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Long XLR cables - help me decide

I need a set of fairly long XLR cables to go between my preamp and monoblock amps. The amps will sit behind the speakers, so the right channel amp needs a cable that is around 25ft. I think it makes sense to use equal length cables, although I doubt it makes much difference (except for potential sale in the future). 

I'm currently using somewhat shorter (17ft) DIY cables made from DH Labs Pro Studio bulk cable. I like the way these sound, so I could just make another set of cables with this, but I'm wondering if there is something that might be better (and I like to experiment). This is a silver plated OFC copper stranded wire with PTFE foam insulation.

I made a set of cables using Connex The Natural One from Parts Connexion. This is a tin plated copper with natural cotton insulation. I found this cable to be kind of flat sounding - lacking in detail and energy. Fortunately, it didn't cost much.

I'm considering making cables from Neotech NEI-3001 Mk III, which uses a combination of solid core OCC copper and silver plated copper wires with FEP insulation and air tubes. I already have connectors so this would cost me about $730. The DH Labs Pro Studio would cost me a bit less, but I think the Neotech is a higher quality cable (at least from a materials and construction perspective).

Another option I'm considering is Audio Envy (not sure which of their two models). This would be less expensive, but I'm not sure if it would be as good. 

Any other options I should consider under $1000. I have tried Blue Jean cables and don't like them as much as my current cables.
128x128jaytor
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@brownsfan - Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check them out. I assume you re referring to Signal Cable Silver Resolution. I've had mixed results with all-silver interconnects. I had a set of fairly long Silver Audio Hyacinth XLR interconnects a while back that I found to lack body and be a bit harsh sounding. But I now use a set of DH Labs Revelation between my DAC and preamp and really like this cable. 

I have found that balanced cables impart less of their character on the sound than RCA interconnects do, but the differences are still noticeable. 

@teo_audio - I agree with your priorities (neutral and dynamic), but it's not easy to figure out which particular cables exhibit those characteristics the best (or the best within my budget anyway). My long cable length requirement limits the options quite a bit.

In my current setup, these interconnects will be used with amps that drive the speakers from about 80Hz up. I am building a new set of speakers that will shift the crossover point up to about 170Hz, so low bass performance is less of a factor. Separately driven stereo open-baffle subs cover the lowest frequencies.

I am intrigued by the Neotech cable mentioned in my OP, primarily because Neotech has an excellent reputation re the quality of their cables, but I haven't been able to find any listening impressions on this particular cable. 
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
@jaytor , right, Signal cable silver resolution.  I've seen the same thing with XLR ICs.  They are not completely transparent, but they impart their own character much less than single ended ICs.  I've also found that XLRs typically sound better than their single ended counterparts, which has allowed me to get by with ICs that don't break the bank.  

Unfortunately, no one, regardless of cost, has 25-30 ft ICs as a stock item, so you have to buy to try.   I've used the Signal Silvers as both XLR and single ended several times, and they have not disappointed me yet.   They might not have the meat on the bones that can be had with the best copper, but if you are going to set a $1K upper limit, your choices are somewhat limited.   I have not found the Silver Resolutions to be bright in the sense of putting one into a system that was well balanced and thinking, no, got to get these out of here.   I've gone about half copper and half silver in my system, which I think is about right for me. 

If you are serious about DIY, I would take a look at wig's  post on the Duelund Helix ICs.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

If you read the thread, you will find a link to williwonka's webpage where there is a recipe for Helix XLR ICs.  You might be able to make a set for under 1K.  I have been thinking about giving those a try, but I haven't priced out a project yet, so I don't have a feel for what it might cost.  There are a number of golden eared audio goners that are swearing by the helix design, so you might give that some thought.


dgarretson
2,592 posts
 
You might ask Chris at Parts Connection if he prefers the Natural over Connex BL-Ag solid silver bulk IC cable. Both are made by DH Labs. In recent years BL-Ag has become my reference. It is further improved with a double run per channel(Schroeder method), for a total cost of $32/stereo ft. For a step up from Neutrik connectors, use Oyaide Focus 1, Eizz, or Bocchino XLRs. Eizz and Bocchino use compression terminations that improve on the sound of a soldered connection.
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
Steve over at audio sensibility *

take 5 audio

Parts connection

*when it comes to PCOCC, he’s as close the OCC situation as you will get. As in Dr Ohno, being a friend of the family. Seriously.

(OCC=Ohno Continuous Cast)
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@dgarretson - Thanks for the pointer regarding the Eizz connectors. These look excellent. I've ordered a set to use with whichever cables I decide on. 

@teo_audio - Thanks for the pointers. I don't think I've visited the Audio Sensibility site before. 

I'm kind of leaning toward sticking with the DHLabs Pro Studio since I know these sound good in my system. It's the audiofool experimentation bug that's making me considering other options. 
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