AMB makes really great products. Quality wise, this is a good match. Keep us posted to what you find for the matchup, both sonically and functionally.
I can't compare the IP to other preamps, but I'd encourage you to read post #1,307 by @Toadroller in the other IP thread. I mean, if that doesn't twist your arm...
It sounds incredible, you won't be disappointed. Genuinely special.
What does it sound like compared to other preamps? I rather prefer it.
That would be the best that I could describe it as well. I have owned so much great, good, and meh equipment. This is one that you are stricken by even on the first listen. I have built/owned equipment that may have sounded as good, but none better.
We'll see what happens. I'm using his LCDuino 1 controller and Delta 1 and 2 combo for volume and source selection. The Iron Pre boards are my Christmas present so it'll likely be January 2025 before I have something to report
I have bought the balanced SMD kit, just got it home. I have another cable question. For the SE outputs, I'm drawn to the Mogami W2381 for it's reported flexibility and I like that it's thin. But what should I use for the balanced connections? I'd prefer something similar, but I obviously need two conductors plus shield. Can someone point me to some good quality cable fitting the thin and flexible requirements?
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3fxx and https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3mxx
These have been the gold standard for many https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3mx?c=audio and https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3fx?c=audio It appears they're being phased out. I have used all of the above for years
These have been the gold standard for many https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3mx?c=audio and https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3fx?c=audio It appears they're being phased out. I have used all of the above for years
My bad... I thought you were talking about the connectors. This is what I use for the balanced interconnects https://partsconnexion.com/cardas-cable-2-x-21-5awg-twinaxial-w-shield/
Yes, it's $13 a foot. Yes you can hear a difference. I stopped making cables with canare and mogami cable after I did a shootout with my own setup a few years back. I made 3 or 4 sets of identical cables and the cardas won out every time. The connectors, gear, length, and termination were the same except for the cable
Yes, cable. I do have good quality hookup wire I could use but I don't fancy twisting and braiding them for the SE and BAL wiring.
I thought about going for some fancy pants ultra pure copper interconnect cable, but it would be good for my wallet to stay sane for once. Also, as I said, I would like to keep them thin and flexible.
I'm most probably overthinking this as usual. I bet just about any balanced mic cable would be good. Still it would be nice if someone could recommend one they have had good experiences with.
I thought about going for some fancy pants ultra pure copper interconnect cable, but it would be good for my wallet to stay sane for once. Also, as I said, I would like to keep them thin and flexible.
I'm most probably overthinking this as usual. I bet just about any balanced mic cable would be good. Still it would be nice if someone could recommend one they have had good experiences with.
I think that although not as flexible as using two separate W2381 wires, the W2697 in the picture is pretty good and flexible. It has two center conductors and the shield for ground. If you want two conductors, ground, and shield, then W2944 is a decent option (console cable). The W2552 is too thick in my opinion for a short run in a chassis like Iron Pre and is intended to be dragged around a stage.
Very helpful, Thanks!
So for the ones with both ground and shield, do you connect both shield and ground together? I do not want to derail this thread into cables, but I am uncertain if the shield should be connected or not when both ground and shield are available?
Maybe the info could be useful to others also?
So for the ones with both ground and shield, do you connect both shield and ground together? I do not want to derail this thread into cables, but I am uncertain if the shield should be connected or not when both ground and shield are available?
Maybe the info could be useful to others also?
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you could use a drill to twist it up quickly, if you're wanting to experiment. Sound wise in my shootout the Canare and Mogami sounded the same with maybe a slight edge to Canare but termination was easier with the Mogami because the shield is not braided. If I was going to choose between the two I think Mogami is an easier product to work with and makes a good cable for the money.
I'll try to answer my own question. I did some reading about this. If I understand it correctly, the wire you call ground is a drain wire. It's purpose is to ease the termination, and it is in contact with the shield along the length of the cable.
If you want to go with balanced cable, based on the wide variety of balanced cable I've "tried" (I haven't soldered with all of those in picture), I'd recommend the balanced microphone lapel cable, W2697. It is soft and suppel, 2.5mm OD, has three conductors (one is a wrapped shield), and costs $0.31/ft. In my opinion it checks all the boxes.
My second choice would be W2944, which is also 2.5mm OD, but has an extra ground conductor, which is not insulated and, as noted above, is in contact with the shield. Because of the added wire, it's less flexible than the W2697.
Cable in photo in no particular order...
Mogami W2696 / W2552 / W2944 / W2983 / W2971 / W2799 / W2549
Canare L-4E6S / L-2E5
My second choice would be W2944, which is also 2.5mm OD, but has an extra ground conductor, which is not insulated and, as noted above, is in contact with the shield. Because of the added wire, it's less flexible than the W2697.
Cable in photo in no particular order...
Mogami W2696 / W2552 / W2944 / W2983 / W2971 / W2799 / W2549
Canare L-4E6S / L-2E5
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Like I've said... it's no secret that the Iron Pre has keeps a spot in my heart. The only one that I thought was maybe more fun was the ACP+ with the BJ2. As I recall, that combo had a softness / pleasantness to it that no recording from the loudness wars era could even make sound harsh. Completely different animals, IMO.
Hello ItsAllInMyHead,
what is the meaning of "ACP+ with the BJ2"?
ACP is clear but "BJ2"? May be a dump question......
all the best
Helmut
Hello ItsAllInMyHead,
what is the meaning of "ACP+ with the BJ2"?
ACP is clear but "BJ2"? May be a dump question......
all the best
Helmut
I think he means the Babelfish J2 by MightyOmniZenMod https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...j2-on-steroids-or-not-your-fathers-j2.343073/