (for just the connectors and wire)?

[NaamanF]

The connector is the expensive part. Figure about $.40-$.80 per foot for the wire. About $7 for 25' of Techflex. Maybe $.50 for heat shrink. The RCA ends run anywhere from $.50 to $48 for hight end WBTs.

[bobditts]

great walkthrough naaman! always nothing but the best from you!

[chad]

Do you have issues with the shield? Is it hooked up on at least one end to make it a SHIELD? Are you aware that even with "twisted pair" theory (only with balanced) that Canare Star quad is not at all "twisted pair?"

The star quad just got negated to 16GA speaker cable, a hap-hazard twist, and a big radio antenna wrapped around it (not saying that that does not work) ;)

Use the shield for unbalanced cionnections, use ONE conductor, use the remaining conductors for more amps.

Star Quad is MICROPHONE cable for STAGE USE, it is overrated for consumer use but great on a stage when you need redundancy and ruggedness. No reason to have it in a car unless you need to shove 4 ch's of audio down a 1/4"

Chad

[NaamanF]

I don't have any problems with the shielding. I mentioned connecting the shield at the beginning but left it out for simplicity. I originally bough the cable to be used as a stereo pair per run of wire.

[npdang]

An excellent, well written post. Thank you!

[3.5max6spd]

Inded,one of the many excellent and educational threads available in DIY in regards to 'How to". Thanks, because of it i'll be giving it a shot one day.

[Sr SQ]

Excellent tutorial NaamanF
I have built many of my own RCAs using a similar technique (no silver solder however)but I just used a cheap Beldon Cat cable (part # 8760) that has 1 pair of twisted 18g and a shield. I do as you mention solder the shielding to the ground but I don't know what difference it makes as I don't have anything to reference it against? That jacketing you used looks pretty snazzy where do you buy that?

[drocpsu]

Excellent tutorial NaamanF
I have built many of my own RCAs using a similar technique (no silver solder however)but I just used a cheap Beldon Cat cable (part # 8760) that has 1 pair of twisted 18g and a shield. I do as you mention solder the shielding to the ground but I don't know what difference it makes as I don't have anything to reference it against? That jacketing you used looks pretty snazzy where do you buy that?

I think he said he got the heatshrink and techflex from parts express.

[illnastyimpreza]

any negatives to running both L and R channel down the one run of cable?

also, I have been looking @ RCA connectors but the good ones are QUITE expensive. Can anyone recomend a GOOD connector to use for around a couple buck a a piece?

[Sr SQ]

Opps :blush:
My bad I missed that part

[khail19]

any negatives to running both L and R channel down the one run of cable?

I'd like to know this as well. Is doubling up necessary?

also, I have been looking @ RCA connectors but the good ones are QUITE expensive. Can anyone recomend a GOOD connector to use for around a couple buck a a piece?

Partsexpress has some decent looking ones in that price range.

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&Webpage_ID=3&CAT_ID=39&ObjectGroup_ID=125&SO=2

These P3 ones look pretty good, $10 for 4 of them.

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/263-212m.jpg

[NaamanF]

I had originally planned to use the wire for both left and right. It should work out just fine. As far as the ends I would stay away from the really cheap ones. Try here..
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&CATID=39&ObjectGroup_ID=125

Also take into account the opening in the connector and the size of the wire with the Techflex and heat shrink.

[quality_sound]

Star Quad is MICROPHONE cable for STAGE USE, it is overrated for consumer use but great on a stage when you need redundancy and ruggedness. No reason to have it in a car unless you need to shove 4 ch's of audio down a 1/4"

Chad

I followed the link he provided and I found Star Quad mic cable AND signal cable. Is their signal cable the same as their mic cable.

[Richard]

On the other hand, if you use it for TWO channels (instead of four) using its' pretwisted pairs you will have an near audiophile cable. The cable is renowned for more than its' durability as a mic cable.

[chad]

On the other hand, if you use it for TWO channels (instead of four) using its' pretwisted pairs you will have an near audiophile cable. The cable is renowned for more than its' durability as a mic cable.

Starquad does not have twisted pairs, it's all twisted together in there.

Here's a durability testimonial.....

I watched a roadie drag a 328Lb speaker (on wheels) across the quad. The quad caught and got dragged close to 50 feet pinched between the caster and the floor attempting to do the duty of a pencil eraser to the floor. The cable came out missing a bit of jacket but not into the sheild, it performs flawlessly. That same poor cable (thankfully that one out of the multitude that I have) got somehow crushed in a case lid and cut into. I dissected the "pencil eraser" section to find the conductors perfectly situated as they should be with no deformation. Good shit. Now it's 2 short mic cables ;)

Still don't use it in a car though, I run permanent install grade audio cable, single pair, 100% foil shield, and C-H-E-A-P!

Chad

[solacedagony]

So, correct me if I'm wrong, you should connect the shielding only on one end? The shield connects to where that little allen screw is?
Chad: Where do you get that permanent install cable from?

[Richard]

You can use the twisted blue and white pairs together (to make four) and use the shield as a ground, or the blue and white twisted pairs separately for hot and ground (two each). I chose the latter method for my home stereo interconnects and floated the shield by connecting it only to the source. High end audio cable for the car is very expensive and the Star Quad is an excellent option. I consider it a much better choice than mid-grade interconnects. Neutric makes excellent RCA plugs without going exotic.

Regards,
Richard

[chad]

So, correct me if I'm wrong, you should connect the shielding only on one end? The shield connects to where that little allen screw is?
Chad: Where do you get that permanent install cable from?

In a balanced sutuation it's 50/50 as to if you attach the shield at both ends. Mic cables always have them attached so phantom power has a drain potential. At balanced line level it's not needed and some studio designers want one end lifted or cap coupled for RFI only drain.

Un balanced you will most likely need both ends attached, I have seen very few occasions where a lifted signal ground (shield) helps S/N in unbalanced situations and this us usually in situations where the equipment is closely racked and grounded to the rack. In a car I find it to HAVE to be connected at both ends 99.99999% of the time. In an unbalanced connection it's needed for ground reference instead of relying on vehicle chassis integrity to maintain that ground balance. Ecpecially with the non-standard design of grounded /VS/ Floating I/O configurations.

So for a short answer.... Hook it up on both ends. Lift if you need to.

Install cable can be had directly from the maker, or often times from a professional A/V house in your area. For example I go to an A/V house and can get it cheaper new than ordering it from gepco since they have GOBS of it in a myriad of colors and get it at quantity discounts. Become friends with these folks (I am a contract worker and former employee for the one I go to ;) ) I often times ask to rummage thru the "pull remnant" box for all my patch cords. During big pulls they will almost always have leftovers, sometimes up to 20' on a long pull. I usually can walk away with what I need for a project for free or next to nothing. The cost is merely for connectors (actually far from merely on a big project)

Chad

[chad]

You can use the twisted blue and white pairs together (to make four) and use the shield as a ground, or the blue and white twisted pairs separately for hot and ground (two each). I chose the latter method for my home stereo interconnects and floated the shield by connecting it only to the source.


Good job! Very acceptable for unbalanced connections!

Chad

[solacedagony]

So this would be an acceptable cable? I was thinking of getting the star quad because then I could keep left and right together but I think I just rather run them separately.
http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=L%2D2T2S+BK&off=33&sort=prod

Edit: Also, for whoever was looking for the cheap RCA ends. Markertek has the same Neutrik ones as PE, except cheaper. (http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=NYS352&off=16&sort=prod)

[NaamanF]

So this would be an acceptable cable? I was thinking of getting the star quad because then I could keep left and right together but I think I just rather run them separately.
http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=L%2D2T2S+BK&off=33&sort=prod

Edit: Also, for whoever was looking for the cheap RCA ends. Markertek has the same Neutrik ones as PE, except cheaper. (http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=NYS352&off=16&sort=prod)

I am sure those would work fine but they are 16ga and a bit over kill. You also have to order it 50ft at a time. If you do order from Markertek make sure you order everything you need because they get you a bit for shipping.

[Richard]

If you live in a major city you will probably find the cable at most electronics supply outlets. Not Radio Shack though. I thinks it comes in several colours but you'll likely only find black. If you're running parallel cables you can use a wire loom or tech flex with ties.

Excellent explanation on "unbalanced connections" and I agree with your RX regarding auto vs. stage/home needs. Belden also makes a very high-end mic cable but I don't know what it's called. I encourage you to avoid anything but high-end cable because if you can hear a difference during recording (and often on stage) you'll hear a difference on playback....but ONLY on a high-end system. Like a home system, you can easily undermine the quality of your components with budget cable just as easily as spending too much on cables for a mediocre system.

[chad]

Shhhhhhhh, wrong forum ;)

[Richard]

Did I say something wrong? If it was my reference to RS it was not intended to criticize their products. Only that they don't carry the cable. Maybe I'm the one who's unbalanced and should review the 'rules.'

[chad]

Many (most) here agree that a cable must have the physical attributes to make it noise free (free from microphonics in high impedance situations) But saying cable A of decent quality sounds different than cable B of higher price can cause an uproar at times :D

I think we can all agree that not many of us visit radio shack :)

Chad

[internecine]

i wish i knew of a electronics supply around my area. i hate radio shack and Frys and i hate online ordering.

[thatvan]

i wish i knew of a electronics supply around my area. i hate radio shack and Frys and i hate online ordering.

Try Electronics City in Burbank. I believe they have a website as well.

[solacedagony]

Would Home Depot/Lowes carry cable like that? What is the cable considered anyway? Audio cable?

Edit: Did anyone also realize that Chuck Norris does their live chat support?
http://www.markertek.com/images/buttons/MarkerChat.jpg

[Richard]

I had feeling my statement might stir the pot, being well aware of the discussion around cable quality. On the other hand, if you've ever used a studio microphone - not a stage model - and compared cables while recording digitally you will likely hear the difference. In other words, your cables, including those for the speakers, should match the quality of your components while you keep a skeptical eye out for manufacturer's hype. It seems to me that's why the popular car audio cable manufacturers offer three lines. Ferrari owners don't shop at Canadian Tire for their rubber.

Home Depot will not carry the cable. If there's no electronics outlet nearby try a major music store because many musicians make their own mic and guitar cables.

On that 'note', if anybody knows Bruce tell him I'd love to audition on keyboards for the E Street Band. Just one of my fantasies.

[khail19]

I had feeling my statement might stir the pot, being well aware of the discussion around cable quality. On the other hand, if you've ever used a studio microphone - not a stage model - and compared cables while recording digitally you will likely hear the difference. In other words, your cables, including those for the speakers, should match the quality of your components while you keep a skeptical eye out for manufacturer's hype. It seems to me that's why the popular car audio cable manufacturers offer three lines. Ferrari owners don't shop at Canadian Tire for their rubber.


It's not so much that the cable quality might make a difference in sound reproduction. Whether it does or not I feel is totally dependent on the listener, since everyone's ears are different. The real question is can you hear the difference over all of the other noise present in a vehicle? A car is a far cry from a recording studio, and spending a crapload of money on patch cables usually doesn't gain you much. At least in my admittedly limited experience. :)

[chad]

We have over a million dollars of inventory of Neumann alone, vintage and new.... This number doesnot include the Schoeps, DPA, Sennheiser, etc. We use Canare, nothing esoteric, and have made well regarded world class recordings.

In fact we did play with cabling when auditioning mic preamps, we found the preamp we liked (Millennia HV3c that time) and compared Canare to a rather expensive snake oil cable.... no difference was heard from any of the engineers.

Take it as you may.

Dissect a studio monitor and tell me what kind of speaker wire they use inside.

Tannoy, JBL, Meyer, Genelec, others... NONE advertise the cable that their monitors are wired with internally.

I would also like to add the the Ferrari probably uses the same type of copper wire my Honda has for it's internal wiring, maybe even the same composition in the spark plug wires. Metallurgy wise, many of the same metals thru and thru.

Comparing tires on a car in terms of quality is the same as comparing speaker components BIG difference between Seas and Goldwood. Same with Farm and fleet tires VS high end Pirelli's. Wire is wire as long as it's of good build quality.

Chad

[Richard]

My reference to the tires is called an analogy. Curious to know why you're critical of the wires in your speaker cabinets. Did you find something inferior about its' metallurgy? Still, I'm glad we all agree on Canare and the importance of scrutinizing the hype. If or when you get a Ferrari let us know where you buy your replacement tires.

[internecine]

Umm, your analogy is just an analogy. Doesn't mean its right.

Chad brought up the point about the speaker cabinets because if you go open one up, what will you find? 100% pure silver braid in teflon tube? no, plain ole copper wire. you will find this in bust buy speakers and in audiophile grade. why? because apples to apples, wire is wire.

[solacedagony]

Any difference between foil shielding and braid shielding? :D :D :D

[chad]

Foil is 100% but not durable, fine in a car though. Braided is designed to flex and hold up to abuse but not 100% coverage.

Willyou hear a difference? Probably not unless you toss it under a large radio transmitter. Will you notice a difference in your wallet? Yep! A high quality cable with foil shield is 1/3 the price of a high quality cable with braided. (Comparing Gepco 61801EZ to Canare and other star quads.)

Chad

[chad]

Curious to know why you're critical of the wires in your speaker cabinets. Did you find something inferior about its' metallurgy?

Nope, I said that because you are concerned with the speaker cable outside the cab.


Still, I'm glad we all agree on Canare and the importance of scrutinizing the hype.

I think we are almost on the same page here, I don't consider Canare as an esoteric cable, it's a damn fine wrkhorse cable with great properties that allow easy winding, durability, and constructed in a way that inhibits self noise due to vibration.

If or when you get a Ferrari let us know where you buy your replacement tires.


I think the Ferarri is a beautiful vehicle and if I owned one you would hear my ass cheeks clapping in Canada :D I AM shopping for a vehicle fo that "drive on a weekend" status. Used Ferarri's were not out of the question, along with Porsche and others. I have pretty much made up my mind to do 1 of 3 things. Mid 80's vette, heavily built in the engine department. Classic 60's muscle restored but modernized. Or an old Gangster car, chopped, rolled, and hot-rod cool. It's more my style. It's also something I can enjoy working on with my kid. A Fererri or foreign exotic would be VERY cool but I kinda want something to tinker with at the same time. I'd just end up looking at a Ferarri 5 days a week and driving it on the weekend, I wanna put the hood up ;)


Chad

[Autiophile]

A high quality cable with foil shield is 1/3 the price of a high quality cable with braided. (Comparing Gepco 61801EZ to Canare and other star quads.)

Chad

Just ordered 300 ft of Gepco 61801EZ based on your comments in the other RCA thread, what a deal.

[solacedagony]

http://www.systemsstore.com/Merchant2/graphics/r/Gepco/GLC20.jpg
They consider this guitar cable. Don't you need two conductors for any signal wiring (RCA/guitar/etc)? There's only one. Is the shield used as ground?

[chad]

The 61801 is a dream to work with, just score the outer jacket, snap it in 2 directions and pull, the foil comes with and you are left with a red, black, and drain wire. Just good stuff. I use it in a transmitter shack with all the transmitters under 50KW FM bays and next to a 3KW AM skirt antenna and never have RFI issues.

Just use the shield as ground/drain on the gee-tar cable, that's how it's used;) That cable is good to use if it's quality guitar cable because in guitar situations you have to deal with the "microphonics" that I was talking about earlier. Guitar players will attest to the fact that in high gain situations the shittiness of a cable really shines when you wiggle it on the floor and you hear crackling sounds, the worst ones you can flick with your finger and it sounds like someone is knocking on a door :o

Chad

[solacedagony]

But it's not advisable to do the same thing with RCAs? You want the separate signal, ground and shield?

[andyj]

Hi guys,

Just been reading some of the DIY RCA Cable threads, and thought about making my own.

With regards the cable itself, I have got access to rather a large quantity of the following cable at work, and I was wondering if it would be suitable for making RCA's from.....

http://www.weisd.com/store2/BEL9269%20010U1000B.html

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy

[andyj]

Hi guys,

Just been reading some of the DIY RCA Cable threads, and thought about making my own.

With regards the cable itself, I have got access to rather a large quantity of the following cable at work, Belden 9269, and I was wondering if it would be suitable for making RCA's from?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy

[chad]

Hi guys,

Just been reading some of the DIY RCA Cable threads, and thought about making my own.

With regards the cable itself, I have got access to rather a large quantity of the following cable at work, Belden 9269, and I was wondering if it would be suitable for making RCA's from?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy

It wold work fine.... BTW.... What are you using 93 ohm cable at work for?

[andyj]

Hi Chad,

Thanks for confirming that it will be ok to use ;)

We use the 93 Ohm cable for networking some of the test equipment we use in our manufacturing facility. Apparently it's quite unique...

Saying that, I think we've got somewhere in the region of 20,000 feet of it in boxes in one of the store rooms, which hasn't been used for over 5 years !!

Andy

[chad]

I think it's safe to say that some of it won't be missed :D

[andyj]

My thoughts precisely ;)

Just need to find some nice connectors now, and get some cables made up.

Have found a supplier of braided sheathing, similair to Techflex, and heatshrink, so I'm sorted now.

Andy

[illnastyimpreza]

I'd like to know this as well. Is doubling up necessary?



Partsexpress has some decent looking ones in that price range.

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&Webpage_ID=3&CAT_ID=39&ObjectGroup_ID=125&SO=2

These P3 ones look pretty good, $10 for 4 of them.

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/263-212m.jpg

i'm still stuck on what RCA's to get.... my car stero is going to have around 30 RCA connections... and @ 2 bucks a piece...thats almost as much as I spent on the wire :rolleyes:

anyone know of a good bulk offer or anything? I just cant see spending that much JUST on RCA CONNECTORS...

[Rudeboy]

i'm still stuck on what RCA's to get.... my car stero is going to have around 30 RCA connections... and @ 2 bucks a piece...thats almost as much as I spent on the wire :rolleyes:

anyone know of a good bulk offer or anything? I just cant see spending that much JUST on RCA CONNECTORS...

Hot Deals link to Streetwires connectors on eBay (http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11667). Still had some 2 days ago when I looked.

[02bluesuperroo]

i'm still stuck on what RCA's to get.... my car stero is going to have around 30 RCA connections... and @ 2 bucks a piece...thats almost as much as I spent on the wire :rolleyes:

anyone know of a good bulk offer or anything? I just cant see spending that much JUST on RCA CONNECTORS...

Hot Deals link to Streetwires connectors on eBay (http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11667). Still had some 2 days ago when I looked.

I just bought a 50 pack of these and I only need 20. I could send you the other 30 for $15 shipped.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9a/91/a99f_1.JPG

[MrH]

I just bought a 50 pack of these and I only need 20. I could send you the other 30 for $15 shipped.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9a/91/a99f_1.JPG

Are these still up for grabs?

[02bluesuperroo]

Are these still up for grabs?

I decided to keep them until my install is done and I find out how many I ruin. :blush:

I will post up when/if I have leftovers. It should be within the next week or so.

[tRidiot]

Check out these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270168079628&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=017

I just bought them on Egay and the seller has a couple more sets. Look very nice, IMO.

Good feedback, good communication, I got a shipping notice less than an hour after I paid. Now I gotta find the right cable, sleeving and shrinkwrap.

<sigh>

[tRidiot]

Could I use that 4-channel Gepco cable to make a stereo RCA that has 2 inputs and 4 outputs? Essentially avoiding the need for a Y-splitter, since I'm gonna have 2 subwoofer amps? Or would I be better off just running into one amp and then from the outputs to the next sub amp?

[Richard]

Based on the e-bay photos, albeit limited in scope, I'm left with the impression the RCA's are garbage "gold plated" connectors. Note that the seller did not include any closeups. I saw these connectors at the local supply house for dirt cheap and, in my opinion, were not worth my time and effort, especially since I wanted to upgrade. I believe the best entry level RCA connector for the dollar are the cheaper Neutriks. Next best connector without getting sucked into the hype? The more expensive Neutriks, of course. I have also been extremely pleased (and surprised) with the results from Belden's Star Quad cable. Glad to see your initiative in building your own interconnects. You will save a bundle of money, be absolutely sure about what's inside, and optimize your system - all at the same time.

Richard (Calgary)

[MrH]

Check out these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270168079628&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=017

I just bought them on Egay and the seller has a couple more sets. Look very nice, IMO.

Good feedback, good communication, I got a shipping notice less than an hour after I paid. Now I gotta find the right cable, sleeving and shrinkwrap.

<sigh>

"We'll' try to send 12 red striped and 12 black striped ones."

LMAO At least they'll try. What more could you ask for in customer service.:D

[dtviewer]

There is a seller on ebay selling Streetwire ZN-5 ends in 20 packs now instead of the 50 packs. Only 9.95 + 3.95 shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290162448785&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us

[Richard]

Very high quality connectors at an excellent price. Buy them.

[chad]

Based on the e-bay photos, albeit limited in scope, I'm left with the impression the RCA's are garbage "gold plated" connectors. Note that the seller did not include any closeups. I saw these connectors at the local supply house for dirt cheap and, in my opinion, were not worth my time and effort, especially since I wanted to upgrade. I believe the best entry level RCA connector for the dollar are the cheaper Neutriks. Next best connector without getting sucked into the hype? The more expensive Neutriks, of course. I have also been extremely pleased (and surprised) with the results from Belden's Star Quad cable. Glad to see your initiative in building your own interconnects. You will save a bundle of money, be absolutely sure about what's inside, and optimize your system - all at the same time.

Richard (Calgary)

Yep. the "Dollar Neutriks" from many suppliers are killer, I can post pics tomorrow. I think they are a buck, can't remember the model number... maybe 121's? Dammit, rambling....

Chad

[chad]

http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=NYS373%2DBK&off=11&sort=prod

Them..... Them kick ass.

[illnastyimpreza]

http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=NYS373%2DBK&off=11&sort=prod

Them..... Them kick ass.

link didn't work ... what are they called ??

[xcoldricex]

Neutrik NF2CB RCA Professional RCA Plugs perhaps?

http://www.markertek.com/productImage/BIG/NF2CB-2.JPG

oh those are a bit more than a dollar. haha, but they look bad ass!

Neutrik RCA Plug with Gold Contacts?

http://www.markertek.com/productImage/BIG/NYS373-BK.JPG

[ca90ss]

These
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=092-112
http://www.partsexpress.com/images/092-112m.jpg
or these
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=092-110
http://www.partsexpress.com/images/092-110m.jpg

[Richard]

My suggestion? Spend the few extra dollars, buy the Neutrik Profi (spring loaded, well isolated, 2 per package), as pictured below, and don't get obsessive over the issue. If your system doesn't consist of high end components, you probably won't hear any difference anyway. However, if you build quality cables now (e.g. Canare Starquad and Neutrik Profi) you won't have to upgrade later and feel assured you've covered the interconnect issue thoroughly. I'm sure you've leaned that you get what you pay for (within limits). I tip my hat at your initiative.

Richard

[xcoldricex]

plus they're reusable right? need longer cables? desolder and make new ones!

[Fixtion]

"Quality" cables are a marketing scheme, which apparently you've all bought into. What makes "quality" is if the AWG is sufficent to the current drawn through the wire.

Even comparing cooper to oxygen-free copper has it's difference, but so minute you can not even tell. The wire will last longer, however it's not justifible to spend all this money on wires.

If you really want to spend money on wire, buy wire rated on it's ability to keep signal in extreme temperatures we see in the car/trunk. 145 to 175 degree F. You're looking at THWN wire they use for running eletricity to residential. Sticking all these "quality" wires in conduit and wraps insulates all that heat and degrades the "quality" of which you've purchased.

Meh, sorry. To each his own. That's just my rant on all threads that go into spending so much money on wires and connectors. Solder you ends, or get non corrosive connectors, that's it.

-Fixtion

[xcoldricex]

i don't think anyone in this thread is pushing high end cable...

[tRidiot]

Not at all, quite the contrary. I think Fixtion misunderstood something here, or perhaps didn't actually read the whole thread.

On this board, "quality" cables it seems usually used to describe the physical durability of cables, not in terms of the "Monster cable"-type stuff.

For that stuff, go check out the home theater boards where all the voodoo hype is accepted as gospel, about how some cables sound 'warm' or other such nonsense.

[Richard]

I am pleased to announce the creation of three one-meter very high-quality video component cables for $23.00 using the mid-priced Neutriks.....hand-built in Calgary by moi. I can't wait 'till this discussion extends into HDMI cables.

Richard

[chad]

Neutrik RCA Plug with Gold Contacts?

http://www.markertek.com/productImage/BIG/NYS373-BK.JPG

That's the one, the strain relief is not pictured.

Here's the real-life pics:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/cwahls/Makin%20Cables/100_0360.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/cwahls/Makin%20Cables/100_0356.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/cwahls/Makin%20Cables/100_0355.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/cwahls/Makin%20Cables/100_0344.jpg


You want to put a bit of shrink on the thinner wire for the chuck to bite into, that's the only issue I found. They are tough as nails!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/cwahls/Makin%20Cables/100_0354a.jpg

Chad

[xcoldricex]

neutrik's a chinese company? wonder how cheap they are in china.

[mach999]

I've been on a buying spree lately with regards to rca's. I have some of those Neutriks and they are pretty nice. I use the 61801EZ and with some techflex and heatshrink it forms a fairly secure connection. I picked up some these from partsexpress and I really like them so far.

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/091-050m.jpg


I should be getting a package today with what looks to be some solid rca plugs. I'll take pics later of them later.

[Richard]

As my son would say, "sweet."

[illnastyimpreza]

I am pleased to announce the creation of three one-meter very high-quality video component cables for $23.00 using the mid-priced Neutriks.....hand-built in Calgary by moi. I can't wait 'till this discussion extends into HDMI cables.

Richard

How is your standard HDMI cable made up of ?

[dtviewer]

I'm about to make my own RCA cables, but have a few questions before I order everything.
I am picking up the 20 pack of streetwires RCA ends. I was looking at this for my wire. Would it be ok?
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=100-246

Then for techflex, should I use 1/8th inch or 1/4 inch? (I would like to use the techflex to cover my speaker wires also, but can buy different techflex for that)

Last question (for now anyway!!) what size heatshrink should I get? They sell 3mm or 6mm 3-1.

Thanks for any help!!!

[rsvchad]

I'm about to take the plunge on finally installing a pile of equipment that has been collecting dust for more than a year now. I work for an electronics retailer and have access to this true 4-conductor (independent twisted pair with shield for L/R in single jacket) from Monster: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=162
My cost on this wire works out to roughly .50 cents per foot, or roughly half what the Canare Star Quad would cost if used in a single run per channel. Would there be any reason to choose the star quad over this Monster product?

[rsvchad]

I'm about to take the plunge on finally installing a pile of equipment that has been collecting dust for more than a year now. I work for an electronics retailer and have access to this true 4-conductor (independent twisted pair with shield for L/R in single jacket) from Monster. My cost on this wire works out to roughly .50 cents per foot, or roughly half what the Canare Star Quad would cost if used in a single run per channel. Would there be any reason to choose the star quad over this Monster product? I would link to it, but apparently I'm not allowed due to my noob post count status. It is the model IL400MKII-4R.

[Richard]

Monster Cable (with the exception of their long HDMI) is to interconnects as BOSE is to speakers.

[rsvchad]

Monster Cable (with the exception of their long HDMI) is to interconnects as BOSE is to speakers.

Thanks Richard. I've been in the industry for quite some time and I'm familiar with the marketing done by both Monster and Bose. What makes the Canare cable, not specifically designed for the application, superior to the Monster? I guess I can link to it now since I've hit five posts: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=162

[Thumper26]

all marketing aside, i'm sure the monster cable is well made, and would work fine.

as long as you're getting a good price on it, and not paying for the name.

[mach999]

These are the ones I have minus the Neutriks that Chad already posted. The two on the left are the ones I got today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0153-1.jpg



Here is a pic with the covers off. Sorry it's a little blurry.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0155.jpg

[xcoldricex]

which ones do you like best?

[mach999]

which ones do you like best?


Just from the initial feel and finish I like the silver one on the left. But for the Gepco 61801EZ I'll be using the two in the middle fit the smaller wire MUCH better. I may use the larger ones for the home theater. The nice thing is that all of them cost under $2 a piece. I think the larger silver one on the left was 8/$13 and the one next to it was 12/$20. So far I'm pleased.

[chad]

Monster Cable (with the exception of their long HDMI) is to interconnects as BOSE is to speakers.

Because Bose speakers sound like ass the the monster cable prolly sounds like any other cable?

[illnastyimpreza]

Because Bose speakers sound like ass the the monster cable prolly sounds like any other cable?

I think people really hate on Bose for no appahrent reason other than they are SO freakin POPULAR... My parents have the new wave radio or whatever, and honestly it sounds pretty good( for something that size)

I'm in no means a fan of, and would never buy that crap... just don't know why people have them so much :p

[chad]

I think people really hate on Bose for no appahrent reason other than they are SO freakin POPULAR... My parents have the new wave radio or whatever, and honestly it sounds pretty good( for something that size)

I'm in no means a fan of, and would never buy that crap... just don't know why people have them so much :p

For table top listening the wave radio rocks, if you are looking for background music bose products kill, I've even thought about a set of "gasp" Bose speakers for the garage.

But for critical listening I still think they sound like shit. And the stuff is expensive!

We also use the noise canceling headsets here all the time for feild recording, accurate? NO! Better than others for getting "that one sound?" Damn skippy!

Chad

[dtviewer]

Anyone?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm about to make my own RCA cables, but have a few questions before I order everything.
I am picking up the 20 pack of streetwires RCA ends. I was looking at this for my wire. Would it be ok?
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=100-246

Then for techflex, should I use 1/8th inch or 1/4 inch? (I would like to use the techflex to cover my speaker wires also, but can buy different techflex for that)

Last question (for now anyway!!) what size heatshrink should I get? They sell 3mm or 6mm 3-1.

Thanks for any help!!!

[mach999]

Anyone?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm about to make my own RCA cables, but have a few questions before I order everything.
I am picking up the 20 pack of streetwires RCA ends. I was looking at this for my wire. Would it be ok?
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=100-246

Then for techflex, should I use 1/8th inch or 1/4 inch? (I would like to use the techflex to cover my speaker wires also, but can buy different techflex for that)

Last question (for now anyway!!) what size heatshrink should I get? They sell 3mm or 6mm 3-1.

Thanks for any help!!!


That Dayton wire should work fine. The 1/8" techflex will fit the wire you're looking at nicely but I would go a little larger on the techflex for speaker wires. As for the heatshrink just grab some from Home Depot or Lowes, that way you can guage the size compared to your wire. The stuff is cheap so grab both sizes if you want. Depending on how you use it you may need both.

[dtviewer]

That Dayton wire should work fine. The 1/8" techflex will fit the wire you're looking at nicely but I would go a little larger on the techflex for speaker wires. As for the heatshrink just grab some from Home Depot or Lowes, that way you can guage the size compared to your wire. The stuff is cheap so grab both sizes if you want. Depending on how you use it you may need both.


Thanks....just what I needed to know. I'm going to order it up now.

[ill_Ace]

These are the ones I have minus the Neutriks that Chad already posted. The two on the left are the ones I got today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0153-1.jpg



Here is a pic with the covers off. Sorry it's a little blurry.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0155.jpg

where did you buy these? Can you give me a model number or a link? thanks.

[less]

I'd like to get a quick answer on the best size techflex to use is using 6mm cable =) Really - I want a tight nice fit and don't want to have to send it back for an exchange.

Interestingly enough, I spoke to a Canare rep today and he was telling me it wasn't the best bet, and to use some without twisted pair! Once I explained to him the car audio environment and how most high end audio users interest in phasing and in noise reduction... I think he slapped himself on the head and figured out how wrong he was. At first he went on and on about the properties of quad - and they all fit right in with what we want/need!

I'll be getting 100 ft of Canare Quad (white or grey), Canare narrow rca's and probably some "shimmer" colored tech flex tomorrow for my new Clarion DRZ9255. I'm thinking I will use a two color shrink tube scheme to identify the appropriate channel (sub, midbass, mid, tweeter) and left/right. Unless that is someone knows of a nice method to actually tag the channel names on a sleeve or something - I know its been done. Brother Ptouch labels look nice but I had problems with keeping them intact.

I honestly think I am more into this because its fun and I can make cables that I find visually appealing and high quality for les than I would spend on inferior high marketing value versions.

Weeee.. its fun getting new toys!

[mach999]

I've got some 6mm Mogami 2549 mic cable and 1/4" techflex works perfectly. The wire is exactly .236" and the techflex is .25".

[less]

You are my new hero! Seriously, I plan on buying this tomorrow and needed a prompt answer. I probably would have went this route anyhow, but now I can do it with confidence! Now if I can just figure out what color combo and RCAs to use =)

[rsvchad]

I just completed a set for a friend. This is using the Monster product I
mentioned earlier in this thread along with the ebay Streetwires ends.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v375/biz77/IMG_0020.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v375/biz77/IMG_0027.jpg

[sx_abella]

Hi everyone!

I just got my cables done by my friend. Cables used was belden #8422 shielded twisted pair and connectors used was amphenol from Australia. My concern is that he soldered both the twisted pair and used it for the signal and used the shield as ground. I was wondering if its ok to do that since im following what this site suggested.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/bulletproofing-your-system-from-interference

"Connect one of the leads of the twisted pair to the ground shield at both ends of the of the cable at the RCA connector, and then connect the other or "hot" side of the twisted pair to the appropriate connection of the RCA connector. This gives you the shielding and RFI rejection of both the twisted pair and the ground shield. Think of this as a double ground if you like."

any thoughts? im really concerned guys. btw, its my first post. thanks diyma! :)

[sx_abella]

Hi everyone!

I just got my cables done by my friend. Cables used was belden #8422 shielded twisted pair and connectors used was amphenol from Australia. My concern is that he soldered both the twisted pair and used it for the signal and used the shield as ground. I was wondering if its ok to do that since im following what this site suggested.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/bulletproofing-your-system-from-interference

"Connect one of the leads of the twisted pair to the ground shield at both ends of the of the cable at the RCA connector, and then connect the other or "hot" side of the twisted pair to the appropriate connection of the RCA connector. This gives you the shielding and RFI rejection of both the twisted pair and the ground shield. Think of this as a double ground if you like."

any thoughts? im really concerned guys. thanks diyma! :)

[invecs]

Your wire capacitance will increase since you are using 2 conductors as "hot" signal. You may or may not hear a difference.

[poochieone]

Hi,
does anyone know where the two RCA`s on the Left can be purchased?
i can`t get a response from Mach999..
Thanks!!


These are the ones I have minus the Neutriks that Chad already posted. The two on the left are the ones I got today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0153-1.jpg



Here is a pic with the covers off. Sorry it's a little blurry.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/mach69/DSCN0155.jpg

[Entityofme1]

An interesting article that can give some of you some ideas about making your own cables and what kind of role they need to serve in noise rejection...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/humrejection.htm

[chad]

An interesting article that can give some of you some ideas about making your own cables and what kind of role they need to serve in noise rejection...

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/humrejection.htm

:D Nice :D

[sx_abella]

Hi everyone!

I just got my cables done by my friend. Cables used was belden #8422 shielded twisted pair and connectors used was amphenol from Australia. My concern is that he soldered both the twisted pair and used it for the signal and used the shield as ground. I was wondering if its ok to do that since im following what this site suggested.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/bulletproofing-your-system-from-interference

"Connect one of the leads of the twisted pair to the ground shield at both ends of the of the cable at the RCA connector, and then connect the other or "hot" side of the twisted pair to the appropriate connection of the RCA connector. This gives you the shielding and RFI rejection of both the twisted pair and the ground shield. Think of this as a double ground if you like."

any thoughts? im really concerned guys. thanks diyma! :)

any other thoughts? thanks guys :)

[sx_abella]

Hi everyone!

I just got my cables done by my friend. Cables used was belden #8422 shielded twisted pair and connectors used was amphenol from Australia. My concern is that he soldered both the twisted pair and used it for the signal and used the shield as ground. I was wondering if its ok to do that since im following what this site suggested.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/bulletproofing-your-system-from-interference

"Connect one of the leads of the twisted pair to the ground shield at both ends of the of the cable at the RCA connector, and then connect the other or "hot" side of the twisted pair to the appropriate connection of the RCA connector. This gives you the shielding and RFI rejection of both the twisted pair and the ground shield. Think of this as a double ground if you like."

any thoughts? im really concerned guys. thanks diyma! :)

still waiting for more answers. thankyou diyma :)

[Thumper26]

from what i understand, having the ground soldered on one end is more ideal. it shouldn't be too hard to remove the rca end, and just cut the shielding loose from the ground on one end of the cable. or just hook it up and see if it works. if you don't have noise, then it's not an issue. if you do, just clip the wire. ;)

[chad]

I ground the screen at one end and the drain of the pair at both ends. This way the shield cannot carry current.

[old-school]

Thanks to this thread, I bought me a bag of those ZN5.0 RCA heads from Ebay for cheap. Instead of going with the popular Gepco wire, I went for the tranditional coax style cable. I chose the Canare GS-4 guitar cable and it fits perfectly into the ZN5.0's 4mm opening. Here are some pics of the end results. Gotta admit...that techflex does make it look nice!!

[Megalomaniac]

question!

When making you own rcas using those 2 conductors and a shield. You are supose to use 1 conductor for center(pos) and the other for ground/neg. so does the shield just need to touch the ground neg post too? like the same post that the negative wire touches? (do i need to do it on both sides?)



edit: also where can i buy gepco 61801 by the foot? fullcompass only sells in 1k' roll on them

[jeremyg]

edit: also where can i buy gepco 61801 by the foot? fullcompass only sells in 1k' roll on them


http://www.redco.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=134&cat=Gepco+Foil+Shield+Install+Cable

[chad]

edit: also where can i buy gepco 61801 by the foot? fullcompass only sells in 1k' roll on them

A pro audio install house near you, they usually stock a ton of colors. I can get you the number for the belden equiv tomorrow as some like the belden, 6 of one half dozen of the other.

[Megalomaniac]

A pro audio install house near you, they usually stock a ton of colors. I can get you the number for the belden equiv tomorrow as some like the belden, 6 of one half dozen of the other.

you got a response to my shielding question :) please
thanks

[chad]

Already typed it out once today :p

I do black to sleeve, red to pin.

Now the shield, I tie at one end (source) IF the sleeve is ground at the headunit (for example of source)

I took the hard way and pulled the drain wire out, bonded them together and grounded to the frame of the radio/ISO mount. This future-proofs me for balanced send in the near future, the amp has differential inputs. If I had the shiled tied the the amp sleeve any noise on the shield would make it to the inverting inputs of the amp and I would have phase inverted noise :D

[Megalomaniac]

ok so i can just pull out the wire and leave it hangiing as another lead that you just screw it to a chasis...

how come i see lots of people who just attachthe shield to the negative conductor?

[chad]

ok so i can just pull out the wire and leave it hangiing as another lead that you just screw it to a chasis...

I actually split (like you are stripping it but just pulling it a BIT) the jacket back a couple inches and pulled the drain back thru the split, soldered a bit of wire on the drain, then heatshrinked the split and the slder joint, the jacket is easy to work with.

how come i see lots of people who just attachthe shield to the negative conductor?

I plan to go full balanced, that would not work in that situation. If the source has a grounded sleeve then go for it.

And for the smartass question to the above.....

Because I build broadcast and recording facilities and I use an RF grounding/rejection system :D And my whip is a noise NIGHTMARE!

[Megalomaniac]

thanks, so with rcas, i should have a wire hanging out for the shield ground and screw it to a screw on chasis of source.

what about with BNC cables? i see their shield is the ground cable....there is only 1 conductor for bnc... right?

[chad]

thanks, so with rcas, i should have a wire hanging out for the shield ground and screw it to a screw on chasis of source.

what about with BNC cables? i see their shield is the ground cable....there is only 1 conductor for bnc... right?

Yeah, i pulled it out before the connector so it did not touch the internals of the connector.

BNC is used with true coax (and RCA can be too) but it's a whole different ball-game as it's as unbalanced as unbalanced gets :D

[Megalomaniac]

yea right now im working on those rj45 shielded to 6pin mini din using shielded cat5. its been easy so far.i just have to get that crimper now. but the foil shielding was kinda weird so what i had done was peeled it half way so the shiny part its peeled to the side some and then went over it with some tin foil then placed the metal shell around it(minidin)...i hope it doesnt impose a problem...

[disturbedklownz]

nice write up thanks

[Megalomaniac]

so i emailed BCAE about that shielding question of mine he said YES it will work

heres the email I sent:


Hello, I was studying your site about how to build RCA cables and Im a little confused somewhere.

http://www.bcae1.com/rcacable.htm


I noticed you used a BNC/coax type cable in the diagram where the shield was the negative.

My question is I have seen RCA cables that uses 2 conductor wires, 1 wire is positive and the other is for the negative. Then I hear the shield needs to be grounded externally(by having an extra wire hanging out of each rca that you secure to the metal source)

Now on to my question, couldnt I just mount the braided/foil shield to the negative of the rca(along with the other negative wire) and it still function as a shield?(so there are no extra wires hanging out of the cable...

If I am not being clear please let me know, I can try to clarify better.

Thank you




~Mir Farhan Ali~

He said this right under whats in bold.

YES

[chad]

I did not say tht you could not do that, I said that I did it to future proof the install for when I send balanced ;) the sleeve of the RCA will then be the inverting output just as the sleve of the amp is the inverting input. I's still only attach at one end though.

[Megalomaniac]

I did not say tht you could not do that, I said that I did it to future proof the install for when I send balanced ;) the sleeve of the RCA will then be the inverting output just as the sleve of the amp is the inverting input. I's still only attach at one end though.

i know. its just my question was never answered directly :P so i asked around. im teh newbs at indirect responses just like your sarcasm meter never works. :o

[chad]

i know. its just my question was never answered directly :P so i asked around. im teh newbs at indirect responses just like your sarcasm meter never works. :o

ha ha :D My weird-shit-o-meter works great though!

[Megalomaniac]

A pro audio install house near you, they usually stock a ton of colors. I can get you the number for the belden equiv tomorrow as some like the belden, 6 of one half dozen of the other.

My local Altex (http://www.altex.com/) has Belden, but im not sure if its any good, does anyone have issues with belden? I ordered about 170' of that Gepco posted earlier yesterday.

[chad]

My local Altex (http://www.altex.com/) has Belden, but im not sure if its any good, does anyone have issues with belden? I ordered about 170' of that Gepco posted earlier yesterday.

8451 is the same as 61801EZ for the most part.

[Megalomaniac]

8451 is the same as 61801EZ for the most part.

thanks. knowing having these cables are available local is nice. i don't mind spending a few cents more just to have near by on demand.

Chad, I got to show you them rj45 to din cables im working on. i'll post pics in a new thread when im finished :D

[chad]

thanks. knowing having these cables are available local is nice. i don't mind spending a few cents more just to have near by on demand.

Chad, I got to show you them rj45 to din cables im working on. i'll post pics in a new thread when im finished :D

Hell yeah post them up!

I buy my Gepco locally, it was a bit more expensive but I got to hang with some old friends in the music store from back in the day and I did not have to pay/wait on shipping. and 6 different colors! Woot!

[jeremyg]

8451 is the same as 61801EZ for the most part.

I really liked working with the Gepco 61801EZ cable...it does look pretty tiny in my Vampire RCA plugs though :)

[chad]

I really liked working with the Gepco 61801EZ cable...it does look pretty tiny in my Vampire RCA plugs though :)

Yeah it does give that impression.. and you gotta go easy on the heat when soldering... did you discover that the hard way?

[jeremyg]

Yeah it does give that impression.. and you gotta go easy on the heat when soldering... did you discover that the hard way?

Didn't have any problems with the soldering the Gepco...learned the hard way on some Gotham GAC2 cable a few days earlier

[Megalomaniac]

Yeah it does give that impression.. and you gotta go easy on the heat when soldering... did you discover that the hard way?

orly, im using a 45 watt, i better watch out

[Megalomaniac]

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/Megalomaniac1989/DIY_Cables/20080304_00001.jpg


:D

[chad]

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/Megalomaniac1989/DIY_Cables/20080304_00001.jpg


:D

That will keep you busy for a while :p

[iced]

nice.
i couldnt get those rca connectors in aus unless i buy from ebay usa.

i measure the resistance of a 5m length of gepco after construction and it turned out pretty good.

[Megalomaniac]

That will keep you busy for a while :p


actually 18 of them are being used now im working on 4 2channel cables and a single sub cable for someone. i will post pictures when i am done.

i did have to drill them opening bigger to allow the techflex fit through and heatshrink...

[chad]

actually 18 of them are being used now im working on 4 2channel cables and a single sub cable for someone. i will post pictures when i am done.

i did have to drill them opening bigger to allow the techflex fit through and heatshrink...

That little indentation after the hole for the sleeve on the connector itself is a godsend! you will put that to good use ;) It's a tight threadding when there is wire in there

[WrenchGuy]

This thread exploded since I read it last.

I'm ready to try it out. I'm curious though to which cable to use as a rookie?

I'm looking for a good easy cable, quality but budget friendly RCA ends,and a good luck.

I figure I'm gonna be shopping Partsexpress and was gonna put the supplies in with other stuff.

Thanks Guys.

[Megalomaniac]

This thread exploded since I read it last.

I'm ready to try it out. I'm curious though to which cable to use as a rookie?

I'm looking for a good easy cable, quality but budget friendly RCA ends,and a good luck.

I figure I'm gonna be shopping Partsexpress and was gonna put the supplies in with other stuff.

Thanks Guys.

http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=656

[WrenchGuy]

http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=656

Word! Thanks man.

[Richard]

Since you're making your own cables and, presumably will using high quality plugs, I'd suggest a similarly high quality cable, like Canare's Star Quad. it's not 15 cents a foot but, like most items, you get what you pay for.

Richard

[WrenchGuy]

My setup is real simple. I don't have processors and all the jazz. I mostly want to make them to get the skill.

[chad]

Since you're making your own cables and, presumably will using high quality plugs, I'd suggest a similarly high quality cable, like Canare's Star Quad. it's not 15 cents a foot but, like most items, you get what you pay for.

Richard

Yes you do, the virtues of "portable cable" It's rugged, rolls nicely, feels great, lays flat... all the virtues not needed for car audio... Where as a cable that's 15-20 cents a foot can have and will likely have a higher shielding and lower capacitance per foot.

So yes, you do get what you pay for but you have to look at the application, a Cessna is more expensive than my Civic, but the civic is a better application for my daily commute to and from work ;)

[WrenchGuy]

Yes you do, the virtues of "portable cable" It's rugged, rolls nicely, feels great, lays flat... all the virtues not needed for car audio... Where as a cable that's 15-20 cents a foot can have and will likely have a higher shielding and lower capacitance per foot.

So yes, you do get what you pay for but you have to look at the application, a Cessna is more expensive than my Civic, but the civic is a better application for my daily commute to and from work ;)

Word! I was worried about buying stage cables on accident. I knew I didn't need all the beef! Thanks for the insight.

[saucybmw540i]

im about to give some cables the sexy time !

[sword2]

It looks neat!:)

[Richard]

"Where as a cable that's 15-20 cents a foot can have and will likely have a higher shielding and lower capacitance per foot."

You're joking, aren't you? Show me a cable at 20 cents/foot that has 98% braiding and lower resistance than Star Quad or similar cable.

[illnastyimpreza]

I can't seem to find those steetwires RCA male ends ...

whats the Ebay link again ??

[t3sn4f2]

"Where as a cable that's 15-20 cents a foot can have and will likely have a higher shielding and lower capacitance per foot."

You're joking, aren't you? Show me a cable at 20 cents/foot that has 98% braiding and lower resistance than Star Quad or similar cable.

http://www.gepco.com/products/residential_cable/audio/ll_single_22awg_F.htm

It's 100% shielded and 15 cents only though :(












:rolleyes:

[chad]

You're joking, aren't you? Show me a cable at 20 cents/foot that has 98% braiding and lower resistance than Star Quad or similar cable.

Star quad is fine for it's APPLICATION, stage cabling. There are better choices for permanent wiring applications. Why do you feel you need 4 conductors for UNBALANCED audio transfer?

[Megalomaniac]

Star quad is fine for it's APPLICATION, stage cabling. There are better choices for permanent wiring applications. Why do you feel you need 4 conductors for UNBALANCED audio transfer?

for real man^^x2. In a car there is no way you can tell the difference in loss signal degration. but stage use maybe 2-300'+ you might be able to tell, but 12' hand in hand, i honestly doubt it, and thats speaking realistically.

[t3sn4f2]

for real man^^x2. In a car there is no way you can tell the difference in loss signal degration. but stage use maybe 2-300'+ you might be able to tell, but 12' hand in hand, i honestly doubt it, and thats speaking realistically.

:confused: The gepco performs better electrically in those long run situations as well.

[chad]

:confused: The gepco performs better electrically in those long run situations as well.

Less capacitance ;)

[Megalomaniac]

:confused: The gepco performs better electrically in those long run situations as well.

that just goes to show even more(if thats true...) that the quadstar is even more unnecessary


Less capacitance ;)

yerp

[illnastyimpreza]

no more links for cheap RCA connectors???

Are all those street wires ones gone ???

[Megalomaniac]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290206286972

[illnastyimpreza]

Nuts they seem to be all out of the RCA connectors...

I guess I'm gona pick up a bunch of other stuff I need from them in the meanwhile. They've got some awesome deals on regular crimp on connectors too.

any other Deals on big bags of RCAs goin on ??

[fredridge]

question here, how small of a gauge can you go for the wire.... I was thinking of picking up some snake cable and using that.... it is usually shielded with 3 wires for a common ground.

basically something like this, but the 4 pair version (http://www.jacksmusicfactory.com/default.asp?productid=3416_Individual_Jacketed_6_P air_IJIS_Snake_Cable)

[chad]

question here, how small of a gauge can you go for the wire.... I was thinking of picking up some snake cable and using that.... it is usually shielded with 3 wires for a common ground.

basically something like this, but the 4 pair version (http://www.jacksmusicfactory.com/default.asp?productid=3416_Individual_Jacketed_6_P air_IJIS_Snake_Cable)

IMHO it's best to go Gepco/Belden as it will lay flat when you want it to, snake WILL NOT no matter how hard you try. if you do go snake look into Gepflex, it's neoprene (I believe) and will put up with darn near anything and is very flexible.

[fredridge]

i was hoping you would look at this.

this is a belden cable, but I don't know what the model is.... I will go with some of the others


IMHO it's best to go Gepco/Belden as it will lay flat when you want it to, snake WILL NOT no matter how hard you try. if you do go snake look into Gepflex, it's neoprene (I believe) and will put up with darn near anything and is very flexible.

[chad]

Individual jacketed pairs will lay flat, you can put it where you want it ala tape, and I mean damn flat, it's running down my passenger footwell and you CANNOT feel it thru the carpet ;)

[ringo]

Can one use multi conductor cable (I am running 4 pair) for running video and audio or should you run them seperately in two completely different cables?

[QtrHorse]

no more links for cheap RCA connectors???

Are all those street wires ones gone ???

The Ebay seller has four (50pc) lots left.

[ringo]

I just one in the mail....!

Anyone got an answer on my video cable question?

[Megalomaniac]

I just one in the mail....!

Anyone got an answer on my video cable question?

you can run them in same cable. however generally video uses a thicker gauge wire

[ringo]

you can run them in same cable. however generally video uses a thicker gauge wire

So using a pair for one signal would take care of that..?

[Megalomaniac]

So using a pair for one signal would take care of that..?

sure, but you should try it out and see to be honest. i mean your cables arent that long so you wont need to use a thicker gauge that bad

[BLACKonBLACK98]

great read. just the info i was looking for.

some of the terminology is beyond me and i have a question; how would you go about grounding the foil shield of the gepco wire?

[WrenchGuy]

If you get XLM and in turn make it unbalanced wouldn't a well insulated speaker cable be the same thing?

I was gonna take the Gepco I have and run the cable through some blue gas line and heatshrink each end. Instead of tech flex. Sound good?..lol

[Megalomaniac]

great read. just the info i was looking for.

some of the terminology is beyond me and i have a question; how would you go about grounding the foil shield of the gepco wire?

you peel the foil off, and ground the expose wire you will see. that wire runs throughout the wire and touches the foil. so just solder the exposed wire to ground

[BLACKonBLACK98]

duh... should have looked at the picture. i knew it was a stupid question...

thanks.

[slowsedan01]

That guy on ebay has those lots of Street Wires RCA plugs available again.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

does anybody know of quality rca splitters to make a diy y cable?

[chad]

You just need a female and 2 male connectors.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

i was thinking something more along the lines of this with solderable connections:

http://media.uxcell.com/ebay/images/ux_a06063000ux0002_ux_c.jpg

for no other purpose than looking/being awesome.

[mobeious]

i think imma pick up a roll of that cable

anyone know a site to get some decent rca ends? that wont hurt the bank to bad

[BLACKonBLACK98]

google the NEUTRIK NYS352. $.75 here:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/daleproaudio/items/item.aspx?itemid=1534380

[Boostedrex]

Is $0.93/each for the Neutrik NYS373 a good price? I haven't found them too many places yet, but that's the best price I've seen so far. Thanks in advance guys.

Zach

[Kpg2713]

I use Neutrik NYS352 at 68 cents per. They are at Redco.

[Boostedrex]

I saw the NYS352, but I never was a fan of shiny metal RCA connector ends. I know it's nit picking, but I like the flat black body of the NYS373 better. The cosmetics are the only difference from what I can tell.

[Kpg2713]

I think the knurling on the body is a little different too. Honestly, if you want the flat black it is cool, I don't think there will be any performance difference so it is all preference.

[Kpg2713]

OK, the 352B is the one that is black version of the 352 while the 373 is different. It has a tension sleeve whatever you wanna call it and different body.

352B
http://www.audiogear.com/Resources/NYS352B.jpg

373
http://www.audiogear.com/Resources/NYS373-B.jpg

So let me see if I can find some 352B black bodied ones.

[soundqdoug]

I had really great results in my accord, when I use to compete with it. I used the higher end Audioquest silver plated RCA ends with Audioquest Type 4 speaker wire. I also used techflex.


5807

5808

5809

[chad]

Is $0.93/each for the Neutrik NYS373 a good price? I haven't found them too many places yet, but that's the best price I've seen so far. Thanks in advance guys.

Zach

Yes, those are great connectors for the price, strain relief, chuck style stay, easy to work with. I have some pics of them somewhere around here.

[Boostedrex]

I sent in a price request to Gepco and they quoted me $0.10/ft for the 61801EZ cable. The only catch is that I have to order 500ft of it because they have a $50 minimum buy. Anybody want to go half with me as there is no way in hell that I am going to need 500' for cable?

[Kpg2713]

Sure. I need some more cable so why not :)

[Megalomaniac]

i ordered the tci500 spool last night the 250' roll. i ran out(well practically out, just like 20' left) of the tci 1000

[cvjoint]

Perhaps I'm missing something but:

Aren't these custom RCA jacks a bit too long and obtrusive for car audio? I could tell you for sure that none of the custom jobs I've seen here would even fit under my endcaps.

Secondly, I don't trust my soldering job as much as say Monster Cable. How resistant are the connections themselves to pulling and twisting?


I've seen one poster ask this question before without an answer and this would be the only reason why I might get into all this, spend my time and more money than on Monster: can you customize the cable such that it negates the need for a Y splitter? One male rca at one end, two males at the other with a custom lenght where needed to fit the install.

I don't want to bash on all the good information I've seen here, it's one of the best threads on this forum. But...where are the benefits?

[Megalomaniac]

custom length....thats about it lol and knowing whats all inside your cable, no guessing games

[amapro704]

I've seen monsters come apart. Hand soldering is just fine if you know what you're doing and heatshrink the connection. All I know is that I have about $0.07 into each foot of wire and the connectors are cheap as well, so with everything I can have a custom cable exactly how I need it for 1/3 the cost of Monster. Custom colors and looks as well to match everything else in your install is a nice touch.

Reg RCA's work just fine obviously and trust me, I have had these same thoughts bouncing betwix the halves of my brain also, but when it comes down to it its cheap, its easy and its kinda fun to build them.


I am wanting to build a custom splitter cable also. I have 1 channel cable and was thinking about using speaker Y boots and heatshrink to make it clean. Anybody done this?

[Boostedrex]

Secondly, I don't trust my soldering job as much as say Monster Cable. How resistant are the connections themselves to pulling and twisting?


George,

Typically, I would agree with you. However, I spent the last 10 years as an aircraft electrician. So needless to say, my soldering skills are better than average. To me, I trust my soldering more than I would a company. But that's also just me. This method ends up to be WAY cheaper than buying commercial cable, even from Darvex or other Ebay vendors.

Zach

[Kpg2713]

I used to work for a company that manufactured devices for marine use. When I started there I couldn't solder shit, yet they had me doing it all the same. Just because a company is making the product doesn't mean they know what they are doing either.

[cvjoint]

well, I can get the monster for 1/3 the price of monster lol. I've seen some folks pay $5 a pop for an end, that's insanely expensive - 20 bucks for a 2 channel cable = crazy.

Here's the ones I was looking at:

http://www.monstercable.com/images_db/perfcar/MPCI302XLN2C_Glam001_350.jpg

Those ends are so tiny, I couldn't imagine being able to replicate these. I see now there are many of you guys that have skills to go though with it. Even if I do diy it's still just half diy, I still have to buy the splitters. Out of the 8 channels that come out of the h701 6 of them need y adapters.

[Kpg2713]

I don't think there is anything wrong with running rca's that are bought. Honestly, I did it because it cost me like 30 bucks in wire and 70 cents an rca connector. Also, to me anyway it was enjoyable. I like making my own stuff, and if I can do it cheap thats cool with me. I don't see why someone would use expensive rca's in a car. I know it isn't going to sound any different.

[Megalomaniac]

my 250' spool of tci500 came in today, this wire is hella more flexible compared to the tci1000

[mobeious]

where can u get those tiny plugs in the previous pic

[Inferno333]

my 250' spool of tci500 came in today, this wire is hella more flexible compared to the tci1000

I'm going to grab a couple spools of that in the next week or so.

Thanks for buying both and giving us your impressions!

[cvjoint]

where can u get those tiny plugs in the previous pic

A buddy of mine has a hook up on all Monster gear.

Honestly I do believe in RCA shielding benefits. I had these monsters before in the 6 channel version and I had no alt. whine whatsoever. Changed to top of the line tsunami 6 ft. just to go from processor to amps. and any tiny touching on the chassis or power cables will bring it in.

I'd like to make my own RCAs too for anything around $1 for a small format plug or less but if I can't get around the y splitters I don't see the point.

[mobeious]

found these
http://cgi.ebay.com/8pcs-NAKAMICHI-Gold-RCA-Plug-Audio-Cable-Male-Connector_W0QQitemZ150265574497QQihZ005QQcategoryZ 32838QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and these
http://cgi.ebay.com/8pcs-NAKAMICHI-RCA-Jack-Plug-10mm-Locking-Connector-24K_W0QQitemZ150267659336QQihZ005QQcategoryZ32838Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

[amapro704]

You can make your own y cables too. I ran those monsters and liked them ok except for that they actually grabbed the female rca too tight- almost need a wrench to take them off. I though I was going to break something.

The tiff cable also has sheilding so I don't know what you're refering to there..

[JonMR2turbo]

Hey guys, today I began my first attempt at making RCAs. This was also my first time doing any kind of soldering. Could you guys critique my joints and give me advice for doing them better? They're pretty ugly but they do hold well.

http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239284-1/IMG_1511.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239287-1/IMG_1513.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239290-1/IMG_1517.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239293-1/IMG_1518.jpg

I also wonder if the gun I have is too low of a wattage. It doesn't heat the connector enough that I can apply solder directly to it. Instead I have to melt the solder on the tip of the gun and then kind of smear it down onto the connector.

[chad]

Tin the wire first, use a nice THIN solder, I love the thin stuff, go quicker on and off with the heat. It takes practice, you will quickly get the hang of it! If they work, rock them :D

[Megalomaniac]

Hey guys, today I began my first attempt at making RCAs. This was also my first time doing any kind of soldering. Could you guys critique my joints and give me advice for doing them better? They're pretty ugly but they do hold well.

http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239284-1/IMG_1511.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239287-1/IMG_1513.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239290-1/IMG_1517.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/239293-1/IMG_1518.jpg

I also wonder if the gun I have is too low of a wattage. It doesn't heat the connector enough that I can apply solder directly to it. Instead I have to melt the solder on the tip of the gun and then kind of smear it down onto the connector.

Tin your wires first, it will make it hell of a lot easier after that. also will protect the copper wire from oxidizing.

[mobeious]

got my tci500 in just waiting on my plugs from japan sucks 25day shipping

[JonMR2turbo]

Does anyone know a good source for inexpensive bulk RCA ends? Like around 40-50?


Tin the wire first, use a nice THIN solder, I love the thin stuff, go quicker on and off with the heat. It takes practice, you will quickly get the hang of it! If they work, rock them :D

I bought a solder iron with a pointed tip and some thin solder like you said and now I can do it pretty well (at least for being new).

[chad]

I bought a solder iron with a pointed tip and some thin solder like you said and now I can do it pretty well (at least for being new).

yeah man, having the right tools makes your life A LOT easier :D

Watch eBay for a Weller WTCPT station, one can be had for around 40 bucks if you are crafty. they are my faves!

[Megalomaniac]

yeah man, having the right tools makes your life A LOT easier :D

Watch eBay for a Weller WTCPT station, one can be had for around 40 bucks if you are crafty. they are my faves!

I had one, I gave it to my cousin. wasnt portable enough for me. I also did steal it from school back in high school when I use to be a nerd who pretended to be a thug. :/

[ogahyellow]

I had one, I gave it to my cousin. wasnt portable enough for me. I also did steal it from school back in high school when I use to be a nerd who pretended to be a thug. :/

Sounds like how my brother got a triple beam balance.

Quick Q's: If you guys are making 2 channel RCA's are you using zip-style cord, or just 2 strands of mic cord techflexed?

[daGwagon]

Awsome... one more thing to add to my todo list... great tutorial

[peter_bigblock]

you peel the foil off, and ground the expose wire you will see. that wire runs throughout the wire and touches the foil. so just solder the exposed wire to groundbut just on the source end for unbalanced, right? according to chad, i think. i know a lot of this has been said several times but the terminology is new to me so I want to make sure. man, i can't wait to make my own cables -- a new diy for me! in terms of using techflex, if i'm running the cables under my carpet, isn't techflex a detriment -- makes the cable fatter and doesn't really add anything? or am i missing something?

[AzGrower]

Quick Q's: If you guys are making 2 channel RCA's are you using zip-style cord, or just 2 strands of mic cord techflexed?

Just use 4 conductor wire like the Canar Star Quad L-E46S. Fits perfect into the Parts Express speaker pants.

[chad]

Red all the way thru for the pin, black all the way thru for the sleeve, shield at the source only.

[peter_bigblock]

Red all the way thru for the pin, black all the way thru for the sleeve, shield at the source only.Thanks, man! I can't believe you don't get tired of saying that.:blush:

[AzGrower]

Thanks, man! I can't believe you don't get tired of saying that.:blush:

monkeys are trained well....feed them regularly, and change their diaper and they can go all day....;)

[chad]

monkeys are trained well....feed them regularly, and change their diaper and they can go all day....;)

Sometimes they don't even change the diaper! State cut-backs can be a bitch!

[chijioke penny]

made my first set of RCA's last night !!!! turned out f'n bad azz'd!!!!!!! thanks for the "How too"...it helped!!!:)

[lyttleviet]

me and my friends definitely want to try this. Aznattic been talking about it during our installation process!

[Kpg2713]

Sounds like how my brother got a triple beam balance.

Quick Q's: If you guys are making 2 channel RCA's are you using zip-style cord, or just 2 strands of mic cord techflexed?

I've used zip style mic cable and it worked np as well as doing 2 runs. I have not tried running two channels within one cable like 4 wire canare or something but it should work fine too. Pick what you like best.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

still looking for a delicate solution to making y cables. any of you pro-audio guys have any suggestions.

[chad]

still looking for a delicate solution to making y cables. any of you pro-audio guys have any suggestions.

How handy are you?

[BLACKonBLACK98]

i consider myself somewhere between intermediate and advanced as far as what i could see being pertinent to this project. i have designed and built circuits for other applications and am comfortable with wiring and a soldering iron. i do not have the facilities for fabrication but assembly of off the shelf parts is not an issue.

[chad]

i consider myself somewhere between intermediate and advanced as far as what i could see being pertinent to this project. i have designed and built circuits for other applications and am comfortable with wiring and a soldering iron. i do not have the facilities for fabrication but assembly of off the shelf parts is not an issue.

What kinda wire do you plan on using?

[BLACKonBLACK98]

i have 100' of gepco 61801EZ and neutrik NYS373 rca plugs. i had considered just running 2 lengths of wire per channel, but they will not both fit through the strain relief springs. i want to do a test run making a 3.5mm to stereo rca cable.

[chad]

i have 100' of gepco 61801EZ and neutrik NYS373 rca plugs. i had considered just running 2 lengths of wire per channel, but they will not both fit through the strain relief springs. i want to do a test run making a 3.5mm to stereo rca cable.

Good shit, let me look around at the connectors.

For a quick fix you can start the Y on the beginning end with a switchcraft 3502A but it won't match. I have both here and some gepco, lemme see if I can rig something good looking.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

what do you think about using the NYS352BG on the source end? looks like the opening would be just big enough (.2mm clearance lol) to use dual runs.

*edit - or the 373 without the strain relief?

[chad]

I was thinking the 373 without the strain, but I have to see how the chuck cinches :D

[BLACKonBLACK98]

good to se we're on the same page. when i mocked it up i did it without the chuck. since the end in question will be connected behind the dash i could just heat shrink it (clear of course, don't want to hide the pretty plugs :D) to help provide some relief (that's what the chuck is for right?), or would that not be enough?

[chad]

good to se we're on the same page. when i mocked it up i did it without the chuck. since the end in question will be connected behind the dash i could just heat shrink it (clear of course, don't want to hide the pretty plugs :D) to help provide some relief (that's what the chuck is for right?), or would that not be enough?

Same page, I was thinking black shrink in place of the chuck/spring to make it pretty.

I'll try to mock it up tonight but I have a lot on the plate to get done.

[BLACKonBLACK98]

no worries. i'm in no rush. i just haven't had much to do lately so i try and keep busy. let me know whenever you have time and get something together. i appreciate it.

*edit - btw i was referring to heat shinking over the entire assembly from female to male. black heat shrink to bond the two wires together before the techflex as well.

[BKJT05]

anybody make any 4-channel? liked to see those?

[theothermike]

i prefer seperate 2 channels even if i have a 4 channel amp. it helps if you change your setup around.

[BKJT05]

yea, but i dont plan to change it after this and if like one single run of wire to hook everything up. and i want to go custom RCAs so its all the perfect length.

[chad]

i prefer seperate 2 channels even if i have a 4 channel amp. it helps if you change your setup around.

I prefer one run per channel, but I'm a redundant prick :D

[DeadlyHertz]

hell with this ill go to radio shack and get sme ends. can i just to to Lowes and get some of that 14ga Philipsspeaker wire and use that or does it have to be that shielded crap. Scosche RCA are just speaker wire so i guess ill try it! great tutorial tho. my dad got a soldering gun for his B-day so ill get him to teach me how to solder. FYI for air conditioner Line Sets that run from the condinser unit to the evaporator coil you use silber solder to connect those joints as well.

[jimsan]

I can vouch for the Neutrik connectors, very solid connectors. I will make 6 new runs for my install and use the idea of the shrink wrap over wire end which I didnt do before.

Is there really a difference in balanced and unbalanced for car application?

J

[BKJT05]

hey guys, where can i get these RCA ends??

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/bkjt05/rca1.jpg

[BLACKonBLACK98]

they were on ebay in bulk packs for cheap but i'm pretty sure they're gone now. they pop up in the fs section sometimes. there might be some there now.