Not Chinese Fakes But Not big $$$ Either


Tired and bored after reading 11 pages of posts about Chinese Counterfeit Cables (guilty of a couple entries myself), and looking for a DYI project, I decided to split the difference between Cheap Fakes and outrageous prices for name brand American made cables.  After doing lots of research and reading I selected bulk "CHELA"  speaker cable from VHAudio https://www.vhaudio.com/speakercables.html  and connectors, shrink tube etc, from AV Outlet https://www.avoutlet.com/av-cables-connectors/av-connectors/speaker/furez-sp8-wp38xlnp/

This has been a fun project and a first for me.  The total cost was +/- $400 per 8 foot cable.  Given the quality of materials, such as 48 strand OCC copper wires, which translates to 10 AWG, I think the cost is very reasonable.  I try to build as much as I can but mostly it has been woodworking in the past.  I encourge everyone to try their hand at projects.  It's always more rewarding than shoveling cash at retailers. If you're interested, here's the project in detail.

Cheers

 

128x128bigtwin

@carlsbad  I have a stripper/crimper tool but it doesn’t go below 20 awg. With a new box cutter blade as shown, I only needed to put very light pressure on the blade and simply roll it over the wire. The covering came off easily and not one wire was knicked. I was surprised at how easy that part of the job was.

@jrbirdman333 Skipped the gloves as I knew I would clean the wires before securing the spades.  Cleaned them and used a polishing cloth.  

bigtwin:

I use this for solid core (26/22 gauge) 47 Labs and Neotech wire (the short handled stripper Chris linked also looks good - just ordered one).

 

DeKay

 

 

@dekay  Thanks.  In a perfect world, I have just build my last set of cables.  🤣

@dekay I first used strippers like that at Fermilab when I worked there in the 70s.  Didn't know they still made them.  Yellow handle and all.  Get them set up correctly and you can't beat them.

Jerry