Thanks all for your information and recommendations. Such a spread, where the Mogami W2534 Neglex Quad cable + Connectors will be +/- $250 (CDN) for the project and Audio Envy O’nestian (Matched Pair) will be +/- $2000 (CND) assuming they will build a 45 ft pair. At almost 10x's the cost, will the Audio Envy cables be "WOW" better than the DYI Mogami?
Really Long XLR
Looking to move my front end gear to the side wall in a new listening room. If I don't want cables running across the floor in front in my speakers etc., then I'm going to need a set of XLR interconnects in the 40 - 45 foot range. Wondering what other members have done and what cables have been selected for a very long run. Obviously the companies asking $$$$ for a one meter set are not in the running. All suggestions are welcome. Not afraid to build my own if anyone has had great experience with bulk XLR cable. Thanks.
Showing 10 responses by bigtwin
Once again, thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions, One thing I do find surprising is the strong support for cables costing $1 - $2 per foot. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for a reason to spend more than required, but for the main cable carrying the signal from preamp to power amp, I am truly surprised there is anyone suggesting this is the place where a $50 - $100 cable is the appropriate choice. This is going to be way more difficult that I thought. Luckily, I don’t need to make the decision for several months. I do like the specs and cost of Audio Envy O’nestian Matched pair. OCC copper. They will build a 45 foot pair for $1200. For the DIY, so many to choose from. And of course there is the Nordost Odin knock off from China. 🤣🤣🤣 |
@mattmiller Thanks Matt. Signal Cable would be $400 for the pair. At a similar price I am also looking at Gotham Ultra Pro https://www.gothamcable.com/en/gothamcables/madeupleads/xlrmicrophonecable/ultrapro10561 |
@lalitk Right now I have narrowed it down to two cables. 1. Audio Envy O’nestian for $1250. They are using OCC copper and the cables appear to be very well constructed. Maybe the best I have seen at this price. 2. Gotham Audio XLR Cable, GAC-2 Ultra Pro, 10561 for $380. this cable ships from Germany and uses LCOF Copper, which is in between CFC and OCC. If you believe that single crystal copper actually improves the sound, then you pay the extra $800. The jury is still out on that one. The Gotham cable appears to be just as well constructed as the Audio Envy. The difference is really the copper. https://www.gothamcable.com/en/gothamcables/balancedanalog/10561gac2ultrapro |
@lalitk Thanks for that. I believe the terms "microphone" and XLR are used to mean the same thing? The 10561 used the braided copper shielding as the ground on the XLR connector. I think this is quite standard? Both the 10561 and the 10701 use XLR connectors. |
@audphile1 Thanks. I was intrigued with your earlier comment that the Mogami Studio Gold XLRs did not give your the same sonic quality of your Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper. I used to own a pair of the Crescendo Mark ll, and really love the quality of Acoustic Zen products. A little research show me the Absolute Copper retail at $2625 for a one meter pair from The Cable Company. The Mogami Studio Gold XLR retails for $47 per meter on Amazon. You weren't expecting them to sound similar were you? Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants if the did. Cheers. |
@gfxmla I did consider buying from Sonic Craft but was looking at the Neotech NEI-301 MK lll. In the end, I have ordered a pair of cables from a Canadian retailer (keeping my $$$ at home). Neotech makes a cable for them that is the NEI-301 MK lll, but using all OCC Copper. No silver treatment on half the run. But, the cable gets the Cryo treatment which Neotech normally reserves for their élite line of cables. They offered a price that would be the same as building my own. I was able to choose the connectors I wanted and they have a very nice cover over the cable. Thanks everyone for all the good suggestions. Interesting how divided the group is on $2 per foot vs $20+ per foot. |
@audphile1 Did you get Tony and Big Pussy to listen? 🤣 |
Well, the new 40 foot XLR cables arrived today. As mentioned earlier, I bought a pair of Statement XLR from a Canadian company Audio Sensibility. Hooked them and sat down for a listen. I honestly wasn't expecting to hear any sonic improvement as my existing cables are the higher end (not top) Morrow interconnects and I've always believed the hype about cables, once you hit a decent level, was just that, hype. The reason for this purchase was the need for longer cables, not dissatisfaction with the Morrows. Anyway, I put Tom Petty's "Highway Companion" in my player. I know the disc very well and had been listening to it yesterday. It really makes my system shine. Right from the get go I found myself leaning forward in my chair thinking WTF? Am I really hearing a difference ? I can't put it into words, other than to say the difference was obvious and for the better. Moved on to State of The Tenor vol 1, by Joe Henderson and then Chick Corea Trio from the Trilogy collection. Next thing you know, three hours have gone by. Will burn in improve them further? I guess I'll see in time. For now, I'm more than pleased with the product. Thanks again to everyone who chimed in. Cheers. |
@zlone The back side of my amps are 7 inches off the wall and the Statement cables make a natural loop to the side without any stress on the cable. I would say that is close to the minimum distance you want to work with. Cheers. |