Build your own
cables using CAT-5
Cable type: You need CAT-5 - category 5
- or indeed CAT-6 - category 6. The cheapest way to buy it is by the reel, and
then you have plenty for interconnects and hookup wire. The important thing is
to have the version (often referred to as ‘Plenum’) with Teflon or PTFE
insulation, NOT the ordinary PVC stuff. A good example is Belden 1585A. A
middle option is polyolefin. The cable has 8 wires in it, 4 plain colours and 4
white with stripes. There should be no outer copper shield.
Speaker Cables
To make the cables, cut three lengths
about 120% the length you need. Remember the cables shrink when braided. Then strip
off the outer shields on all three to leave the 8 inner wires. Put a piece of
tape around each end to avoid the wires coming apart. Put one end of all three
cables into a vice and screw up. You are now ready to braid. Braiding goes
"outer over middle" first left then right etc etc. (women can often
tell you how this is done...). Keep the braids tight and pull up regularly
against the vice which should be holding one end immobile. When you finish,
pull out and separate about 2 inches of the 24 individual wires. You then need
to carefully group all the colours together and all the stripes together (12 of
each). Strip the ends leaving about 2cm of copper (depending on type of
termination). Put some tape round each of the two poles (colours are plus,
stripes are minus), or use some shrink wrap to finish off, then terminate as
you want - a large spade plug or whatever else to taste or just the bare
wires. Do the other end the same. You should now have one side ready. Do
the other side the same. Enjoy good sound. The cables start bright, but get
mellower as they burn in. The only contra-indication users have pointed out is
long lengths (6 metres +) in combination with certain solid state amps. As
far as I know tube amps are absolutely fine. There's plenty of discussion of
these cables in the Cable section at www.audioasylum.com . Note that these cables
are fragile, and some outer sheath can help avoid nicks in the insulation. You
should also test for continuity before use to make sure you haven’t shorted out
the plus and minus during construction. Good luck
Interconnects
The above construction can be used
perfectly well for interconnects and will give good sound. Only in extreme
cases of RF interference should you get any appreciable hum. However, users report better results with a
twisted pair. A third option is to twist a pair round a third strand of teflon
or cotton. This gives a better angle for the braids (closer to 90 degrees). A
fourth option is a double helix wound round an inner core, which again has good
reports from users.