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How to Separate and Insulate AC and IC cables

My set up forces me to run my interconnects and my power cords and my speaker cables through a 3" hole behind my amplifier. I know this is audio sin, but I need to keep my components where they are; it's a custom built maple and slate wall cabinet/shelving system. I've thought about drilling two other holes down through the shelf behind my amp, which would separate the cables at that point, but I'm shy about drilling into my new cabinetry.

Here's what I'm considering:

I want to insulate my cables and cords from each other using some sort flexible tubing. I've contemplated garden hose, clear plastic hose, pipe insulation. Is this adviseable? What are the drawbacks of doing this? Anyone know of a cost friendly product that would serve my purpose?
rosedanny
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Of the above, pipe insulation is best.
riffer
362 posts
 
If your cables are properly shielded, I wouldn't worry about it. What I do know is, that if there is a problem, flexible tubing won't help.

A better bet would be some braided copper shield, like Belden:

http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=133&cat=Braided+Copper+Shield

If you want it to look nice, put the flexible tubing over that.
rosedanny OP
80 posts
 
Thanks Riffer and Unclejeff. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks especially for the link to takefiveaudio. Of the two suggestions, I'm leaning towards the braided copper shield. Since the cables are all hidden, it won't matter what it looks like.

Unclejeff, what kind of pipe insulation were you talking about? I was thinking of the black, foam stuff. Is that what you meant?
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