How to make a high quality and inexpensive audio interconnect RCA cable
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2017
- In this video we will learn how to make our own RCA interconnect semi-balanced audio cables with high quality materials at a very low price (guaranteed!)
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Music: www.bensound.com
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Best bulk cables:
Neotech: www.neotechcable.com/
Furutech: www.furutech.com/
Yarbo: www.yarboaudiophile.com/en/int...
Soldering wire:
Cardas: www.cardas.com/solder.php
WBT: www.wbt.de/english/products/a/...
Best connectors:
Neotech (see above)
Furutech (see above)
Oyaide: www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/p...
KLE: kleinnovations.com/
Where to Buy:
www.audiophonics.fr/
www.hificollective.co.uk/
www.cryo-parts.com/
www.thecableco.com/
Ebay! - Навчання та стиль
Thank you for your contributions, most of which I have enjoyed. This one, however, and a few others I have watched, prompt me to offer some facts. Not opinions, just facts. There is no such thing a a semi-balanced input or output. They are one or the other. Balanced signal cables, as you have correctly mentioned, are used where long runs are required when getting an audio signal from, for example, a microphone to the input of a mixing console, without injecting noise into the signal. This is achieved by using a balanced microphone, whether it be a dynamic design or a condenser microphone (to mention two common types) The output of these microphones is a very low level alternating current (audio signal) and we refer to the two wires as the 'hot' and the 'cold'. The two signal wires each carry the identical signal, except that they are 180 degrees out of phase with each other. Wrapped around these two wires ( a twisted pair) is an earth shield which attempts to protect the delicate audio signals from picking up noise. When the signal reaches the balanced input of the mixing console, one of the two signals is inverted and then the two are summed. The really clever part is that any noise picked up by each wire on its journey to the mixer, is in the same phase. So when one of the two noise components is inverted and summed, the result is that the two noise signals cancel each other out. What we are left with is a strengthened audio signal and a massively reduced noise signal. UNBALANCED audio signals on the other hand have only one audio signal and one shield. There is no clever noise reduction design as with balanced cables, so unbalanced cables need to be kept short and have a good quality earth braid. Professional microphone cable such as Canare or Belden uses ordinary copper wire. I have made, over more years than I care to remember, hundreds of professional audio cables. There are times when it is necessary to connect an unbalanced audio signal to a balanced input, or vice versa. For example, when a guitar or a keyboard in a studio need to be sent to the mixing console, we use what is called a DI box. (Direct Injection). This electronic device converts an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal which can then be sent a kilometre if necessary, without signal degradation. When mixing balanced and unbalanced signals, it is essential to match impedance and signal level. To give a few examples, a moving coil phono cartridge typically has an output level of less than half of one mV and will have a very low impedance. On the other hand, the output level of a preamplifier can be MUCH larger, and will typically be a high impedance signal. One of the most important considerations when connecting many components of an audio system, is a well thought out earthing/shielding system. When the earth connection has more than one path in a system, it is possible to create nasty EARTH LOOPS. In order to avoid these, it is sometimes necessary to disconnect the shield at one end of the signal cable. This is NOT creating a 'half balanced' design (no such thing) but rather it is ensuring that there are not multiple earth pathways.
Thank you for your very useful comment and experience!
For an asymmetrical cable of 9 meters, do you think it is important to have a perfectly identical signal conductor (from an electrical point of view) to the ground conductor?
Indeed, all manufacturers indicate that the ground conductor (because it surrounds the signal wire, its surface and composition different) does not have the same electrical characteristics (see example below) that signal wire?
www.audiophonics.fr/fr/cable-symetrique/sommercable-albedo-cable-de-modulation-symetrique-2x02mm-o52mm-p-783.html
SOMMERCABLE ALBEDO Symmetrical Modulation Cable 2x0,2mm² Ø5.2mm
Metric capacity cond./cond. 65 pF
Metric capacity order / display 110 pF
Kilometers resistance, conductor 1 GOhm
Yes, I believe each cable in a group, I.e. 2 or more, need to be perfectly identical to deliver the same signal in terms of quality and timing.
Hey fella, I really liked your comments about the ? semi balanced ? Syntax used in the Ana-Dia-Log video. Just a couple of points;
1) I would refer to your 'out of phase' reference as 'reverse polarity', I was taught during my apprenticeship with Pink Floyd (40 years ago... jeez! how time flies) that 'Out of Phase', refers to a slightly different arrival time of two identical signals
2) and this is more about lost arts, is ? when you were building your balanced cables with presumably Belden 8412, did you used to ( after stripping the insulation back to the braid ) teasee a small hole at the insulation/braid shoulder, and then draw everything from the inside of the braid through said hole? It's just that I have searched extensively on the net, and never found this mentioned
Thanks if this does indeed get to you. You may PM me, if you can be bothered, at monitorcity@hotmail.com
Ta
Dalton Napier x
I just picked up a cable, which has two cables in the center and a copper braided shield - would you recommend directional rca for unbalanced ( one end the shield floating, not sure I have earth loops yet)
Or grounding the shield on both ends?
Buddy, your soldering technique needs just a little bit of work, when you tin wires, just a second or two more will heat the wire enough for flow, rather than heating the solder and having it melt on to the wire. Our tech used to call this "buttering on" the solder, rather than heating the work and having the solder flow into & on the wire. This helps (only a little) avoid cold solder joints which can cause trouble years later.
Took the words outa my mouth. Heat the connection and it draws the solder into the joint.
Guys, guys, guys, he is doing analog soldering. Your technique works for digital soldering. Plus he's using European electricity which is very different.
🤣🤣🤣
He’s doing better than me.
Welding Engineer here ... I endorse your post.
Not that I can do any better
Never let anybody down atleat he is trying to teach... good work bro...
Good video bruh! I learned alot.
Very useful guide thanks 🙏
Metallurgist here. Monocrystal (or any crystal structure) is a different concept than purity. However, high purity copper facilitates the formation of long monocrystals, as in the famous Japanese cables (which I forget the name of).
Indeed! This is one of my first videos. A rookie mistake! Things got a little better in the following years and I made a dedicated video on OCC copper and other conductors where this was clearly elucidated: ua-cam.com/video/YCgfQr84Yco/v-deo.htmlsi=T3caYC8nHdPVNSZM
You have to make a firm physical contact first and soldering is just for maintaining it. Don't your signal pass from a conductor to solder to another conductor. It should pass from a conductor to another conductor (or terminal lug) and the solder should not be in-between them. The purpose of soldering is to keep the contact. I learned this hard way long time ago. I recommend you to redo the soldering job. You'll hear a difference :)
Good point!
S H Rubbish. What you are suggesting is impossible to achieve as well as wrong. To get a good intimate solder joint you tin both parts first with solder, then you can fuse them together with the iron. There will always be solder between the two parts its unavoidable and the only way to guarantee a good electrical and mechanically strong contact. Even if you apply solder on top of the bare contacts it will flow between and around the parts - unless they are not clean. Its not the best way to do it because you need more heat that way.
Correct , solder is to seal the mechanical contacts .
Ps - thanks for making this video!
I will get there , get a vice , nice thick cable , those plugs are much better to work with !
Good video but the background music is very distracting,
Nice cable recommendation buddy. It shure made quite a difference from my silver plated I was using. Thank you.
And... you know... I was thinking that maybe.. the reason behind not connecting the braid on one side has to do with the same reason this... Mr Ps Audio explains in a video about power cables using the same technique. It's a video on screen or no screen power cables, and says screen sucks out life of the signal and by using screen connected only to one side and then having the screen far away (1/2 inch best) from conductors eliminates that issue.. So many things with electric stuff, pfff, interesting though 🙂
Great! Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for the demonstration. You know you can buy desoldering wire. If you have excess lid, you heat the lid up where excess lid is, keep the heat from the iron on and pull the wire through; the excess lid is then removed onto the desoldering wire. I have bought it from a company called Stannol and it's called No-clean wick, but there are other dealers too. For sure it's better than using the vacuum pen.
Thanks for sharing that!
I watched your 12 tips for perfect vinyl playback and was interested in this and the previous video of audio cables. My question is this, is this type of cable better for connecting from my turntables (I have three turntables) to my phono preamps? And also from the preamps to my USB interface? This looks like something I could easily do. I'm currently using Blue Jean BJC LC-1 Stereo Audio Cables. I have a unique set up where I have two turntables using separate preamps for each one (Schiit Mani) connected to a Schiit SYS that I use as a switch. Then the SYS is connected to my USB interface. The Blue Jean cables are of good quality, but if what you're demonstrating is much better then I think I may want to try it out. Cables do make a difference, but I can't spend a fortune on cables. I recently made a video demonstrating how upgrading from cheap headshell leads wires to a set of $35 Nerve Audio Litz wires made a world of difference in better sound quality: ua-cam.com/video/ELLrFn6ENJk/v-deo.html I enjoy your videos!
Sure! These are standard rca analog interconnects, you can use them everywhere with no problem. Nice lead wires in your video but they are OFC copper. Try the audiotechnica OCC copper for half the price: ua-cam.com/video/TBS6KBNzlos/v-deo.html
Does semi-balanced cable make sense in 2022? Modern cables come with braided shield and carbon screen to prevent Radio Frequency (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference, shielding that is 100% efficient. DIY semi-balanced is then an overkill, yet you need to remember/mark which end is which.
Great vid, thanks for the info. First attempt at this, I'm using this same cable, can you recommend braided sleeve size for this? It's for cosmetics, as I'm matching it to a vintage luxman stack in wood cabimets, which will be visible from the back as part of a display. (looking for brown sleeves) thanks!
The one I used was an exansibke brade sleeve in nylon by elecaudio good for 7-15mm cables.
You will get better results if you seperat the shielding earthing completely from the cold pole. Fantastics results can be gained by taking the earth from shielding on your interconnects and power cables and cabinet housings to a dedicated mains earth completely separate from your supply system ( either power supply or interconnect supplies between components). Wire all all the earth's in spider formate before taking to mains earth. - sit back and enjoy😎
The RCA terminal plugs of your choice look fancy. However, if you look the inside structure, you'll agree that it is not easy to make a firm contact with the conductor. Look for other RCA terminal plugs that allow you to make a firm contact easily; for example clamping.
Hello, with respect to your comment...........these are probably KLE RCA plugs......they may look flimsy but their quality is outstanding .....more so they are part of the most musical sounding plugs ....Do not judge by the looks but with your ears .
Oh, sorry mate, I went back and LISTENED to the type of Neotech cable you were using and found out what kind. We have the 19awg, NEI-3002 MKIII available in the U.S. at partsconnexion for about $13/ft 😊 OH! Also found the EXACT same cable, the 3004 like you were using from Takefiveaudio in Canada (shipped to the U.S.) 3 ft. for $29 shipped!
Cool!
Thanks. Which direction were you saying? Was it to do with the end you soldered the shield to the cold? Which end is that, where music comes from or goes to? Ta.
If you want, it isn’t mandatory, you should connect the shield to the ground on the side of the source or both sides but you may encounter some hum
Thanks to your video very helpful, can you also make video on how to make hq balance cable for IEM?
Thanks Vinn. I am not a big fan of headphones but maybe in the future I could do a video on this topic. Thank you for the suggestion!
Thanks for your excellent video, you are my daily lesson of english and hifi in this period :-). I have a question: the direction (end of the video) is a cosequence that you solder brade and cold on source side? or it is defined by the wire? enjoy your day :-)
Hi Claudio, thanks! The direction is usually based on where the shielding is connected but some manufacturers also claim that there is a better direction based on the geometry of the cable itself. You can believe that or not. I do trust the shielding connection, the rest, it depends from the brand and if they explain why.
I have a yamaha pf800 which im looking to replace the RCA from the source, Any good recommendations on an occ cable, i have only really found OFC cables ie neotech KHS-321, mogami, and cardas as options. any help would be much appreciated thank you for the awesome videos.
You mean ready cables? If so, check this vid: ua-cam.com/video/K5tFrlCvn3o/v-deo.html
have you ever tried elevator cable..? there is an audio cable that is very fine not sure of the name, but ive seen these and used them they are about 3/8 inch diameter and have many many hair fine copper conductors,,, fantastic quality .. also Belkin industrial cables,, used a lot for sensors and security systems
cool video. where did you buy the neotech cable?
Thank you Vic!
You are right...I added some info in the video description. Here are some direct links where to buy (Europe and USA):
www.audiophonics.fr/en/balanced-cables/neotech-nei-3004-symmetrical-modulation-cable-up-occ-o-85mm-p-8940.html
www.hificollective.co.uk/wire/neotech-nei-3004-interconnect-cable.html
www.cryo-parts.com/product/neotech-nei-3004/
Thanks You... My HT Sub woofer kept making a humming sound which was very annoying.
Ground loop maybe check cable
thank you for the explanation from your video tutorial, and how to make the coaxial cable that I will use from the cd player to the DAC, the cable type is exactly the same as in the video. Thank You
Thank YOU!
Ah, yours is I think THE most clear and understandable tutorial about how to do this! 👍 Just one thing please, if I may... In the links above, again, it is just the GENERAL Neotech site with NO idea as to what *KIND* to buy. Also, the same with the connectors. I can't tell *WHICH* connectors specifically to look for. Other than not having the foggiest idea WHICH stuff to buy, I really did like your video! 😁 ---*EDIT Ah, got it now as I mentioned above, thank you sir!*
Glad to hear that! I am having problems with comment notification...
@@anadialog No sweat my Brother, found some great links for that wire if I want to give this a try. BTW, Thank you kindly for taking the time to reply to a video you made *4 1/2 YEARS* ago! 😲 👍
SME 3009 arm I don’t like but the IV and V are fantastic and marvellous. Funk arms are a question Mark some bad thoughts and some good thoughts . 3009 has 3 breaks before it reaches the mutt switch .
Thanks to your video very helpful, can you also make video on how to make speaker cables ?
+Aljaž Grebenc thank you for your appreciation. I Will certainly do that in the future!
I have one more question... At home i have Neotech NEI-3002, UP-OCC Copper Interconnect Cable
RCA wiring:
RCA Plug at the amplifier end: screen + black conductor to RCA earth. Red conductor to RCA signal.
RCA Plug at the pre-amplifier end: black conductor - RCA earth (screen cut short, not connected). Red conductor to RCA signal. This are instructions how to make cable from hificoleccive site.
My question is ....is this a mistake ? Screen is always at the source side ?
+Aljaž Grebenc Yes, they got mixed up. If the cable is semibalanced the screen is connected always at the source!
Sorry but there is no such thing as a semi balanced topology.
Its either balanced (multi point) or unbalanced (single ended) Balanced means that the signal is comprised of an in phase signal on one signal conductor and an inverted phase signal on the other signal conductor. The signal is the potential difference between the 2 phases. That is what balanced means or multi point topology means. Ground has nothing to do with the balanced signal, it merely facilitated shielding from EMI & RFI noise ingress. Any noise ingress that gets past the shield is largely cancelled by the balanced signal topology because noise has the same phase on both signal conductors, so the noise does not have a potential difference with which to form a signal.
In an unbalanced or single ended topology, there is only an in phase signal and ground. The signal is the potential difference between ground reference and the in phase signal. As the ground is also the shield, noise ingress is part of that signals potential different & can becomes a noticeable problem.
These are completely different topologies and there is no hybrid, semi balanced topology.
What you are describing is simply as way to attenuate ground noise within an unbalanced topology.
It is not some king of semi hybrid topology. That doesn't exist, it's a myth.
I've done this a hundred times or more
What was that last part? I did not understand about the direction of the signal goes tword the speaker? Never heard of that.
If the producer added arrows on the body of the bulk cable, they always go from source to output
A bit of advice, heat the job NOT the solder and you will get a better joint.
Thanks but when I did that the pin started to melt the plastic chassis!
A cable is either balanced or in the case of RCA pins are unbalanced i have never heard of one that's 50/50. or semi-balanced so would that make it -5dB or is it now +2db
Its just lingo, otherwise it is unbalanced or balanced. No midway.
HI, What about pre and power amp running RCA? Is this RCA suitable?
Hi Lam, yes of course. These and all RCA cables are good for analog signal. In other words, if it has an umbalanced input, that is an RCA plug, then you are always good to go!
Hi. Could you please specify which end of the cable that is plugged into the amplifier/source?
Thnx.
+Frans-Leonard Markaskard Hi, the part connected to the amplifier has the arrows towards the RCA connector and DOES NOT have the esternal brade connected to the cold pole as instead happens on the source side, which instead has the arrows facing the opposite side of the RCA connectors. I hope this answers your question!
Irrelevant. It has 0 impact.
I'm looking to make short 0.3-0.5 RCA interconnects for connecting my DAC to HEADAMP and later Phono Preamp to HEADAMP. (Each component 100-300€). I am looking to make a cable costing 30€ max. I was thinking of using Neotech Coaxial interconnect cable (for analog and digital) and some Audioquest RCA-300 connectors (~20-25€) for 4. Do you have any other suggestions for good budget connectors or cable?
Sure! Take a look here: ua-cam.com/video/K5tFrlCvn3o/v-deo.html
Hi sir , tell me let’s I have a cd player and a preamp , where is the component will have the shield solder to the cold wire will be ? Thanks
If you decide to connect the shield must do it at least on the source of the signal side. If you think no hums may occur you can connect both sides.
Can u make a RCA "BALANCED" Cable by using the Canare L-4E6S ? It has 4 Wire + a Shield Wire for a total of 5 Wires. Want to make some RCA interconnect to go from the Pre out Mono Amp to another Mono Amp. I guess it would be like Bridging to Amps together. Also, when using Balanced RCA Cables is the a Signal Flow Direction? THANKS
Hi there, there is no RCA balanced. You need an XLR connector for that. Some producers indicate the direction on their cables, also on bulk cables according to the brade or the geometry of the various parts. A lot of people think that is snake oil and many they are right. I would not bother too much about it. If you buy some bulk cable and the direction is indicated then follow it, can't harm. Otherwise, no problem.
You recommended a Canadian company that does custom rca connections distribution boxes can telll me
Mapleleaf Audio...ua-cam.com/video/kzqiSQJbiQQ/v-deo.html
Hi, just a question for You: I bought a low price chinese microphone in a shop, sounds not bad. Its cable has a female XLR one side and a mono Jack on the other. I disassembled the XLR side and noticed that 2 internal pins were connected together. Is this only on budget mics for a reason, or ALL XLR/Jack cables have to be soldered this way?
Thanks for a Your kind answer.
Hi there, that is done to have an unbalanced connection TRS because true balanced connections are more in the professional audio invironment or high-end audio. Yes, its normal when you want maximum compatibility. Again, in a pro context it would instead be balanced, especially if the cable had to go for a long way.
@@anadialog
Thanks a lot!!
@@anadialog you can get XLR(F) TO TS !/4 JACK =MONO AND XLR(F) TO TRS 1/4JACK STEREO which is connected to output would be a mono signal so that's why they have 2 xlr to trs.We only use balanced xlr to xlr but connect up in 4 way mono and xlr to trs for Daisey chaining power amps
Indeed! With this headphone craze everybody is making balanced TRS headphones!
HI! It works for a subwoofer cable?
Sure, if we are talking about the normal line level coming from your preamp (or integrated amp).
Does the impedance of the cable play any role?
It does but marginal. Interconnects are too short to be influenced by that and other typical voltage issues.
Have you done much soldering?
+PeriodWoodworker hi! What do you mean...in my life?
I was gonna ask the same thing. You should learn how to solder properly. Whatever you did was not clean at all ...
I agree guys! I am not a great soldering tech but I do prefer to solder directly with the iron and not heating the wire or the connector...yea I am not very clean and I stated that in the video...nontheless the cables sound fantastic!
Hi,
I liked the video, thumbs up! But I would suggest heating the element to a temperature which then melts the solder. Otherwise this can result with a 'cold joint' which comes loose after a while, especially in wire, which has to withstand stress. Anyways, do as you like, but I really think this could improve the long term durability.
Cheers
This style RCA is only useful if you equipment that outputs differential RCA signals, and equipment on the other side that also accepts a differential RCA signal. Worka exactly as a XLR, just minus the ground srap. But unfortunatly this won't do anything if you dont have the equipment that uses it.
You also would want to keep both wires getting the exact amount of rf noise and wire properties (resistance and capacitance) so the equipment only sees the differences and can discern the noise in the interconnect to get rid of. So she shield may or may not be detrimental if you are truly using differential RCA capable equipment.
Oh, heh... just *ONE* more thing! 😁 Perhaps I didn't understand correctly, but WHICH direction should the current flow? TO or AWAY from the grounded/shielded combined wired side...? THANKS!
The arrows indicate the flow of the music, so the point away from the source, to the preamp/amp/speakers
@@anadialog Heh, thanks for this too! So, it is not a function of the construction of the wire itself then...? You can use it either way and just simply put an arrow on it...??? Doesn't it have to flow either from or to the end where you combined the ground and the other wire, because you did that on only ONE end, right?
In the 7:58 You solder the tips to the connector without protecting the bare copper from oxidation. You can do two things, one, my favourite, cover entirely with solder all the stripped cable or, two, if you want to save silver solder, put a shirking sleeve over but always before putting the connector. Don't you agree?
Yes, you are right!
@@anadialog we help each other to improve our audiolive😁
Hi make a video for subwoofer cable 1 rca to 2 rca
I have not tried to do my own cable but I am interested to DIY my cable. My question is.... you solder the cable shield to the blue wire and the other end of the cable you did not. Also, you draw an arrow to represent the direction therefore it's a one way traffic. Which direction is the traffic on the cable?
Hi Glenn! The correct direction is from SOURCE (soldered part) to AMPLIFIER (not soldered part)
ana[dia]log Thank you much. Now I can do mine. I just have to find a good cable and rca head. Any suggestions?
YES! Take a look at this video and its description for suggestions: ua-cam.com/video/91cCufCB9JQ/v-deo.html
Hello Anadialog, what about diameters , 3004 cable has 8.5 mm , kle plug 9.5 mm , This is how that should be ? How to choose right ? Thank you
Connectors need to have a diameter equal ir larger than yhe cable so in thud case you're good...
@@anadialog Thank you , I wonder as well , Rca Plugs the once used in the video KLE and in general good once , cost similar money . Well I need a lot of them )) They are gold plated , my question is .. I have www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/ds-5.shtml tape deck selector , I want to connect tape decks to it , decks have gold plated female plugs but Akai ds-5 tape selector has silvery looking female connections, is it weakest point ? Silver (or maybe not silver )vs gold
Don't worry! That will not influence the playback that much...go ahead and connect them...and enjoy!
@@anadialog Good News !
Will try!! What about Speaker cables ;-) ??? Looking for cables for my Harbeth P3esr. Any chance?
One day! When I change speakers!
@@anadialog Since i'm also located in Europe (Vienna) i will buy from one of your recommended Dealers. Perhaps you can help me with the cable for this speaker? Don't know which one to take since i have no experience with cables at all. A good price-performance ratio would be great. I would need 2m each. Maybe you can help. One more question. Have you exchanged the cable from your Technics to your phonopreamp or are you using the original Technics cable out of the turntable? Thanks
@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 do you want to make your own or buy them ready?
@@anadialog Want to make my own by following your instructions
@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 ok, well, the best thing is to get a OCC copper bulk cable designed for speakers but not necessarily. Good brands are Neotech, Ramm audio, Viablue (not all) etc. Get good gold plated connectors, spades, bananas or what you prefer and your good to go. The wire gauge should be proportional to the resistance of the speakers (number of ohms). You can easily find a proportion chart just googling it. Soon I will do a specific vid on this type of cable but not yet.
Hey, hi, thanks for the video, I bought this cable after your recommendation. Haven't ended it yet though. But.... as clever music box commented, I don't get it why not having the earth shield connected both ends, the only reason I can think of not doing this is when you have two system components earthed, so you avoid ground loops, but most of us usually have only the amplifier earthed rest components have a two conductor ac inlets and ac cables, meaning not earthed. I don't know if this is the reason behind it though(I saw same connecting recommendation in a cable manufacturer site) , cause by connecting cold with shield on one end is like making cold and braided shield one piece which is then connected on the other side by the cold conductor on the earth leg, so we do have our shield connected both sides after all. Anyone correct if I am wrong. And... have a nice time listening to music
You can connect both ends you just have a higher chance of getting a ground loop as you said. Both ends is actually better.
I didn’t get the last part. How do we determine the direction?
It is usually indicated on the cable itself, otherwise the rule is that the side connected to the brade goes with the source...
Can you explain when a semi-balanced RCA is required, best for turntables? Can they be used for all RCA type connections, and if so what are the benefits?
First of all I want to clarify that semi-balanced does not exist. I just used that to make a difference from a balanced and an unbalanced type but the truth is that this type is still unbalanced. Coming to your question you can use it whenever you like, it does not have a special application it just adds some shielding. In some cases to reduce capacitace you could take completely away all shielding with the risk of picking up some interference.
@@anadialog What type of cable do you recommend to connect phono pre-amp to amplifier?? Thanks
The recipe is always the same, occ copper, or even PC-OCC with teflon insulation. If you want the absolute best, OCC silver with teflon insulation made with a solid geometry like Neotech.
Great video, however the music is annoying.
Good to know. Thank you for the suggestion Luke!
So amp gets cold side from preamp and preamp gets cold side from components?
If you are taking about the shielding you should connect the brade as illustrated always on the side of the source, where the signal incomes. A lot of people claim its better to connect both sides but you are risking to have a humm that way.
Thank you. I do have a hum by connecting both sides. Going to follow your guide.
Looks like you put shrink wrap under one plug, but over another. What determines which way you do it?
And is shrink wrap necessary? Would electrical tape work instead?
Yes, you are right! No difference actually. I just got mixed up. Well, shrink wrap is just a good idea to keep everything in position and have an indication of the RIGHT channel (usually RED) and the LEFT channel (usually BLACK or blue). Obviously, a cool shrink wrap on a external nylon brade (that I did not use in the video) closes neatly all the work!
First we buy first-quality copper cables and then we solder the tips with 95-96% zinc and 4-5% silver (best case scenario)...doesn’t this null the whole purpose?
I agree that other solutions would be better, I prefer cold connections but with RCA connectors its very rare.
ANA[DIA]LOG Do you mean soldering with actual gold?
No, the so-called cold soldering. Like crimping, compression etc.
Would that not be called a "shielded" unbalanced cable? Rather than a semi balanced? I found shielded RCA cables tended to mellow out the leading edge of the dynamics. But, some will like that sound just the same. Balanced cables do not blunt the leading edge. IMHO.
Yes, you are correct. Semibalanced does not exist but it is a very diffused term.
Dude. After all this fusss, you grace us with this soldering ?.. everu heard of flux ? And get yourself a decent soldering iron and heat gun while you are at it. 😂😂😂 but thanks for the info. I now get what is a "semi balanced" cable ... good fun 😁
The soldering wire has integrated flux like most wires today. My iron ain't that bad! I have a heat gun now!
The shielding is wrong way round you have the Shield to Earth always so that would be to the amp the open end would be to the source
Not really John! That is when you have a dedicated ground on the output side. Check this for a reference: rane.com/note110.html The norm is 20A, but we want to connect the brade for shielding and in that case the correct wiring is 6, from source. In any case, people connect both sides sometimes (with the risk of hums) and others, rarely, like you just said...
But you forgot to tell wish end go where ?
The arrows follow the source!
But you don't know how to solder. Don't heat the solder and drip it onto the wire (poor connection). heat the wire or connection from underneath and add the solder to the hot connection after tining your soldering iron, you should also use flux. You could simply put flux directly onto the wires first.
Hi Nicholas, thank you for your comment. Yes I am aware about this and it is good to mention it. I did try a lot a few times to heat the wire with I feel that I have less control so I prefer to use this unorthodox way. Talking about flux I have heard different opinions on the effect...
Heating the surfaces is what counts to get solder-flow between the surfaces. Flux cleans the
surface and provides flow at the same time (and thus a solid connection). Clean off any flux with alcohol....Very nice video btw
yes that how I do it too,especially with that particular solder he is using.
Thank you very much for this video. I have been watching your videos for years now. I'm thinking about producing my own interconnects after looking at this video.
I have been looking into other videos regarding the interconnects (RCA) to gather more information on the topic. I came across this (ua-cam.com/video/QOagVDZLQnA/v-deo.html) which states that there are basically two types of RCA cables (twisted pair RCA cable vs a Coaxial RCA). But I have to admit that I'm very confused on which type to produce, as it must be dependant on the system (amplifier etc.) one has. I have seen other videos showing how to make this similar as you are doing except that often (most often) then it looks like they are making the coaxial type. Do you know how one is to know which type to use?
Ciao,
Axel Viðar in Iceland
You can use both but I would would with a simple quality Interconnect OCC copper or silver cable and get quality RCA connectors as well.
I like your videos but please, try not to say typology so much, thanks.
I know, you are right...you will find this issue in a lot of my videos...sorry about that!
ana[dia]log I really appreciate that. I found your channel recently and am loving your approach to this wonderful hobby, it’s funny how words that should not matter can get under ones skin and become the focus, it’s as much my shortcoming in not being able to get past it, I so appreciate your kindness on this.
His typology,is very unique ;-)
Not trying to be negative but please, stop misinformation. There is no such thing as a semi-balanced cable. When you solder the shield to one end you are not only not gaining any benefits, you are losing the shield’s functionality and adding capacitance to the cable. You actually make the system sound WORSE than with a regular shielded RCA or Coax cable.
Tomas, I did not invent anything. This is a standard procesure in analog interconnects. Don't take my word for it. Check around! If you connect the shield on both parts (and we are not talking of a true balancwd signal) you are going to have issues as hums etc.
ana[dia]log Look, again, not trying to be negative because I think that the video quality and explanation is great. But, first of all it being a standard procedure doesn’t mean it’s correct, people thought for centuries that the earth was a flat surface being held by two giant turtles. That didn’t make it correct. Finally, take my word for it, I study engineering, I know the science behind it. There is no such thing as a semi-balanced cable. You are just removing the advantages of having a shielded wire and adding capacitance which is a big deterrent to signal quality. You would need 3 pins to make it balanced since connecting the shield only to one end does not do anything, you need both ends to have a flow of electrons. Again, you are only adding capacitance and removing the Faraday cage effect provided by the shield.
Yes, I do agree that the term semi-balanced is not a scientific term, it is or it isn't balanced. But, apart from the debate, can you explain why almost all high-end cable producers do this? The capacitance increase makes sense but again why is the brade connected to the cold pole on almost all unbalanced cables? They can't be all wrong...in any case, since I am not an engineer or technician, please send me scientific articles of this and I am ready to change my mind.
ana[dia]log Well, I think they do this because it allows them to charge an extra buck for something that really doesn’t increase the overall production cost of the cable. I can find an article about this but really is something quite basic in the field of electricity and magnetism, so it would be like trying to find an article proving that 2 x 3 = 6. Basic proof would be two main basic principles of electricity. First, in order to have current or electron flow, you need a closed circuit, electrons won’t flow into dead ends. Secondly, electrons always prefer the path of low resistance (that’s why you ground components, so that you don’t become that path), but once the path is chosen, they don’t have preference for a particular order of circulation, so directional cables are equivalent to claiming that 2+2=5.
@@anadialog I have 6 patents in this field... What you are doing is great! Your creating a sort of virtual ground within the cable, you'll get more dynamics... My cables sound fantastic along with several other unconventional secrets that I cannot discuss... I'm an electronics engineer, with an open mind...
Hello AnaDIAlog , great video , I v seen it before , but it is time for me , need to make a Lot of RCA connections , quality matters a Lot now , need custom sizes , What is your Opinion on this cable ? www.van-damme.com/vandamme_product/van-damme-up-lcofc-hi-fi-twin-interconnect-cable/ or the one you using is better ? Appriciate
Hi there, if I can be honest I do not like Van Damme cables, they use oxigene free copper, which is good but nit nearly as good as OCC copper. Check this vid for full details: ua-cam.com/video/91cCufCB9JQ/v-deo.html
@@anadialog Thank you , yes 3004 better , I looked into it
I prefer no music...
Does he think the cables are directionaL
Cable ARE directional when the shield is connected only on one side to the cold pole.
To improve your soldering skills I'd recommend watching videos from pace : /watch?v=vIT4ra6Mo0s&list=PL926EC0F1F93C1837
thanks so much, I was looking for soldering lessons. very very interesting
Yeah, I’m afraid your soldering technique definitely needs some work. When you tin the wires you don’t use sufficient heat or solder. Dabbing solder on the way you show is not the way to do it - sorry.
You don’t really need a temperature controlled soldering iron either - a standard 25W model with be fine.
😂
🤣
コニチワ Konichiwa, Sorry for my comment I may sound a bit rude, cable is balanced or unbalanced, there is no such thing as semi balanced cable, this is a totally silly idea, a popular myth, only causing troubles to those who DIY cables and believe it. So called "Semi-balanced" is a pure nonsense electrically, magnetically and scientifically speaking. Get a good shielded cable, and you are good to go, no need to apply magic to already mythologized to the extent hi end audio. Sorry, no hard feelings despite a bit rude words. As a wise person, you can always revise your ideas and spread the good analog wisdom. Thank you.
I forgot to make a precision, today's cables of top brands like Mogami, Sommer, Klotz and so on, are very well shielded no matter what kind of interconnect you make, is it an RCA, TS, TRS, XLR, does not matter, you are going to get 100% shielded interconnect.
I actually agree. It's just a way of saying to distinguish a true balanced cables from a single ended one with the shield connected to the cold pole on one or both sides.
Rca and balanced...NOPE, not even semi...
So you are still watching these vids...so you do enjoy them! Semibalanced is just jargon to define a cable with its brade connected only on one side.
Ruined by music.
Yes, it's too loud. One of my first videos...
@@anadialog Yes, I noticed your later videos are much better with levels!
Annoying background movie. I always want to hear the people speak as they give instructions VS them competing with Music or another background distraction! Do these people ever listen to there videos after they make them??
I think you are right. In my first videos the music level is too high. Sorry about that. Can't change that now.
@@anadialog It's all good! Please tell me which DIRECTION does the Signal travel... toward the RCA end with 3 Wires connected or the end with he 2 Wires ?
Thanks, you still have a Excellent video.
@@BWWGL9 this is a controversial aspect. In any casenifnyoundecide to follow the cable instructions it's always fron the source (output), 3 cables connected, to the amp (input), 2 cables connected.
What good is the best cable if you don't work cleanly? cheapest plug, bad work, sorry.
This is a video that is supposed to inspire you and di your own which I am sure you will do better then me. It's not a performance with vote in the end! :-)
In any case the connectors are good quality. Remember that the goal here was a low cost cable and the sound is simply amazing.
Omg😂😂
Good attempt but you`re doing some mistakes. Like using unshielded conductors and stranded conductors
They aren't mistakes, but choices and experimentation. Shielding if you are not in a EMI/RFI polluted invironment isn't necessary, in any case I did connect the braid to the cold pole so in this case I did shield it. Litz is a choice, I prefer solid but this was OCC copper at s very low price with amazing results. Context is paramount. Can't judge in absolute terms.
@@anadialog one wery important little issue; any electrical interference between +/- will degrade the signal. Local interference in a stranded conductor will also degrade
most probably the worst soldering ever done on that planet/universe. directional cables?? so much bullshit...
Never claimed that I was good, I actually said the opposite. Directional? Not bullshit, simply lack of knowledge, the conductor is connected to the shield on one side, the source. That is why.
@@anadialog was in an bad mood sorry man
@@anadialog furthermore, it doesnt matter, if conductor is only connected on one side