2017 Honest Cabling that doesn’t promote bankruptcy

Whart > Ideally, the cables should be neutral, as should the components, but the reality, in my experience, is that different components sound different, and when combined with other components - the very nature of a system-- the results may vary.

Blindjim > its not that they ‘may’ vary, it is that results ‘will’ vary. Unquestionably.

Leaning heavily on ‘synergy’ helps. Infusing cabling however into the mix is the greatest aggravation in this past time IMO.


Whart > In 1973, it was pretty much zip cord and there was no high grade interconnect being marketed

Blindjim > in the ‘70s and into the ‘80s I was an electronics communication technician. or commercial electrician. Stereo’s then used $2 RCA connections…. And lamp wires for speaker cables. Only a knife and screw driver was needed to get a stereo hooked to a pair of speakers.

They had the all in one inspiration everywhere. Phono, tape, tuner, an the obligatory AUX input for a reel to reel deck.

Power cords were migratory only if the dog chewed off the one already attached.

It always amazed me how a dog could do that and survive.


Whart > If you are still up in the air about what amp and speaker choices you are making.. wait on wires.

Blindjim > check. So the Cable Co. is still alive and well? Cool.
Only decision made thus far is to go more mainstream instead of low power and High Eff spkrs for the main rig. Lower tube power and High Eff spkrs is the aim for a secondary office deal. Likely, Push Pull, EL 34 based. < 100wpc. Stand mount spkrs.

And the main room spkrs will have to be more low power friendly than those I’ve been admiring which mostly fall into the 4 ohm 90db or so realm.
Short list wires are AQ, Nordost, Shunyata, Wireworld, Cardas, HT, and Crystal. Maybe Morrow or Audience.

I would still love to know what happened to the Sunyata Taipan helix alpha pc. Which one is it now? Which one is the Python equivalent? Any input on their new lines would be appreciated.

The best wire I have heard, and I have owned many, is the Duelund bulk stranded copper in oil impregnated cotton. Wonderful sounding with many of us Aphiles selling off cables costing up to $2500 for this stuff. Jeff Day and Jim Smith both love and use it talking about it on the their sites/blogs.

Offered in 16,12, and 20 gauge. Price is $9-$16 meter. Do not terminate as speaker wire as it sounds best stripped and hooked directly. All terminations degrade sound.

I have owned Clear Day, MG, several Cardas, TRL, Amadi, Tara Labs Air, and others and the Duelund wire is very special.

It is tinned so no need to worry about oxidation etc....The 16 gauge is the choice for many for both speaker wire and ICs. With Switchcraft rca’s you can make a 1 meter set of ICs for just $65. The 12ga is a tad more full bodied than the 16ga when used as speaker cable. The 16ga is a tad more lively.

Dont let the price fool you, You could spend thousands on this wire and still smile when you hear it.

Grannyring > best wire I have heard, is the Duelund bulk stranded copper in oil impregnated cotton.

Blindjim > OK.
A few Q’s….
What covers the oil impregnated cotton to make it safe to use as a conductor?

Can these things be considered ‘shielded?

Essentially, are they both as revelatory neutral and transparent to the signal apart from one with more weightiness and one more active??

Have you ever ran double runs of this wire as spkr wire in any AWG size?

Exactly where do we buy these wires?

Thanks, Jim

Cotton is the only outer covering and all that is needed. It is sturdy, thick, and safe. No worries. You can purchase this wire from Parts Connextion. They sell the 16ga and 12 ga.

I like the Duelund and love the Western Electric NOS wire which the Duelund wire was fashioned after. 10 gauge and can be purchased below. Please note it is sold as a twisted set! Great value. Don’t terminate .... use the bare wire. Same with the Duelund wire. I started off with the Duelund 16ga and finally ended up on the Western Electric 10ga. Personal preference only and system synergy.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/per-foot-Western-Electric-AIW-10ga-STRANDED-cloth-covered-gray-PAIR-/2316636...

It is warmer sounding and more full bodied while the Duelund wire is lively and a tad more open. Two great options.

Both these options  are not shielded as you say. This is one reason for their openness. What these cables have in spades is uncanny realism. Less electronic or reproduced sounding and more live. Your music sounds real. It sort of transcends talking about this or that audiophile adjective.