DIY shielded signal cables

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andynor

andynor

Member
Joined 2020
#1
Hi!

I want to make my own shielded RCA signal cables, short lengths from DAC to preamp, and from preamp to poweramp. There are probably many threads discussing this, but I am having trouble finding appropriate lengths and deciding cable type.

Can anyone help? Where to buy, and what cable construction types and conductor material is the best way to go? I am thinking cooper, but should I go coaxial or what is most cost effective solution?

It would be nice if it could also be used for internal amp signal wiring.

I appreciate any advice.

Regards,
Andy
 
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#5
Use Belden RG-59 75ohm coax myself.

9259 is the nicer stuff to work with, soft flexible PVC outer and Polyethlene foam insulator. Can be bought in Black or Red or a variety of other colours.

89259 is more rigid, uses FEP outer and insulator, shiny black exterior.

Both have the same copper conductor and shield, and the same electrical attributes with ~17pf/ft capacitance.
 

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#7
Great, you guys. I have considered Belden before, and allthough I can find the 8451 at reasonable prices, do you know a place where they can be bought by the feet or meter?

100 feet rolls soon get really expensive =S

Cheers,
Andy
 
#8
mcandmar said:
Use Belden RG-59 75ohm coax myself.

9259 is the nicer stuff to work with, soft flexible PVC outer and Polyethlene foam insulator. Can be bought in Black or Red or a variety of other colours.

89259 is more rigid, uses FEP outer and insulator, shiny black exterior.

Both have the same copper conductor and shield, and the same electrical attributes with ~17pf/ft capacitance.
Click to expand...

Very nice.
Can I ask where you got the connectors/contacts?
 
#11
Do you want to connect the plugs to a prefab wire (coax or not), or do you want to build the cabe, too?

Mogami 3082 is highly regarded (and 2520 looks and feels very very nice—white/pale rose and very soft), and there is DIY Silver RCA Interconnect Cables

I tried the latter option—rather expensive, but fun. I then tried to „counter-proof“ it and twisted a pair of enameled copper wire—works too...
 
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#13
For analog RCA interconnects, there are many suitable coax cables from major bulk cable manufacturers.
Two primary factors:
a] outside diameter needs to fit the chosen connector.
b] heavy braided shield.

* * * * * * * * *
Save the shielded pair & quad cables for XLR balanced interconnects.
 
#14
Speedskater said:
For analog RCA interconnects, there are many suitable coax cables from major bulk cable manufacturers.
Two primary factors:
a] outside diameter needs to fit the chosen connector.
b] heavy braided shield.

* * * * * * * * *
Save the shielded pair & quad cables for XLR balanced interconnects.
Click to expand...
This. Go with the best braided shield (lowest DCR and highest coverage %) you can find, in the size that fits. Nothing else really matters.

Hum Rejection in Unbalanced Audio Cables -- Blue Jeans Cable

EDIT: Uh, if you don't have good crimping tools, try to stick with connectors that can be soldered.
 
#19
Shield resistance seems to be middling but pretty good relative to size; compare it to the ones in the Blue Jeans Cable article I linked above. 0.011 R/m is about 3.35 R / 1000 feet. Not sure if the inner and outer shields are in direct electrical contact but even if so, the DCR would be 2.96 R / 1000 feet. May still work well in your application but you decide if it's good enough vs other factors (cost, flexibility, availability, etc.)
 
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