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Long XLR cables - DIY construction suggestions?

Hello,

Wanted to ask for recommendations for a DIY XLR cable designs suitable for about 40 foot run -- home use. Pre-amp to active crossover.

Any suggestions for a nice sounding design? Couple of notes to aide the thinking:
1.  I like the sound of BBQ Audio Duelund wire XLR cables that I have but they are ony 18' long. Situation changed. Also, they are a bit pricey. But sound so good.
2. Don't think I have too much RFI or other sorts of interference to worry about.
3. Don't like bright sounding cables. Such as silver based of any form.
4. I've got 900 ft. of CAT5 solid core teflon (plenum rated) wire, just in case.

thanks,
Herman

gera
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
Its helpful if your equipment supports the Balanced Line Standard (AES48). In this regard probably the most salient point is that whatever is driving the interconnect cable does not put any signal current through the shield (pin 1) of the interconnect cable. IOW it is for shielding only.

We use Mogami Neglex studio cable, with Neutrix connectors. It works great! But our gear supports the standard.

Whatever you do don't connect the ground tab of the XLR connector to pin 1 (which is the shield connection)!
rechsm
13 posts
 
@gera If you like the 18' BBQ Audio Duelund ICs, why not have Bill build you 40' cables? They're going to cost a few bucks but a whole lot less than anything else, and will sound just as good. 

Those cables, by the way, for me rebut what millercarbon wrote. I have put them head to head with AQ Fire interconnects and K2 speaker wires. Like Bill says, the AQ cables sound different but not better. 
gera OP
8 posts
 
@ atmasphere, so is this the proper way of wiring the XLR cable?
https://www.belcom.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/StarQuad-Wiring-2.png

Also, is the shield needed at all for home use?

erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Parts Connexion has a lot of choices for cable in bulk lengths.

I would recommend the solid silver but they are brittle, probably too risky to use in that length.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,534 posts
 
https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

Not worth the effort - buy professionally terminated,  inexpensive high quality cable at Blue Jeans Cable.


Good Listening

Peter 
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