Which cable for 3.5 to 3.5mm interconnect ?

[pcking 0]

Hi Guys,

 

in the midst of DIY a 3.5mm to 3.5mm interconnect for my MP3 player to my PA2V2 to replace the "stock" one.

 

I have nailed down the connectors to be used - Canare F-12 plugs

 

So asking for guru's advice on which is the most ideal (interms of cost/performance ratio) cable to be used for this purpose.

 

Since the length will be short (maybe half a meter), can afford to buy slightly more costly cable.

 

Can a cable with only 2 cores like the Belden 1696A be used ?

 

Reason is a 3.5mm stereo plug has left, right n ground (total 3 channels)

So if a 2 core cable is used, 1 for right n 1 for left, then ground how ???

 

Lastly, does the solder like those with silver content makes a difference when we DIY cables ?

 

Thanks.

[Mackie 0]

Firstly, I wonder if its feasible to upgrade the cable for your setup since the source is a MP3 player. Garbage in, garbage out applies.

 

If U are firm on this, Canare, Belden, Klotz microphone cable (3-core) are good choices.

 

Silver solder may make a difference to some with perky ears but normally too subtle to others.

 

Visit Robert at LHS, 2nd floor Sim Lim Tower for help/purchase of plugs, cables and termination.

 

 

[pcking 0]

Firstly, I wonder if its feasible to upgrade the cable for your setup since the source is a MP3 player. Garbage in, garbage out applies.

 

If U are firm on this, Canare, Belden, Klotz microphone cable (3-core) are good choices.

 

Silver solder may make a difference to some with perky ears but normally too subtle to others.

 

Visit Robert at LHS, 2nd floor Sim Lim Tower for help/purchase of plugs, cables and termination.

thanks Mackie.

 

Just want to give it a try as the stock cable seems to be of very "normal" quality.

 

Although my source is only a Zen Micro, I usually encode MP3 at very high bitrates n sometimes even just dump as wave format.

 

Robert of LHS recommended me the Belden 1696A but it is only a 2 conductors cable.

 

So I intend to use the shielding as the ground. Is it feasible ?

[digi01 0]

FYI,

three usual pcocc cable should be ok.simply interweave them each other without ground shielding.

 

 

 

 

[digi01 0]

double post,sorry. Edited April 5, 2005 by digi01

[heady 0]

three usual pcocc cable should be ok.simply interweave them each other without ground shielding.

Digi - sorry for this newbie question but what is pcocc cable?

[digi01 0]

PCOCC我们这里叫无氧铜。就是用没回收过的高品质铜线制成的电缆。

 

 

[pcking 0]

PCOCC我们这里叫无氧铜。就是用没回收过的高品质铜线制成的电缆。

你指的是否是OFC = Oxygen Free Copper ???

[heady 0]

I knew the day will come when I will regret not knowing Chinese!!

[Mackie 0]

PCOCC is supposedly purer than LC-OFC. The former denotes Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting. Read more about it HERE.

 

Robert of LHS recommended me the Belden 1696A but it is only a 2 conductors cable

 

U're right, I think Rob intends to use the shielding as ground. This cable should be cheap, why not give it a try then?

Edited April 6, 2005 by Mackie

[pcking 0]

Just finished my DIY 3.5 to 3.5mm interconnect using Canare F-12 plugs n Belden 1696A cable with normal 40/60 solder.

 

As the 1696A is only a 2 conductor cable, I used the shielding as the ground, blue as the left n white as the right channel.

 

My humble setup:

 

Creative Zen Micro with EQ off at volume 18 ---> Interconnect ---> PA2V2 (new version with upgraded 470 n 2200 caps) ---> Shure E2c

 

**************************************************************

Findings done immediately after the DIY interconnect was completed.

Comparing my DIY interconnect against the "stock" interconnect that came bundled with the PA2V2. All volumes maintained at the same levels.

**************************************************************

 

Album used: ULTIMATE DEMONSTRATION DISC (Chesky Records) See here

Ripped using EAC as wave format n also ripped another copy using Windows Media Player 10 as MP3 (192kbps)

 

Results r similar regardless of whether the tracks r in MP3 or waves.

 

Bass: Cleaner, deeper bass n undistorted

Mids: Vocals are more natural sounding with more reverb n clearer

Highs: Most of the harsh highs (sssssssssss) heard using the "stock" interconnect r no longer apparent yet details like symbols, tickling etc r still clearly heard with much more clarity

 

NB: Unfortunately handphone interference is still inherent but much softer now.

 

Tonight I will ask my GF to do a blind test to see whether the improvement is significant enough for casual listeners to detect.

 

I have no regrets spending my time n money on this small DIY project. The sound quality improvement is definitely worthwhile, even though most may think that it may not make a difference since my source is just a MP3 player.

 

Lastly, I highly recommend this DIY "upgrade" to anyone who r still using those "stock" ready-made slim black 3.5 to 3.5mm if they r serious in improving their listening experience.

Edited April 6, 2005 by pcking

[digi01 0]

a cup of tea congratulations

[Mackie 0]

PA2V2 (new version with upgraded 470 n 2200 caps)

 

Do U mean to say the later batches (for instance yours) are upgraded with these caps or are U referring to changes from Version 1?

 

[pcking 0]

PA2V2 (new version with upgraded 470 n 2200 caps)

 

Do U mean to say the later batches (for instance yours) are upgraded with these caps or are U referring to changes from Version 1?

Hi Mackie,

 

according to Gray's website, (Paragraph 4), the initial batches of PA2V2 were equppied with 220 n 1000 uFs caps. I do not know excatly when did he "upgraded" all the caps in the recent line of PA2V2 to Panasonic caps of 470 n 2200 uFs. I am glad mine came with the new higher capacity caps.

 

My amp is no 682 so I presume those amps later than mine should be already equipped with the Panasonic caps.

 

As to exactly when or starting from which amp did he start using the Panasonic Caps, I don't know.

 

Have U sold yours ?

Edited April 6, 2005 by pcking

[nakedtoes 0]

HOw much it cost for the total cable plus connectors?.. Where in singapore can i get PCOCC cable?