Recommended XLR Interconnect Cable/Connectors?

Discussion in 'DIY' started by Luckbad, May 24, 2018.

  1. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Anyone have any recommended cable or connectors for XLR interconnects for balanced DAC -> Amp?

    I'd want to get a pair built for under $100.

    The current front-runner is Gotham GAC 4/1 UltraPro cable with Neutrik NC3FXX-B connectors.
     
  2. MellowVelo

    MellowVelo Friend

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    I've purchased a lot of XLR cables from Blue Jeans Cable over the years. I use several of the Belden 1800F cables in my system. No complaints whatsoever. Fast service and a great price. They have a couple options for XLR cables, with the Belden 1800F having extremely low capacitance. I appreciate that Blue Jeans Cable is transparent about what they sell.

    https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm
     
  3. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Thanks! I like BJC stuff as well, but I'm looking for separate pieces to solder them together myself (tends to cost about half as much as buying an assembly).
     
  4. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Gotham cable is good, but i usually use Sommer cable. Very easy to work with and durable. Not sure how prevalent the brand is across the pond though.

    As for connectors... Neutrik or bust, more expensive and it feels like a scam. Often better looks with worse fit and ease of use.

    I remember building a HD800 cable with those pretty Furutech connectors... I had to use a f'ing drill and glue to make them fit and be reliable...
     
  5. Garns

    Garns Friend

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    The ones I have here are OCC copper hookup wire and Teflon tubing from parts connexion, Amphenol connectors. Single twisted pair, no ground, no shielding.

    @Daveheart made them up for me. They sound great, excellent clarity and speed without obvious colouration.
     
  6. Poleepkwa

    Poleepkwa Friend

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    Another vote for Sommer cables with Hicon/Neutrik connectors. I used the Albedo II / Carbokab with excellent results. As @Riotvan said, not sure what is the value proposition in the States though, but they cost quite a bit less than your $100 (depending how long you need of course).
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2018
  7. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

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    Another vote for Neutrik. They're the industry standard and extremely well thought out construction wise.
     
  8. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Neutrik or Switchcraft for industry standards, though I don't think Amphenol is any worse and look cooler to me. The Neutrik HD series in stainless steel are nice and heavy should an enemy attack. Personally, I'd try the Abbatron/GH plugs that have tellurium copper pins. Can get them for just a dollar or two more than Neutriks. https://www.alliedelec.com/g-h-industries-xlr3mbg06/70404311/ They should satisfy some audiophile nervosa without costing much more than regular brass pin based stuff.
     
  9. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Echoing the general love of Neutrik, nicely made, nice to work with.

    (Though I have to admit that out of laziness, I bought a short set of QED Reference XLR 40 to go Gungnir Multibit to estat amp, rather than making my own, and I'm very happy with them. The nervosa is contained- I was pricing up cable and twitching slightly.)
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2018
  10. wormcycle

    wormcycle Friend

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    Neutrik and I had a very good resultswith Mogami 2543 quad. The point is to join the pair of whites and the pair of blue wires, and connect the shield to ground. Properly wired Mogami 2534 XLR is really good for eliminating RFI. That from direct experience
     
  11. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    Current front runner should stay front runner, imo.
     
  12. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Another vote for sommer cables. May I add viablue analog quad as a cheaper choice
     
  13. highflyin9

    highflyin9 Facebook Friend

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    Switchcraft AAA series are my favorite low cost units. They're a 2 piece build and have a nice solid weight and feel. They're harder to source than the Neutriks for some reason though. For bargain audiophile, check out Vampire. They produce the lowest cost copper pin XLR available.
     
  14. Daveheart

    Daveheart Friend

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    Switchcraft isn't often carried in the first stops that most audiophiles check, but they're readily available from Mouser and more bulk-oriented outlets like that.
     
  15. NekoAudio

    NekoAudio Acquaintance

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    Markertek is a good resource for smaller purchases and carries lots of parts like Neutrik, Canare, Belden, Mogami, Switchcraft, etc. Blue Jeans Cable also sells bulk cable and components direct via Raw Cable.
     

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