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

@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

@mulveling +100

  I would definitely try these in my system, whereas I wouldn’t touch those Chinese cables of unknown materials & build quality

carlsbad:

Yes, they are the sweet spot for solid core and even stranded (if the insulation is somewhat easy to strip and once properly graduated).

They did the job when I used them to strip Canare 4S11 (just lost a few stands with 16 strips) but it was a painful experience.

I also successfully used them with various Kimber bulk cable years ago.

Hoping that the one's Chris rec'd will be kindler/gentler when I revisit the Canare to add connectors (want fresh/clean ends for that).

I didn't gather from the pics that Big's cable has 48 insulated wires (found out when I reviewed his link) and can only imagine the sense of accomplishment involved with stripping 192 wires for a stereo pair.

I also saved his "link" to the bare 92% copper connectors/spades as they also interest me, but I do not own a crimping tool (don't know what's good/OK/waste of time).

I have a couple of copper bearing solders from Chimera Labs and another source which might be interesting to try.

DeKay

 

@dekay Any standard wire stripping tool has the crimping feature built in.  On the link to the spades, click on the install instructions and you'll see a pair.  You use the grove for 10 - 12 AWG.  It does not take much pressure to put a solid crimp in these spades.  At $5 a pair, order an extra set for trial.