Anybody here terminate DH Labs BL-1 cable?

BL-1 does have a shield!

You just don't realize it. It's super-thin foil. You are probably cutting through it when you pull off the insulation.

For RCA, connect the shield and - together only on one end. Usually on the source.

On the far end leave the shield unconnected, and connect the - to the outer RCA shell and the + to the center pin.

It helps if you mark them before assembling. :)

The drain is in contact with the shield across the length of the cable. It IS the contact for the shield. You never solder or crimp to a delicate foil shield like this directly.

Connect the drain at 1 end only, and place it towards the source for best RF removal with RCA cables.

With balanced, of course, you connect the drain wire to pin 1 and the outer casing.

Sorry Aux, it doesn't add up like that unless you mean your + and - each have a pair of 20 AWG conductors. :)

Just like with speaker cables. A single pair of 14AWG does not add up to a 12 AWG. :)

Erik

Um, assuming there are no ground loops, and perhaps no other ground path, then the shield would absolutely become part of the circuit. Consider devices without a ground pin, otherwise yes, current would be distributed exactly as stated above.

If I’m paying for pure silver conductors, or fancy litz, etc. with an aluminum foil shield and AL drain, then I would want to avoid having any current in that shield at all. To do that I must avoid connecting the drain at both ends.

Now, what you may like to listen to is another story. :)

Best,

Erik

I don’t know why people are getting confused. It’s exactly the same as with a speaker or AC plug. The circuit, to be a circuit, is a loop.

Try cutting off the neutral wire on an AC plug and see how well your amp plays then. :)

I think part of the confusion is the AC safety ground. You should never rely on the chassis, and AC ground conductor to carry a signal. That’s not what it’s there for. The signal ground and chassis ground should either be completely disconnected, or have high impedance isolation.

And never disconnect the AC safety ground pin.

Best,


Erik