Looking for really fine cables at really low price

P.S: Regarding my comment about the hum in Bill's 845 amp, that went away with the Belden cable, I see in the 8402 datasheet that the resistance of the conductors is about 33.4 ohms/kilometer (corresponding to the stated 20 gauge wire), while the resistance of the shield is only about 9.8 ohms/km (which is equivalent to the resistance of a solid copper conductor that is between 14 and 15 gauge). Also, many interconnects have conductors that are narrower than 20 gauge. That all seems consistent with the explanation I speculated.

Best regards,
-- Al

Almarg you are gold!

Jim Smith has asked Siedy Abee to clarify his remarks. Hopefully Abee will respond soon.

Al,
Thanks for your comment/explanation. Unshielded wire and natural fiber materials fit the same category as NFB (no negative feedback). By that I mean the principle(simpler and less complex) of their use and effect seems to yield positive sonic results more often than not. However it's difficult to attribute their apparent benefits in isolation. Yes they appear to improve the sound quality when implemented but other variables are very likely in play. NFB benefit will certainly be dependent on speaker characteristics.

Bill, Jet or Sal, how about making ICs with natural material and another with synthetic dielectric and compare? I know, easy for me to say.
Charles,

Thanks Al! Very well done. Yes, it did remove a ground loop issue that only this amp seemed to have in my system. It was indeed a 60 htz hum through the woofers! I have had this same issue with other tubes amps and love the fact that a shielded cable removes this potential nagging issue.

I agree 100% with the un-shielded cable giving the perception of more air and top end extension if you will, when perhaps it is really high frequency noise. The absence of noise is a startling thing in a stereo system and something our ears have to get used to. Very interesting point/speculation Al.

I do notice I can turn up the volume with these shielded cables with no negative impact on my tinnitus. I cannot claim the same thing for past un-shielded cables of both copper and silver variety.

Charles, I will build a nude set of WE IC's and compare once it has fully burned it. I will use this one between my dac and preamp.

It may react differently in my system vs. another's based on Al's comments above.