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Electrical properties of cables

I'm running a pair of 1 meter XLR VDH cables from a Benchmark DAC to a Bryston Pre. The sound in one channel is ever so slightly louder (1dB?) than the other. I especially noticed this with a 1kHz test tone while flipping the mono/stereo switch. This problem follows the cable when swapping channels. They pass a continuity check but I haven't ohm'd them out yet.

Any other suggestions before I toss them out? By the way, the custom Canare/Neutriks work just fine in this application.
av2k
av2k OP
17 posts
 
I finally measured the output of the Benchmark and found at full gain it puts out approx. 21 Vrms! This makes sence when you consider dBu = 20Log(Vrms/.7746). That's very high (for professional applications driving an amp without a preamp) when you consider most consumer products put out between 2 and 5 Vrms.

There is definately a loose connection or cold solder joint somewhere in the connector end of the vdH cable that can't pass the voltage. Serves me right for buying used on eBay!

I'll be replacing it very soon.

gregm
3,409 posts
 
Why don;t you just resolder the cable -- rather than change it, etc. It's just 8 solder points & you'll probably spot the loose one by looking (or measuring).
av2k OP
17 posts
 
Gregm,

Thank you for the advice. I'm looking into a new set of Neutriks XX series to do just that. There is too much clearance in the female end of the vdH connectors. Hope this upgrade works.
gregm
3,409 posts
 
A side issue: I've always liked using neutriks. They're very handy and reliable.
Many, however, have touted the Eichmann connectors which are not horribly expensive and user friendly.
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