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  3. 159301-12620

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
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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Jaytor.....I'm using Neotech as power cables with the top Furutech ends.  Very satisfied.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
765 posts
 
Good to hear. Thanks.
mitch2
3,974 posts
 
FYI, Neotech NES-3001 is a speaker cable - I believe their best copper speaker, or at least it was their best.
NEI-3001 is an interconnect cable that in its former configuration sounded rather dark and boring IMO. The newest configuration has added silver but it has both stranded and solid core connectors so it may be a bit conflicted about how it should sound.
The associated power cable is NEP-3001, now in its MK3 configuration.
The speaker cable (which is a heavy gauge of multiple solid core OCC copper wires that are individually insulated in Teflon) holds the most interest to me, although I mostly stay away from the sound of Teflon.
I do have a couple of Neotech power cords and they sound good.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
http://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/neotech-nes-3001-p-1577?osCsid=abf3ce444fb39f55b41b7e0f2bdf874f
http://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/neotech-nei-2001-p-5325
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