Long XLR recommendations


Hi all, due to a wifely requirement I have to run balanced interconnects about ~30 feet.  These will go between a BAT VK-3ix and Liberty Audio B2B-100s running mono.  Ready made cables would be prohibitively expensive for an approx. 10m run so I'm looking at DIY. 

I've previously tried Mogami and Canare but haven't been too impressed, they both seemed a bit dull and lacking inner detail.  I've built several cables using Furez FZ162AA that I liked better than the Mogami/Canare but, of course, I'm looking for something better.

Trying to keep costs below $10/ft rules out a lot of cables but i don't want to break the bank.  I've been looking at Neotech NEI-3004 and DH Labs BL-1.  Would either of these be "better" to the Furez cable?  If you think there is other cable that I've forgotten please chime in.  

I plan to use DH Labs XLR connectors for these cables.  Are there other affordable XLRs that use copped conductors?

Thanks in advance for the recommendations and opinions.

tko956

I personally use EBXYA, it's enough for me to support my daily work, and it's cheap enough for you to try.

Link:www.ebxya.com

I have had Liberty audio gears ( preamp and Power amp). Very good gears. I asked Peter for an XLR between and i received the gears with  Harmony Technologie Precision . It was very good and better than a Organic audio XLR.

i still have the Harmonic Technologie between my Pbn audio LXIS and EBSA -1. 
 

just my 2 cents

I love the Benchmark XLR cables. They sound good and are tough. Unlike a delicate flower cable brand that I spent a lot of money on and have the cable repeatedly failing.

@tko956 I heard 3001 in my system between phono amp and line stage. It was terminated with the very nice Neotech gold plated RCA connectors. It’s a fine sounding cable and I would take it over Mogami any day. But if you go cheap on connectors, you might get a different sounding cable and you won’t be happy.

Yes, Peter is definitely one of the good guys.  I've been lucky enough to hear the PBN line at his house and THE Show.  He's going to have his top of the line stuff at THE Show again next weekend.  It is really special stuff. I'll probably talk to him about cables for the Liberty Audio amps next weekend.

 

Lucky for me Peter is about an hour drive away.

Lucky indeed! He’s one of the jewels in high-end audio IMHO and just a great guy. I also got to review one of his Liberty speakers that were also outstanding and an incredible value for what they delivered sonically. Just sorry I was never able to listen to or review any of his upscale PBN products as I’m sure they’re really something. Oh well. Maybe ask Peter what he’d recommend for long XLR interconnects, or maybe he’d even whip you up a custom pair — wouldn’t put it past him. Couldn’t hurt to ask, right? He’ll definitely give you the straight poop if nothing else. The dude’s a total straight shooter as I’m sure you well know.

@audphile1 Thanks for the recommendations but that's a bit more than I would like to spend.

@soix Thanks for the Audio Envy suggestion. I will probably reach out to them. The Liberty amps are the best I’ve had in my room. I moved from Hypex NC500 to these and a home audition pushed me over the edge. Lucky for me Peter is about an hour drive away. I was able to buy some darn good amps and support a local small business at the same time. Win, win in my book.

If anyone else has suggestions I’d love to hear them!

Maybe also consider Furutech connectors?  Furutech seems to get good reviews from DIY cable types…

https://www.thecableco.com/catalogsearch/result

Although a bit above your $10/foot price target you might also check out Audio Envy that are still pretty cost effective and get great reviews…

https://audioenvy.com/product/monitor/onestian-g10-pair/

Incidentally, I reviewed the stereo version of your amps and found it to be outstanding and one of the best amps I’ve had in my system, especially when in high-bias mode.  Peter REALLY wanted me to do a follow-up review of the monoblock version as he was adamant they were a big step up in sound quality, but unfortunately the publisher wouldn’t go for it.  Really great amps you’ve got there, and best of luck with the interconnects.

Stretch it to NEI-3001 and use rhodium plated connectors if you want more clarity. Gold plated will be warmer. Check soniccraft website. 

@erik_squires thanks for that, I forgot about the connex cable.  I'm not too fond of solid silver though.  For some reason, mogami never really floated my boat.

@dill thanks for the BL-1 vote

Has anybody used the NEI-3004?

The DH Labs BL-1 is a silver coated copper cable highly recommended as is Erik's suggestion too if you want all silver.

I really like Mogami so surprised that didn't work out for you.  Parts Connexion has a DH labs sourced balanced, pure silver cable but it may be just out of reach. 

 

https://www.partsconnexion.com/CONNEX-66070.html