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

Thanks for the info.

Don't see it on the Klein I just ordered, but seem to recall it on a pair long handled strippers that I had years ago.

I already have "copper" spades from Amazon but they didn't pass the magnet test (too much pull) so your pick looks better for the Canare experiment.

 

DeKay

 

 

@carlsbad Re the copper purity, the Banana Plugs are 93% copper but the SP series spades "utilize C11000 100% IACS Copper which are the highest conductivity coppers available for their respective designs".  Note sure how much of a difference it makes but I did like the idea of 100% copper.  

@bigtwin  If you like lugs, then solid copper is definitely the way to go.  Many traditional bananas have problems.  I've had them come apart on me.  

So I use silver plated BFA style "banana" plugs.  Those have the added advantage of low mass which is the main thing I have against lugs.   This is a bit of a sidetrack on this thread but I don't like a huge mass in the signal path like most binding posts are.  I make my own binding posts out of the same high conductivity copper you mention but it is 3/16" tubing pressed into a nylon housing.

Jerry

@carlsbad My experience with Banana plugs has not been that great.  Not keeping a tight fit has been my big complaint.  I have liked the locking style Furutech makes and the BFA style looks to be an improvement.  Right or wrong, I thought the high-quality copper and conductivity would work.  Really amazed they sell these spades for $5 per pair.  They are solid and well constructed. Makes you wonder what kind of magic dust goes into the connectors you see for $200 each.

@bigtwin 

I didn't mean to imply I think you should use the BFAs.  banana vs lug is always a matter of opinion.  I do like your choice of lug.  I agree with the solid copper lug.  Solid copper is soft but that works with a lug.

I do like that you extended the shrink wrap down onto the lug so that you can't twist one lug into the other while tightening.  I've seen amps blown that way.

Jerry