Really Long XLR

 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.

Perfect, thanks!

@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.

Sounds like a good buy. I have been considering upgrading my BJC XLR's to OCC, either Zavfino or Audio Sensibility. I like the Star Quad configuration of the Impact, but guessing I would not see much of an upgrade over what I am using. Looking at the Statements, flexibility is a concern for me due to space constraints, how much clearance would you say is needed between a component and the wall for graceful installation of these cables?

@bigtwin 

Glad to hear you are pleased with Audio Sensibility XLR’s. IME, cables will continue to improve upto 300 hours mark. Enjoy your superb investment for years to come!

It depends if your amp and preamp are true balanced.  If they are something like Mogami is fine.  I run Mogami XLR cables in my balanced system between amp and preamp.  I’ve compared this run to using Cardas Clear XLR that I use everywhere else.  There is no difference in sound.  Now doing the exact same thing in another system I have which is not balanced, there is a pretty significant difference.  I believe Atma-Sphere has some white papers out on this subject.

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. 

https://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/interconnects/#!/Statement-SE-XLR-Interconnects/p/22232352/category=2595836

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.

I now use extremely long (70ft) XLR interconnects (Blue Jeans Cable) between my preamp and monoblocks. No issues. The choice of preamp is critical. The one I use (VAC Renaissance Mk V - transformer coupled) can run very long interconnects without any issue.

Setups in shows frequently have long interconnect runs, so it is not unusual.

Commercially Available Cables:

Look for reputable brands that offer longer XLR cables at a reasonable price. Brands like Mogami, Canare, and Hosa have options for longer cable runs.
Bulk Cable and Connectors for DIY:

If you're comfortable with DIY, you can purchase bulk XLR cable and connectors to make your own cables. Mogami and Canare also sell bulk cable that is well-regarded in the audio community.
Online Audio Forums: Visit audio enthusiast forums like Gearslutz, AVS Forum, or Reddit's r/audiophile to see what other enthusiasts have used for long cable runs. You can often find recommendations from people who have faced similar situations.

Local Audio Shops: Consult with local audio equipment stores or pro audio shops. They may have cost-effective solutions or be able to provide advice on suitable cables for your specific setup.

Used Cables: Consider checking for used cables from reputable brands in your desired length. Many audio enthusiasts upgrade their cables and sell their previous ones, which can be a budget-friendly option.

When choosing or making your cables, be sure to maintain proper cable management and keep them away from potential sources of interference (power cables, electronic equipment) to ensure the best possible audio quality.

 

 

bigtwin OP

824 posts

09-03-2023 at 10:55am

@audphile1 Did you get Tony and Big Pussy to listen? 🤣

Big Pussy couldn’t make it. He’s busy feeding the fish

@bigtwin 

Congrats on your purchase. Looking forward your impressions!  

@audphile1 Did you get Tony and Big Pussy to listen?  🤣

@bigtwin LOL no of course I didn’t expect the Mogami to sound like the AZ Absolute Copper. It was more of an experiment to see if the benefits of freeing up space between the speakers can outweigh the differences in cables. I gave it enough time to break in and sink in. 

@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.

@bigtwin sounds like a good cable and has good connectors. Keep us posted on how this cable evolves 

@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.

https://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/interconnects/#!/Statement-SE-XLR-Interconnects/p/22232352/category=2595836

Thanks everyone for all the good suggestions.  Interesting how divided the group is on $2 per foot vs $20+ per foot. 

I haven’t made my own XLRs yet, but have been looking into do so recently. As @audphile1 says Sonic Craft sells runs of Neotech wire at a reasonable cost.

https://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/neotech-nei-4002-p-4991?osCsid=rd2q8akak5ue12v6mof0blgje3

Sorry! Cables in LA will make any length you want. Get some good Mogami sheilded cable with Neutrik connectors very reasonably priced, quick turn, and proper workmanship. 

I use Mogami cables everywhere in both my HT and 2 ch tube system. I bought 250’ from Redco. They can custom make any cable you like, if don’t fancy soldering your self a set. 4-5 week’s delivery time. Redco dot com. 
 

@bigtwin I tried that maneuver and used Mogami Studio Gold XLRs. After about a month I moved everything back. The aesthetic improvement wasn’t worth the loss in sonics compared to my then XLRs, Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper. 
Don’t do cheap cables - you get what you pay for. Since you’re entertaining building your own cables, look into Neotech and use top notch connectors (Rhodium or Gold). Check out Sonic Craft for Neotech. Also, VH Audio has Furutech cables and connectors…worth looking into. 

@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. 

@bigtwin

No direct experience with Gotham Audio. It appears 10561 GAC2 designed for microphones in professional applications. If you are pursuing Gotham Audio, look into the GAC-3 10701 designed for audio. Everything I read, points to professional audio applications. 

https://www.gothamcable.com/en/gothamcables/madeupleads/xlr3conductorlead/neumann10701

@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

“I am truly surprised there is anyone suggesting this is the place where a $50 - $100 cable is the appropriate choice. ”

@bigtwin

Nothing to be surprised here, just check out the audio system of folks recommending $1 - $2 per foot. Most folks recommending these cables never mentioned their components nor their system listed here. Your system should allow you to hear differences between the cables, no matter what price point / brand you choose to go within your budget. For the kicks, try a short pair of Mogami/Belden/BlueJeans etc etc and compare it with Audio Envy, Zavfino, Audio Sensibility or Neotech. You will know what to do next :-)

@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

This is a great way to get your equipment off to the side and leave the amp between the speakers. I used this setup once, i could sit in my chair and have access to all my sources and volume control with out a remote:-) using a 30ft high quality RCA cable it worked very well with my MAC preamp into a 300watt per channel MAC power amp driving a pair of Mirage M3’s. I would contact Signal Cable they are in New York and they make cables that are excellent sounding and affordable, just call them and they can whip up a nice long XLR for your needs, Much recommended.

P.S. I use their MAGIC Power cables and Sennheiser Head Phone cable and Subwoofer SPKON cable for my REL B2 sub, These are all custom made.

http://www.signalcable.com/

Matt M

Consider Blue Jeans Cable. They will run you about $250 for the pair.

I've used Blue Jeans interconnects, speaker cable and XLRs. The quality of construction is first rate. (Ultimately I replace the speaker cables with Kimber 12tc)

I run a BJC Belkin 15 foot XLR from pre to power and I am satisfied. Worth a try, I think.

Before you spend $$$$, anyway.

Rather than a counterfeit from China, buy lamp cord from Home Depot. 

You do realize we are talking about signal wire?

Even Home Depot has a much better sounding solution than lamp cord… not high end audio level, but much better. 
 

You buy their 12 gauge 3 conductor extension cord and cut off the ends. Obviously you don’t use the ground. This stuff is actually better than bottom tier / no  name… like Monster, Belkin, etc. Additionally it comes in that decor compatible orange / black stripes, so you don’t trip over it. 

Rather than a counterfeit from China, buy lamp cord from Home Depot. 

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.  🤣🤣🤣

I'll be curious to know what you settle on and what you think of the results. Long runs are what XLR cables were made for. Nevertheless, a long cable run should be more revealing of differences between cables than a much shorter run. I think these long lengths are how cables should be compared. At 50', a double blind test should be easy to pass, right? If you're struggling to hear a difference at 50', it's going to be a much bigger struggle to hear a difference at 5'. 

There should be cable manufacturers jumping at the opportunity to loan you the long cables in this situation so you can compare and  hear the differences that are going to be obvious. 

 Markertek will make you whatever you want. Canare and Belden....

ooooh, that's good to know, @winoguy17 !!

+1 for Blue Jeans Cable, I have had several balanced & unbalanced cables from them & always been pleased with quality & price. Their website has some great articles on cable construction, trade-offs, and choice.

What crustycoot said You cannot go wrong with Mogami. 

Mogami Neglex and Belden equivalents microphone cable is used in concert halls worldwide, where 100 foot runs are common for high ceiling drop mics.  Every audiophile approved classical orchestral recording has this quality cabling in the path...lots of it!

“and any recording you have probably went through hundreds of feet of the same cable already) ”
😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️
 

Made my own from Mogami cable.  You can always go to BlueJean if you are not DIY.  Those runs were about 70 feet. Cables were not the limiting factor. ( and any recording you have probably went through hundreds of feet of the same cable already) 

+1 on mogami 2549 with neutrik..

I have found the belden 1800f quite on the bright side, not a bad character if you need it.

For such a lengthy xlr, depending on rf conditions perhaps starquad is a valid choice... Mogami 2534 or canare l4e6s for less.

Following on from the previous post, Transparent cable is quite good value in longer runs relative to a lot of quality audio cables. They can be even better value pre-owned as there is a small enough market for long interconnects.

I went with Transparent and have a 70' run.  They work fantastic and having my speaker wire now down to 8' has substantially improved my system's performance.

Good luck and let us know how you make out!

 Markertek will make you whatever you want. Canare and Belden....

Another really high quality and very good sounding XLR is Belden's BAV line. They have the same basic tech. as the Iconoclast series but a lot less money and are much more flexible. I have used a 32' long set running between preamp and power amp with great success. Also they are hand made to order so any length you want is no problem.

Not to worry my friend!  In professional use, XLR cables are often over 100 fwt long.  Think of auditoriums where the mikes are on the stage and the sound booth is in the back of the hall. Those tiny mike voltages make it good shape to the mixers far away. Use the Belden mike cable or its Chinese clone. Enjoy the music.

If you're  not worried about electrical interference, I'd consider the Mogami 2549 cable - a little less capacitance than the 2534. I also like the Neutrik connectors

+1, @ghdprentice

@bigtwin

Send an email or call Captain at Audio Envy. I am certain, you can get better pricing, Your system deserves better cabling than run of the mill Mogami. This is an important link between your preamp / source to amps. Given your incredible system, I wouldn’t compromise here!

Of course, at these lengths, you might as well buy pre-built:

https://amzn.to/3QNCmry

This is what is used for ~30ft xlr cables

https://douglasconnection.com/product/furez-fz162aa-analog-interconnect-cable-raw/