Does it matter the wire gauge used in interconnects?


I am thinking of trying my hand on building some DIY interconnects. It will be balanced (XLR) and 10 feet long. I have seen interconnects made with thin 30 gauge wire, is there an advantage using super thin gauge wire?
I was thinking of using 20 gauge but is that too thick for interconnects?

ozzy
128x128ozzy

A note on the 18awg VH Audio COPPER airloc that people keep pushing.  Yes, this wire will work fine and sound very clean, but you are STILL going to lose high frequency extension.  I've done lots of testing with this VH Audio wire.  The 18awg COPPER is too big for full range sound.  The 21awg COPPER is okay, but too small to give an open sound with powerful bass.  If you want to go 18awg, the SILVER VH Audio airloc is really good, but very expensive.  For analog interconnect, I would do a combo 18awg + 21awg copper to cover the entire range.  Otherwise, use 20awg Neotech teflon hookup wire.

auxinput,

Interesting, are you saying to combo copper and silver together?

Ted, I hope you know that I was just kidding. I really like SR products and the innovation.

ozzy

no, I'm saying that if you use VH Audio Copper and want to use 18awg, I would pair it with 21awg.  18awg will give you your bass.  the 21awg will provide high frequencies that the 18awg will not do.

If you go all silver, I think the VH Audio 18awg solid-core Silver Airloc will be just fine for bass and high frequencies, but it's very expensive at $40 per foot.  That means a 1 meter pair of balanced interconnects will cost you $800 for just the silver wire.

That being said, it is a personal preference.  I never really liked silver for use in analog interconnects, but I have found it is required for digital cables (S/PDIF, AES/ABU, HDMI, etc.).

Vh audio v twist wire is for my ears and wallet great stuff...chris would help i would think as well...the v twist for me is as easy as it gets at diy.The guys here know there shtuff alright.His copper wire has alot clarity...was going to do something like steve’s cable minus mylar...take your time.A great sounding cable done right is an enjoyable achievement...it will surprise you im betting.