BEST INTERCONNECT FOR $25 EACH?

terry9

Not wanting to start a debate and you can obviously use whichever technique you wish, but everything I have read says shield/drain is connected to source end, or as I say, sending end. Also, I have looked at many cables from different manufacturers that use this and then will have the directional arrows on the cable. The arrow has always pointed toward the unconnected end.

@tls49 

The problem with connecting the shield to the source end is that if a source has no ground connection, you will end up with an ungrounded shield. Many turntables and tonearms are like that, especially vintage ones - think two-prong plugs.

All,

I am announcing my purchase. 

Grannyring commented a little while back. 
He makes cables under the name “Acoustic BBQ” right here on Audiogon.

I bucked up and spent more than anticipated, but I am convinced they are the best setup for the money, and he didn’t have to sell me at all. I spend several hours researching with your help.

I purchased 4 IC cables with the following:
1. 2ft 16awg Duelund wire with impregnated oil. 16awg for a bit more meat than 20awg.
2. Cardas GSMO RCA connectors 
3. WBT Silver Solder
3. Not shielded as to not close the sound. The risk of interference is less than the negative effect that shielding creates. Plus, worst case scenario it can always be added.
4. Jacket over twisted wires 
5. Shrink wrap for support. 

Thank you Bill and everybody for your input! 

terry9

The problem with connecting the shield to the source end is that if a source has no ground connection, you will end up with an ungrounded shield.

Almost all components today have a separate ground. If not, you can always run a wire from the chassis to ground.

If you always ground at the source end, it’s easy to maintain star grounding. That helps avoid noise and hum by keeping all grounds at the same potential.

Many turntables and tonearms are like that, especially vintage ones - think two-prong plugs.

The typical pickup arm/phono cartridge assembly has a separate ground wire - it’s a balanced circuit with a separate ground intended to be connected to the preamplifier. Again, that helps maintain star grounding.