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Re-terminate cardas speaker cables DIY?

I have the wire of a cardas speaker cable exposed and possibly oxidized just below the connectors(fork style)
I wonder if I could just cut the cables, remove coating and just use screw-tightened connectors and put some heat shrink tubes on them, to have just as good as new sound?
Or any other suggestions? I've heard cardas uses some kind of coating on their cables so it's hard to solder them.Can't afford re-termination at cardas
Thanks
tele09
6 responses Add your response
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Use crimp-on copper sleevings. Then screw onto that. 

https://www.partsconnexion.com/crimp-sleeves.html

You can find cheap versions of the WBT crimper for $20 or so. :) 

Also, much prefer WBT over Furutech for reliability and build quality. 

Best,

Erik 
brf
1,699 posts
 
Cardas uses a litz wire construction (most of their cables) which has each individual wire strand coated with an insulating enamel.  To properly re-terminate a Cardas wire, you will need a solder pot which creates enough heat to melt the enamel coating thus exposing the bare copper wire.
tele09 OP
7 posts
 
If using copper sleeving, is it still necessary to melt the enamel coating of the wire or will there be a good connection with the coating still there?
Any other suggestions?
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The coating is insulation NO there will NOT be a 'good connection' if you leave the coating on.I say leave them alone. Your complaint is a COSMETIC issue. not a functional one. Have you actually measured any resistance in the cable electrically? Have you bothered to check?
Perhaps paint the offending looking area?Personally I would leave it alone and use them.
tele09 OP
7 posts
 
 I agree it’s best to leave them alone probably, however, what are the odds that the cable is oxidized if it’s been exposed for some months?
Also, if measuring the resistance, what would be the reading of a good cable and what would be if it's oxidized?
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
OP:

The crimp sleeves do not solve the enamel problem, but sand paper will. :) Sand until the metal looks rough, sparkly. 

Best,


erik
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