Some of my observations on speaker cables affecting the sound

[waxx]

an other observation, in almost all studio's, the most expensive cable used are Mogami gold cable, mainly for the very sensitive microphone lines. They cost less than 10€/m. Also the internal cabling of your electronic devices and speakers will be less quality than those esotheric way to expensive cabling some of you got. So it has no use to spend so much money on them, even if they are better than the normal priced cables.

 

[billshurv]

I have a hard time finding anything wrong with Van Damme for interconnects.

 

[davym]

Same here and it's a good fit for Neutrik plugs.

 

[Charles Darwin]

Mogami, Van Damme, Sommer, Belden, Klotz are all good.

Terminated with Neutriks and it is as good as it gets.
Neutrik RCAs are bloody expensive though but I only use XLRs or TRS as all my connections are balanced.

 

[Don Hills]

... In order to make a reliable screw connection to stranded wire, either dip in solder ...

No! The solder will cold flow over time and loosen the connection.

... or use dirt-cheap crimp terminations.

Yes. Provided you use a proper ratchet crimping tool and not a cheap "squeeze and hope".

 

[davym]

No! The solder will cold flow over time and loosen the connection.

Yup been there. The only decent screw connection is a ring or fork type tightly clamped.
Wish i had cardas eutectic solder years ago, it's like using stubbs electrodes for welding (almost too easy but expensive)

Neutrik RCA's are great plugs at a very modest price 8 NEUTRIK GOLD PHONO RCA PLUGS NYS373 Red/Black Professional Connectors REAN | eBay

 

[Pano]

(N.B. tests have shown that even a banana is good enough to act as an interconnect, or was it mud (or both?))

Both, also a potato and steel wool. Surprising transparent. High impedance, tho.

 

[davym]

How bout two potatoes and a nectarine (pnp junction) combined interconnect and line stage?

 

[gpauk]

Or a Mango, Orange, Star fruit, Fennel, Eggplant, Tomato ....
We may be getting non linear....

 

[DF96]

The real test would be a silver-plated banana: would it make the sound brighter and less fruity?

 

[AuroraB]

Neutrik RCA's are great plugs at a very modest price 8 NEUTRIK GOLD PHONO RCA PLUGS NYS373 Red/Black Professional Connectors REAN | eBay

Davy - Rean RCA connectors are not Neutrik, although still very good. I have both types in my draw.....

 

[davym]

Neutrik Rean RCA , i don't see your point http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-rean-nys373-2-rca-plug-connector-black-with-red-indicator--092-113