Duelund conversion to DIY Helix Geometry Cabling

@pindac, yes the CCC wire is impressive as is the OCC Ag. As most of us realise systems differ and mine which is border line over-analytical requires, I think a mix of these two types.

I will modify the 'skinny' IC and allow many more hours play and then figure out what direction to go.

What I do know now is that the helix design is inherently superior to anything else I've tried. To this end my Van den Hul Orchid interconnect was my reference. It's basically a single stand of Ag. in VdH 'special' insulation with a coax style neutral and additional screen. He uses hybrid and various weird stuff in his cables. I used to refer to his cables as Van den Dull but the Orchid is an exception to this.

When I replaced the above with the CCC helix I was immediately thrilled with what I was hearing. This one pair of interconnects was not just different and a little better, it took my system to a higher level and my thinking changed!

This expensive exercise has possibly saved me money 🤔

I no longer feel that maybe it's time to upgrade my 30 year old Wadia 15 DAC. Plays redbook only and I do not feel this is a handicap. My DIY power amp is performing beautifully with explosive transients and dynamics. It can stay.

More experimentation with different concoctions will add to the Helix Cookbook recipes.

@lemonhaze - having a slightly smaller neutral will not impact performance singificantly.

You could add a second 18 gauge Neutral which would make it larger than the revised signal conductor, but I would wait until you’ve listened to it and then if you feel there is some shorcomings then perhaps tackcle a second neutral OR even replace it with a 16 gauge neutral

I might opt for a 16 gauge neutral, as it might provide a slight advantage over a 2 x 18 gauge neutral.

I tried a dual wire neutral and for me it did not provide enough of an advantage considering the addition effort it took to build. But others swear by the dual neutral build.

My build was using bare wire inside teflon tube for the neutral, while it is a very nice cable

• I did not find using a dual neutral was significantly better
• I did not find using bare wire inside a teflon tube to provide any noticeable benefit
• My other two cables use 16 guage wire with Teflon insulation

WRT the bare 14 gauge wire - I guess you would have to buy wire with teflon insulation and remvove the insulation. I did this before I found the bare wire

I think there is a version that has PVC insulation which is more affordable

Hope that helps

@williewonka, I will heed your advice, add the extra signal wire and allow it to accumulate some hours before doing anything else. I think that the single strand of wire should not take as long to settle down as the full build did.

Yes the OCC is available with PVC insulation and is as you say less expensive than PTFE. It's also easier to remove.

@pindac Dear PINDAC, may I ask where to buy D.U.C.C. bulk wires? Thank you.