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A cable routing reminder

If you have unshielded interconnects, be sure to keep them clear of any power cords - and power supplies. 

A few days ago, I swapped the power cord on a component. The replacement power cord has a relatively mellow signature. But after installing it, the HF started sounding etched. This made no sense. I had solved that problem long ago. This was a mystery.

It turns out that when I replaced the power cord - one of my unshielded IC’s fell from its support - directly on top of the shielded power cord. Even though the IC was laying at a 90° angle, the negative impact was quite significant. After re-routing the IC, the smoothness returned.

So, if you have unshielded IC’s, be sure to re-visit their positioning. Actually, it can’t hurt to re-visit the routing of shielded IC’s, also.


steakster
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,903 posts
 
This recent thread should be of help: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/does-raising-speaker-cables-off-the-floor-really-make-a-big-difference?highlight=raising%2Bcables

All the best,
Nonoise
mkgus's avatar
mkgus
324 posts
 
How many inches are required between a shielded power cable and an unshielded interconnect? How about a ballpark figure: 2”, 6”, 1 foot, etc. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,903 posts
 
The insulator I use (which is a foam used inside of piping with a slit down the side) provides about <1" of barrier between the cables and it worked for me.

If I wasn't so lazy, I'd set about creating larger distances, but, like I said, I'm lazy.

All the best,
Nonoise
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richmon
245 posts
 

Thank you NoNoise, I had 4 spots where shielded interconnects crossed power cords due to rack/equipement configuration.

Invested $4.00 in some HomerD pipe foam insullation, cut to fit and nice effect on better sound. Took me all of 10 minutes to install.

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