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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
ronniet
4 posts
 
Off topic ever so slightly, but Paul Speltz declares "the 840C CD player has an artificially excitable high end zip" ?? In the many reviews of this player since its introduction, none has ever mentioned such a characteristic - In fact, most reviewers and owners alike remark on how neutral and and open upper ranges are reproduced - I wonder if Speltz has actually heard one of these himself, and if so, what associated equipment comprised the particular system? (Maybe one using his own cables?) Ron T.
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
ronniet
4 posts
 
I read Mr. Speltz's post again, and I suppose he would argue that those major manufacturers whose flagship interconnect cables utilize a relatively high aggregate gauge of copper (or silver, or whatever) is likely to time-smear music transients and make a customer's proportionately expensive rig sound more like a "stereo system" than music... It would be interesting to hear reactions from the designers at Cardas, AudioQuest and Tara Labs (to name only a few) to such a statement suggesting that their garden-hose-sized IC's are likely "worse" sounding than their much cheaper (skinnier-gauge) offerings. Ron T.
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.
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