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Long XLR cables - help me decide

I need a set of fairly long XLR cables to go between my preamp and monoblock amps. The amps will sit behind the speakers, so the right channel amp needs a cable that is around 25ft. I think it makes sense to use equal length cables, although I doubt it makes much difference (except for potential sale in the future). 

I'm currently using somewhat shorter (17ft) DIY cables made from DH Labs Pro Studio bulk cable. I like the way these sound, so I could just make another set of cables with this, but I'm wondering if there is something that might be better (and I like to experiment). This is a silver plated OFC copper stranded wire with PTFE foam insulation.

I made a set of cables using Connex The Natural One from Parts Connexion. This is a tin plated copper with natural cotton insulation. I found this cable to be kind of flat sounding - lacking in detail and energy. Fortunately, it didn't cost much.

I'm considering making cables from Neotech NEI-3001 Mk III, which uses a combination of solid core OCC copper and silver plated copper wires with FEP insulation and air tubes. I already have connectors so this would cost me about $730. The DH Labs Pro Studio would cost me a bit less, but I think the Neotech is a higher quality cable (at least from a materials and construction perspective).

Another option I'm considering is Audio Envy (not sure which of their two models). This would be less expensive, but I'm not sure if it would be as good. 

Any other options I should consider under $1000. I have tried Blue Jean cables and don't like them as much as my current cables.
128x128jaytor
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
Steve over at audio sensibility *

take 5 audio

Parts connection

*when it comes to PCOCC, he’s as close the OCC situation as you will get. As in Dr Ohno, being a friend of the family. Seriously.

(OCC=Ohno Continuous Cast)
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
765 posts
 
@dgarretson - Thanks for the pointer regarding the Eizz connectors. These look excellent. I've ordered a set to use with whichever cables I decide on. 

@teo_audio - Thanks for the pointers. I don't think I've visited the Audio Sensibility site before. 

I'm kind of leaning toward sticking with the DHLabs Pro Studio since I know these sound good in my system. It's the audiofool experimentation bug that's making me considering other options. 
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Neutrik is not Swiss, its stuff is made in Liechtenstein.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Im using long XLR interconnects as well.....tried a few......they all sound pretty much the same.   That's the joy of differentially balanced circuits.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
765 posts
 
@stringreen  - While I agree that balanced interconnects impart less of their sonic signature on the sound, and thus sound more similar to each other, I have still been able to notice a difference between every balanced interconnect I've tried - some more than others. 

I've decided to give the Neotech cable a try. I have had good experience with other Neotech wire/cable I've used (although I've never tried the NES-3001) and this seems to be a well made cable with logical material and construction choices. Order placed with Sonic Craft. I'm going to use the EIZZ connectors.
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