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DIY Anti-IC project

I'm sold on Speltz Anti-Cable and Anti-IC products; they're great. First tried a set of biwire cables for my Magnepan speakers (bought the wire bulk from Speltz @ $1.25 per foot and using in twisted format with no termination), then a 1/2-meter set of Anti-ICs for between preamp & amp (TAD-150 and 60 respectively). Later I decided to install another set of the ICs between CD player and preamp, and inquired about buying the IC wire in bulk form in order to make'em myself (construction of these looked easy enough), but was told this particular gauge of wire is not available for purchase separately.

So, I was on the verge of ordering another 1/2-meter set, then one night while listening had a brainstorm: Why not construct a set of "super" Anti-ICs from the heavier gauge Anti-Cable speaker wire? Since my amp sits on top of the preamp, a 16" pair would be more than enough length, and then I could use the 1/2-meter set I already owned for between CD & preamp. So, I ordered 10' of bulk Anti-Cable from Speltz and (4) Neutrik RCA connectors from Parts Express ($1.75 each). I spiraled the cable around a 3/8" dowel rod, and used a single run of wire through the middle to complete each cable. Upon substitution of my newly-concocted "Anti-IC Plus" interconnects for the standard Speltz version, there was an immediately noticeable improvement in bass depth and impact, along with increased dynamics throughout the range and a bigger and more open sound stage.

I would not have written about this if the difference were less than subtle, in fact, I am one that is not a big believer in "cables can make a difference" (old-school engineering mentality) - But for the cost of $20 for the materials needed to make these interconnects, I urge any DIY'er to give it a shot - You'll like'em. (Email me for a photo of the finished cables if curious.) -Gary
ggeers222

Showing 10 responses by ggeers222

ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Just a clarification on the statement regarding my view of cables in general: While I certainly do believe that "cables can make a difference", I don't believe one has to spend ridiculous amounts of money for whiz-bang audio wires that perhaps sound no better than those costing but a fraction (Speltz products being an excellent example in the latter group). -Gary
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Jim, Speltz's wire is of a fairly high grade-copper; have your buddy make a set of interconnects using Speltz's heavy-gauge speaker wire as I have done and see how those compare :)
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Folks, for photo requests, email me directly - thanks. -Gary
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Hey there Paul - I thought this may get back to you sooner or later... All I can say is, c'mon over and listen to my system - Comparing my home-brews to my stock Anti-ICs installed between my tube preamp & amp is no contest - I don't hear any dumbing-down of resolution or slowing of transients; only an improvement in these attributes - I do believe that you have done a lot of testing to find the best balance in overall performance, but my "experiment" has proved quite worthy in my system (not trying to save money, either; I think Speltz products are one of the best deals in high end audio). Maybe it's because mine are very short runs; who knows - My original concept was to create a non-cable "buss bar" between amp & preamp, and I think I've done it. But as they say, your mileage may vary :) -Gary
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Thanks all for your responses & inquiries - Of those who proposed building their own set to similar specs, I've gotten feedback since that their results are as positive as my own where sonic values are concerned. As mine have broken in even more, their virtues are as strong as ever. A little bit of labor goes a long way; there's no "magic" involved when using the same materials as the OEM - You just need to go ahead and give it a go; have some fun and save a bundle while you're at it. Cheers - Gary
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Pic of these can be seen in my "System #1" virtual system post.
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Update: My home-brew "Anti-IC Plus" interconnects are out; the new "Avatar Blu" interconnects are in. In fact, these cables also replaced my Speltz-made standard-issue Anti-ICs (which are for sale if anyone's interested).

The Avatar interconnects are made from a very thin gauge solid core copper (in this case NOS genuine Bell Tel wire with a manufacture date stamp of 1978) in a twisted-pair configuration, and closely resemble the Morrow Audio MA-1 interconnects (testimonials by purchasers rave about the MA-1 on Morrow's site). Yep, I like to clone good cables for a fraction of retail cost - As long as I don't try to sell my creations to the public thereby undercutting the manufacturers who offered the "same" product first, why not.

After an ear-opening listen to the prototype pair I'd made with gold RCA plugs and silver solder, I've since replaced all interconnects (Speltz and otherwise) in each of my stereo systems with the Avatar cables - Their main attributes are superior bass depth and tightness, a very open and natural-sounding midrange, plus an overall more coherent soundstage presentation than anything I've heard in my systems. These results are in part due to the very low capacitance of the wire, plus minimum high-frequency skin effect due to its thin gauge. As a bonus, there are zero hum or RF issues even though the twisted pair is completely unshielded.

I've given sets of these to a few of my trusted audio pals, and the reports of improvement in each case are much the same - I'm being begged for additional pairs. Mind you, Speltz Anti-ICs are great cables (especially for the price), but now I've found something even better.
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Don't have any idea where this same wire can be sourced today; I obtained my spool of the stuff back in '78, the year it was manufactured. There's a mystique surrounding the very pure copper that was made by Bel Tel all those years ago, and the very thin gauge indeed belies what its capable of in terms of full frequency spectrum presentation. (I never would have believed this if not hearing it for myself - That's why I asked several of my friends' trusted ears to back me up on my findings.)
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
Lewinskih01, those are some really wild lookin' cables! And you've just jogged my memory that about 20 years ago I made speaker cables from old 1/2"-thick 50-wire round SCSI cable - The separately-insulated wires were silver-coated copper, and I separated these 25/25 at each speaker terminal. The pair was about 6 feet long. The sound? Wretched! Thin, shrill, and practically bass-less... All that trouble to strip those 200 wire ends and for naught. So who woulda thunk after all these years that Speltz's solid-core Anti-Cable would be the cat's meow? Or that a single solid-core 26-gauge phone wire for an interconnect would be the lion's roar? :)
ggeers222 OP
37 posts
 
"Gary -

These might be magical.

Have to switch back to the Opera Billie ICs to confirm (though I have a good ear, my aural "memory" is short-lived), but this is my thought from within about the first 30 minutes of listening tonight.

I'd been listening the the Opera ICs since I got the equipment set up last Thursday. I think I know what things sound like with the Operas based on the last week's listening.

There are two output jacks from the Cyber 50 pre-amp. Have had the Avatars running from Output 2 but unconnected to the amps from day 1. Listening to the Opera Billies from Output 1.

Plugged the Avatars into the amps tonight.

Thought things really came alive... the music opened up and seemed to float.

More air & space, separation & detail (and on bass) without harshness. More stage depth.

I have to go back and run the Billies again but the initial impression is very, very favorable...and this is right 'out of the box'.

Maybe 3 hrs as I write this."
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