Thanks @taras22 . I find unshielded ICs to sound more open and natural. I will build a set of double. |
Without trying to read through this entire thread is the SM simply building a set of ICs with the internal wiring reflecting two individual ICs with one set of connectors. For example, a twisted pair RCA IC build would simply have two twisted pairs of internal conductors terminated to an individual RCA on each end. Two conductors soldered to the center pin and two conductors soldered to the outer shell. That’s it right? This is disruptive? Seems we are just doubling up the conductors. This has been done and is currently being done. I must be missing something here? Kimber and Canare make ICs with doubled up conductors.
The above example is for an unshielded set of ICs using the SM. I prefer the sound of unshielded ICs when possible. For shielded ICs I assume each of the two twisted pairs are individually shielded. |
Yes shield xlr. When shielding RCA interconnects I think they sound best with the shield connected at one end only, not both ends. However, whether you connect the braided copper shield to one end, both ends, or no ends, I find the shield does impact the sound by darkening it and making it sound slightly more closed in.
I also prefer the sound of all natural silk and cotton conductor coverings and outer jackets. I find these natural fibers help the cable sound more natural in tone and overall presentation. I will build my test SM IC set using Duelund 20 gauge stranded copper in oil impregnated cotton conductors with a cotton outer jacket.
Many ways to build a great sounding IC. Some very innovative as represented by Taras22 and others. |
Connecting the shield to the source or sending end is to reduce noise. Any noise picked up by the shield won’t be carried over to the next component.
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@maxima95
Too busy filling orders right now, but can easily do it. It is a very simple build really. I can do XLR or RCA. I could use 16 or 20 gauge. I just built a usb cable using this idea. Interesting and more difficult to do right. |
Just wanted to share I have made some for my customers and they love them. Folks are contacting me about these so there is still interest. Folks reading here don’t neccessarily post. |
Oh my! Time to just build 1/0 gauge speaker cables and be done with it! 🤓 |
I have tried power cords and prefer single runs in my builds. Playing with speaker cables right now. |
Correct, larger gauge won’t get you what you are looking for. I tried a standard 12 gauge set vs the DS method with 16ga and the DS method with 16 gauge was certainly better in every way. |
I test and make cables daily. It is what I do. Yes, I test all manner of gauge, dialectic, twist, materials etc.., No, not just once or one combo.
It may be possible to find an outlier to my comment and in audio one must always leave the door of possibility open. I also know we all hear differently. My comment is based on my experiences, in general, with ICs. I did not take the time to post all my gauge testing in my post above.
Yes, the previous posts are in agreement with your comment about additional conductors being a good thing. This is a point of agreement. This is especially true when done in the DS arrangement. However, if using only one positive and one negative individually insulated wire there is a point when the thicker gauge is no longer a benifit. It actually becomes a sonic negative. I gave one example.
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I double up 16 gauge conductors on my SM ICs and the results are stunning. To me the sheer ease and control of the music hits me first. Then comes the wonderful full bodied and expansive sound resulting from this method of building ICs.
I now offer this SM method IC as a regular offering in my line. I do not use sound degrading Y connectors, but wire two individual ICs within one jacket. Best way to do it by a wide margin.
Listening right now to a newly built double run for a customer and just love the impact, control, exceptional ease and double portion of meat on the bones body and weight.
Thanks Doug! |
Great question. Two new ICs. One standard and one double both with KLEI Absolute Harmony plugs which are the best sounding rca plugs I have used. |
I have built and sold many of these SM ICs to users of class D amps and not one issue! |
No issues at all. Just the opposite......better sounding music! |
Yes Doug. I have made quite a few of these for folks and I also use them now. I like the greater sense of ease and control as well as the improved mid to deep bass foundation and larger stage size in all directions! |
Yes I have. Double runs of 12 gauge Duelund Polycast wire on each of the three runs - Live, Neutral and Ground. Very nice results. |
I use my SM ICs on The Truth no gain preamp with great results. My customers use SM ICs on SET amps with great results. No issues at all with SM ICs based on my experiences with customers on all manner of gear.
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