nice PCB connectors for signal, please?

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Joined 2017
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Hi fellow builders

I'm after nice, practicable, affordable connectors for my amp- and preamp-projects... that is, signal-connections as in "wire-board" as well as "board-board".
There are plenty at the usual suppliers, but I'm a bit lost because of the many variables to look for, and a lack of relevant experience?

obviously important are
- connection-quality
- signal-integrity
- ease of use
- price & availability

of course, if there was something that is looking good it'd be all the better.

thank you!
david
 
If there is no need in some determined impedance (for example 50 Ohm for high-frequency applications), then for wire-board connection type I use usual popular ones. For example the cheapest 2.5 (2.54) mm one I think is NX2500 series: nx2500-02sms ( A2501WV-2P1 ) for PCB. NX2501-02PFS is Female wire part.
 
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I like Molex or JST connectors. Easy to work with. I don't crimp, just solder them, after tweezing them a bit with pliers, or they don't fit on the connector housing.
On newer digital amp stuff they use flat cables, not easy to work with & You are limited to standard length sizes. Not suited for many connections / disconnections.
Flat-cable like those used for old PATA HDDs & Floppy disks is also an alternative and was also used on many gear years ago.
You cut the wire and assemble the cable on a Vise for example.
 
Molex KK 100 for signal is OK. I never experienced trouble with the non gold plated versions but I heard of trouble with the tinned version long ago. Maybe it was solved as I use these a lot and they never fail. I have the original crimp tool and it is an easy job to crimp the connectors.

For power and higher currents: Phoenix MKDSN.
 
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