[net.audio] patch cord summary

seifert@ihuxl.UUCP (D.A. Seifert) (08/02/84)

Hi gang!  As promised, here is the summary of responses to my query
of "which patch cords should I buy?"
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My recommendations for 1-meter pairs by retail price are:
	1. Audio-Technica AT641 ($8)
	2. Discwasher Gold-Ends ($13)
	3. Monster Interlink III ($30)
	4. Monster Interlink ($50)
	5. Monster Interlink Reference ($80)
There are many more (Levinson, et. al.), but these give the most bang
for the buck.  I use regular Interlink and float the ground on the left
channel at one connector to remove the ground loop between the two
chassis.  Quality cables may not provide audible improvements depending
on the rest of your system.  If your system is sufficiently refined,
there is quite a difference between #2 and #3 and well worth the over
doubling in price.  I also use Interlink on the turntable and a separate
ground wire made from 14 strands of #26 wire wrap wire.  I'd highly
recommend this mod even if you have a moving coil cartridge.

You're going to get a lot of response from people saying that you're
wasting your money.  DON'T LISTEN TO THEM.  The best way to properly
evaluate this kind of a purchase is to arrange to borrow a pair from a
retailer and try them yourself on your system.  Decide for yourself if
it's worth the extra bucks.  Keep an open mind and remember that when
you upgrade your equipment you'll keep the cables.

		Yours for higher fidelity,
		Phil Rastocny
		AT&T-ISL
		..!drutx!pmr
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As far as cables, I use the cheap gold-plated connector
type from wherever I find them.  You shouldn't get hit for
more than about 4-5 dollars for each pair.

JJ

[ rabbit!jj ]
_____________________________________



You might look into TEAC cables.  Their marketing claims are (from
memory):

	Full braided shield
	Uncrushable dielectric (good for stepping on accidentally)
	Low capacitance (15pf/ft??)
	center conductor mixed pure copper/coper plated steel (strong)
	steel RCA shells, plated (strong)
	shield soldered all the way around
	elliptically moulded finger grips (good grip)

I use them on my home studio because they can take a lot of plugging and
unplugging without coming apart.  They also have minimal effect on the
sound because of the low capacitance.  They are not goldplated so
audiophiles won't like them, they also aren't 1/2 inch thick...

Cost: fairly high compared to Radio Shack, but I have had several RS
cables crap out so they are no longer even considered.

	Steve Falco  AT&T BL Whippany

	[ ihnp4!burl!clyde!saf ]
______________________________

I haven't decided on anything yet, too busy moving.  Thanks to all
who responded.
-- 
	_____
       /_____\		"Get out there and keep moving forward!"
      /_______\				- Leo Franchi
	|___|			    Snoopy
    ____|___|_____	       ihnp4!ihuxl!seifert