Duelund DCA 12ga Hookup Wire

For SC, twisted to both legs and then twisted both legs together. 

For XLR, twisted to pin 2 and 3.   Using copper braided shield.

Thank you joe.

This is my first post on AGon so I hope I'm doing it correctly!
Last week I built a set of DCA 16ga XLR interconnects using Switchcraft XLRs. I simply braided the wires from pins 1, 2, and 3 "Kimber Kable" style, using no outer shield. Immediately upon installing between a DirectStream DAC and my Pass Labs 30.8 there was a dramatic improvement in sound quality over a VERY expensive set of Synergistic Research XLR interconnects. I let the new ICs burn-in by streaming internet radio continuously, when not actively listening. After just 48 hours the sound smoothed-out and opened-up dramatically and continues to improve even now. There is extreme realism in how images and instruments are portrayed. Bass definition and impact are indeed impressive. Has anyone tried this method of construction...i.e. weaving/ or braiding the conductors with no shield? Any thoughts or recommendations for improvements are most appreciated.

Good to hear the unshielded, 3 wire braid sounds good.

There are many ways to approach this.

1) you don't need a ground at all.  Can use Pins 2 and 3 only.  Others have tried this; I haven't heard it.

2) Counter-spiral a ground (Pin 1) around a twisted pair for Pins 2 and 3.  Or put the twisted pair in a  teflon or other tube, and counter-spiral the ground outside the tube.

3) Twisted pair with braided shield for Pin 1.

Grannyring has likely tried variations 20 ways from Sunday.  Hopefully he will offer his view.  I recall he likes the braided shield for XLR.

@grannyring how long does it take the Duelund 12GA wire to break-in?