Interconnect Cable builds for different DIY budgets

Links to wires:

Links to connectors:

Cotton and PTFE tubes:

00:00 Intro
01:20 Generic Cheap Interconnect
02:39 Don't do this
04:59 Do this instead
06:27 DIY on the cheap
08:04 Insulation importance
13:23 Easy and Great option
16:18 RCA connector suggestions
22:29 Ultimate Build RCA
25:12 Ultimate Build XLR
27:16 Great Value Builds XLR
31:10 What I use

Test setup
Streamer:
DACs:
Preamps:
Amps:
Speakers:

Head-Fi test setup:

#hifi #audiophile #cables

[iiWiReviews]

A few added information and one correction:
1. AST silver wire costs €15 a meter when you buy in bulk. The retail price is higher, and when VAT is added, it comes closer to €30. However, I still think it's an exquisite product.

2. Many of you asked about the soldering tin I use. I never compared soldering tins since several variants of the same cables would be required. Time-consuming and expensive. I used Mundorf Supreme Silver 10% for those pure silver cables and Cardas or WBT 2% for the rest. Why if I never tested and confirmed they make a difference? Just for peace of mind.

3. About shielding - I don't shield these short cable runs. Shielding has some pros and some cons, sonically, in my opinion. Not to go into technicalities why is that - It makes the sound cleaner with a darker background, but also less airy and less rich. It becomes somewhat more analytical. So I usually don't do it. A different system in a different space, with maybe longer cables or simply more EMI noise, might still benefit from it.

[TomasKlockrike]

One of the most intresting hifi YouTube videos I've seen for years! More of these please! Power cables - YES!

[mlhm]

Yes on speaker and power cables, yes, yes, yes!!!

[robertm]

You are doing a great job; your skill in using spoken words to describe what you hear is really remarkable.
Yes please on the speaker and power cable videos.

[reptidan]

This is amazing! Please do the other cables aswell! ❤️

[JOEKDAH]

I did it and I love them!
Build
Duelund pure silver
Low-mass RCA plastic - gold plated

What I replaced
REAGA COUPLE 2 interconnects / 179 Euro

Impressions
High - Smother - positive
Mids - more details - positive
Low - more texture - positive
Greater 3d presentation and more “analog” sound.
I like it a lot!!
I may get silver plated RCAs to compare sometime in the future, but now will enjoy the music ❤️

Thanx a lot for this. Truly appreciate it!!

[ChicagoRob]

I have two, great, low-cost alternatives: Mogami 2549 microphone cable, or Canare L-2T2S microphone cable. Both are twisted pairs and utilize very high quality copper. The trick is to connect the shield only at the source end and let the other end “float.” Sonically, both cables exhibit excellent neutrality and transparency. Connectors of choice are gold-plated Rean Neutric. Total cost to build either interconnect is less than $15.

[edwardjenner]

A very refreshing take on audio cables. Also I’m delighted to learn that we don’t need snakeoil when linseed oil will suffice ;-)

[ronaldmcdonald]

I do the tip cup with a couple of other gurus because they've taught me a bundle, AND, saved me a bundle, AND, made the retirement years really rewarding. The spirit of giving and cooperation in some sectors of the community is often overwhelming. And I jus luv me some diy cables!😃

[sloboat]

I wish I could afford the cost of this valuable information. I thank you for it.

[pjv]

Wow. I have been a pretty big skeptic of connect wires making a large difference to what I can hear (as much due to my old ears as anything else). But because I can’t resist a good DIY, I made a pair of short RCA interconnects for between my dac and amp using the Duelund tinned copper wire and the Low-mass RCA metal plugs you linked to and I really have to repeat: wow. Huge difference, audible even to my old ears. much more open, lively, vibrant, defined. Thank you so much for making this video.

[marlonharewood]

Good timing, sir. During the week, I was thinking I need new cables. I can't afford new cables. This weekend, I'm going to look for videos on how to make my own cables. You're a mind reader. Thanks a mill.

[JOXperience]

Awesome. I'm going to try some of your suggestions. I hope you continue making these DIY videos. Thanks.

[ut]

Excellent summary that matches my experience in building my own cables. Yes, you can also build speaker and power cables yourself and save a lot of $. Connectors matter!

[RyanMitchell-cp]

Thank you so much for the presentation! I ordered some 0.55AST material and all I can say is wow!
2 interconnects have completely transformed my system. Now I ‘m into serious hiend territory:) And using cheap silver-plated low mass RCA connectors from Ebay.

[petko]

excellent video. please make one for speaker and power cables as well ❤

[briankelly]

What an interesting and useful video. I am very interested in your views on speaker cables and power cables.

Much continued success!

[MrKisa]

Super, sam pravim sebi kablove, jos nisam cuo neku specijlnu razliku, mora da imas super sluh, a u hi fi-ju sam 50 godina, video is amazing...

[volkermuller-mattheis]

👍🏻 Congratulations on this very successful lecture and the precise presentation of your listening results.

[carmenandthedevil]

Love it. Great video mate. I've saved it to Favorites for Referencing.👍 Subscribed.