DIY Anti-IC project


I'm sold on Speltz Anti-Cable and Anti-IC products; they're great. First tried a set of biwire cables for my Magnepan speakers (bought the wire bulk from Speltz @ $1.25 per foot and using in twisted format with no termination), then a 1/2-meter set of Anti-ICs for between preamp & amp (TAD-150 and 60 respectively). Later I decided to install another set of the ICs between CD player and preamp, and inquired about buying the IC wire in bulk form in order to make'em myself (construction of these looked easy enough), but was told this particular gauge of wire is not available for purchase separately.

So, I was on the verge of ordering another 1/2-meter set, then one night while listening had a brainstorm: Why not construct a set of "super" Anti-ICs from the heavier gauge Anti-Cable speaker wire? Since my amp sits on top of the preamp, a 16" pair would be more than enough length, and then I could use the 1/2-meter set I already owned for between CD & preamp. So, I ordered 10' of bulk Anti-Cable from Speltz and (4) Neutrik RCA connectors from Parts Express ($1.75 each). I spiraled the cable around a 3/8" dowel rod, and used a single run of wire through the middle to complete each cable. Upon substitution of my newly-concocted "Anti-IC Plus" interconnects for the standard Speltz version, there was an immediately noticeable improvement in bass depth and impact, along with increased dynamics throughout the range and a bigger and more open sound stage.

I would not have written about this if the difference were less than subtle, in fact, I am one that is not a big believer in "cables can make a difference" (old-school engineering mentality) - But for the cost of $20 for the materials needed to make these interconnects, I urge any DIY'er to give it a shot - You'll like'em. (Email me for a photo of the finished cables if curious.) -Gary
ggeers222
Update: My home-brew "Anti-IC Plus" interconnects are out; the new "Avatar Blu" interconnects are in. In fact, these cables also replaced my Speltz-made standard-issue Anti-ICs (which are for sale if anyone's interested).

The Avatar interconnects are made from a very thin gauge solid core copper (in this case NOS genuine Bell Tel wire with a manufacture date stamp of 1978) in a twisted-pair configuration, and closely resemble the Morrow Audio MA-1 interconnects (testimonials by purchasers rave about the MA-1 on Morrow's site). Yep, I like to clone good cables for a fraction of retail cost - As long as I don't try to sell my creations to the public thereby undercutting the manufacturers who offered the "same" product first, why not.

After an ear-opening listen to the prototype pair I'd made with gold RCA plugs and silver solder, I've since replaced all interconnects (Speltz and otherwise) in each of my stereo systems with the Avatar cables - Their main attributes are superior bass depth and tightness, a very open and natural-sounding midrange, plus an overall more coherent soundstage presentation than anything I've heard in my systems. These results are in part due to the very low capacitance of the wire, plus minimum high-frequency skin effect due to its thin gauge. As a bonus, there are zero hum or RF issues even though the twisted pair is completely unshielded.

I've given sets of these to a few of my trusted audio pals, and the reports of improvement in each case are much the same - I'm being begged for additional pairs. Mind you, Speltz Anti-ICs are great cables (especially for the price), but now I've found something even better.
Don't have any idea where this same wire can be sourced today; I obtained my spool of the stuff back in '78, the year it was manufactured. There's a mystique surrounding the very pure copper that was made by Bel Tel all those years ago, and the very thin gauge indeed belies what its capable of in terms of full frequency spectrum presentation. (I never would have believed this if not hearing it for myself - That's why I asked several of my friends' trusted ears to back me up on my findings.)
47 Labs Stratos OTA cable was developed by a phone company. 26 gauge - tiny solid core copper wire with a huge sound.
Sounds like the CAT5 speaker cables by Chris Venhaus of VH Audio, doesn't it? http://www.venhaus1.com/diycatfivecables.html