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Duelund conversion to DIY Helix Geometry Cabling

I have been an avid user of the Duelund cabling for over two years now and have used them exclusively in my system with great results. I have built many for friends and have used a full loom of interconnects, speaker cables, power cords and an extensive wiring modification for a previously owned balanced power conditioner utilizing Duelund 600V PolyCast wiring which was transformative. My cabling desires can be a little addictive as I have owned and evaluated 40+ brands of cabling costing more than an entire stereo system!

Over the past six months I stumbled upon a thread here on Audiogon in regards to a Helix designed cabling and as you probably already know, I just had to look a little deeper into this cable design…After a month of studying and sourcing parts, I decided to reach out to the designer/architect, Williewonka who gave more insights and philosophy on how the cable came into existence.

That conversation got the ball rolling in converting one of my KLE Duelund interconnects to Steve’s Helix designed which only entailed replacing the neutral with a Mil-Spec 16 AWG silver-plated copper wire with the neural wire being 3 times longer than the signal wire and of course the “Coiling” of the neutral wire : )

After the modification was complete, I was not sure what to expect from the Helix cabling but I was quite shocked with the results with “ZERO” burn-in time…The sound stage became much wider/deeper with a much tighter/focused image and clarity/transparency is like nothing I have ever heard in any cabling regardless of cost. In fact, I just sold a full loom of a commercially designed Helix Cable that’s renowned around the world and has more direct sale than any cable manufacturer; these $200 DIY Helix Cables walked all over them…

I believe you will hear the same results as I have and have heard back from friends who have already modified their Duelunds with the same results; WOW! Remember the cables will need 200+ hours to burn-in and settle into your system. My system is now 90% DIY Helix to include IC, SC, PC and Coax with each cabling adding its beauty of an organic and natural presentation that draws you into the fabric of the music.

You can tailor the sound of your cables using Duelund, Mundorf silver/1% gold, the outstanding Vh Audio OCC Solid Copper or Silver with Airlok Insulation or your favorite wiring and you can change it at any time…

 

http://www.image99.net/blog/files/category-diy-cables.html

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/difference-in-sound-between-copper-and-silver-digital-cables

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/adding-shielding-to-existing-cables

 

Enjoy,

Wig


128x128wig

Showing 5 responses by corelli

corelli
947 posts
 
Going to give this a go.  Looking at the KLE plugs, that little spade connector tab looks like the absolute worst design I have seen.  How do you get a secure mechanical connection with that!  You are relying on a bridge of solder as a connector.  Ughhhh.
I will use the Furutech 111g, Progold the VH copper, and secure directly with a set screw.  Will keep you posted.
corelli
947 posts
 
Thanks Steve.  I suspect with "unicrystal" wire, directionality becomes less of an issue.  
corelli
947 posts
 
I certainly wouldn't challenge you guys--you have far more experience than I ever will.  I have no doubt those little tabs heat up quickly and afford a good solder joint.  My OCD kicks in however when solder is the primary conductor in this type of design.  The Furutech 111 plug uses low mass high quality gold plated pure copper for both signal and return.  The set screw is on the both legs as well, so no soldering the return to a high mass barrel.  It really is a nice design-check it out.  
corelli
947 posts
 
Thanks for the above pointers gentleman.

I have been listening to my very short 17" IC's using 18g VH copper, single run on both legs, for the last day.  Furutech 111g plugs with ProGold, set screw termination.

Was skeptical at first but these really are nice.  Compared to the Supra EFF-1 cables I have, these seem more dynamic, detailed, less confused sound.  Bass has more authority.  A very balanced and natural sound.  Thanks for sharing this info guys.  A great value, fun project.

One concern.  These cables can vibrate like a spring. That can't be good. Makes me wonder if some cotton tubing on the signal conductor might dampen this tendency.
corelli
947 posts
 
After building my helix IC's I decided I am going to use a cotton sleeve on the signal and return to mitigate the "spring" in this cable.  

Question--I used the 18g VH copper and after the fact realized I payed no attention to the direction of the wire.  Is this wire non-directional?
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