DIY preamp-to-amp "jumper" interconnect
After having installed set of Speltz Anti-Cable biwire speaker cables for my Magnepans (bought the 12-gauge wire bulk from Speltz @ $1.25 per foot and using in twisted format with no termination), then a stock 1/2-meter set of Anti-IC interconnects for between CD player & preamp, I enjoyed the combined sonic improvements enough where I decided to construct my own pair of similarly designed interconnects between preamp & amp (both tube).
I chose to use a heavier gauge than the rather thin wire that the standard Anti-ICs are made from, in order to create more of a "buss" than a "cable" to connect the two components. Since my amp sits on top of the preamp, a 16" pair would be more than enough length, so after a bit of calculation I ordered 10' of the 12g speaker wire from Speltz and (4) Neutrik RCA connectors (the same type Speltz uses) from Parts Express for $1.75 each. I spiraled the cable around a 3/8" dowel rod, and used a single run of wire through the middle to complete each cable (see photos; note the gauge difference between installed stock & DIY interconnect sets).
First things first, I placed the stock Speltz Anti-ICs between preamp & amp for an extended listen, then substituted my newly-concocted heavy-gauge pair, and immediately noted an improvement in bass depth and impact, along with increased dynamics throughout the range and a larger and more open sound stage. These attributes only improved with further break-in of the wire.
I would not have posted this if the difference were only subtle. In fact, I'm not a fan of claims that wires of any kind (especially ungodly expensive ones) will "totally transform" a system. But, for the materials cost of $20 needed to make these surprisingly musical interconnects, I urge any curious DIY'er to give it a shot - I think you'll like'em.
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