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Not Chinese Fakes But Not big $$$ Either

Tired and bored after reading 11 pages of posts about Chinese Counterfeit Cables (guilty of a couple entries myself), and looking for a DYI project, I decided to split the difference between Cheap Fakes and outrageous prices for name brand American made cables.  After doing lots of research and reading I selected bulk "CHELA"  speaker cable from VHAudio https://www.vhaudio.com/speakercables.html  and connectors, shrink tube etc, from AV Outlet https://www.avoutlet.com/av-cables-connectors/av-connectors/speaker/furez-sp8-wp38xlnp/

This has been a fun project and a first for me.  The total cost was +/- $400 per 8 foot cable.  Given the quality of materials, such as 48 strand OCC copper wires, which translates to 10 AWG, I think the cost is very reasonable.  I try to build as much as I can but mostly it has been woodworking in the past.  I encourge everyone to try their hand at projects.  It's always more rewarding than shoveling cash at retailers. If you're interested, here's the project in detail.

Cheers

 

bigtwin

Showing 3 responses by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,702 posts
 

bigtwin:

I use this for solid core (26/22 gauge) 47 Labs and Neotech wire (the short handled stripper Chris linked also looks good - just ordered one).

 

DeKay

 

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,702 posts
 

carlsbad:

Yes, they are the sweet spot for solid core and even stranded (if the insulation is somewhat easy to strip and once properly graduated).

They did the job when I used them to strip Canare 4S11 (just lost a few stands with 16 strips) but it was a painful experience.

I also successfully used them with various Kimber bulk cable years ago.

Hoping that the one's Chris rec'd will be kindler/gentler when I revisit the Canare to add connectors (want fresh/clean ends for that).

I didn't gather from the pics that Big's cable has 48 insulated wires (found out when I reviewed his link) and can only imagine the sense of accomplishment involved with stripping 192 wires for a stereo pair.

I also saved his "link" to the bare 92% copper connectors/spades as they also interest me, but I do not own a crimping tool (don't know what's good/OK/waste of time).

I have a couple of copper bearing solders from Chimera Labs and another source which might be interesting to try.

DeKay

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,702 posts
 

Thanks for the info.

Don't see it on the Klein I just ordered, but seem to recall it on a pair long handled strippers that I had years ago.

I already have "copper" spades from Amazon but they didn't pass the magnet test (too much pull) so your pick looks better for the Canare experiment.

 

DeKay

 

 

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