Recently I put my Belden 8402 ICs back in my system from the preamp to the amplifiers (still using Duelund 20ga between DAC and preamp).
I was surprised that I did not seem to hear any of the drawbacks I previously heard with that wire. It retained the full, tonally rich sound that is consistent with all of the tinned, stranded wires I have tried, and it seemed to be suitably extended and did not lose control when played (plenty) loud.
I looked at the construction and believe there is really only one main potential flaw to the 8402 being the use of EPDM rubber insulation. The only reason I can think to use that material is for flexibility as a commercial microphone cable but maybe you guys have a better idea of their reason for that design choice.
I then looked at Belden's extensive catalog and ordered some 8422, which is mostly the same cable as 8402 but for two main differences, the conductors are 22 awg instead of the 20 awg in the 8402, and the insulation in the 8422 is polyethylene instead of rubber in the 8402. The strand size is the same and both are tinned. I will take the chance that there will be no detriment to the slightly smaller conductors for the hopefully positive trade-off going from rubber to polyethylene. The 22 awg may actually be a bit better extended without losing body and tonal density. The polyethylene should be a superior insulation with a much lower dielectric constant. I actually like polyethylene (preferably foamed) better than Teflon, which I find to impart a high frequency sheen that is a bit unnatural sounding to me. I have always believed there are advantages to using manufactured wire for interconnects because of the more consistent winding and spacing. Hopefully, I will receive the wire and be able to make a set or two this weekend.
