Electrical properties of cables

Do measure the Benchmark. It's strange tho that the attenuation follows the cable (as you note in yr 1st post) in some instances and the benchmark output in others.
Overall it looks like a bad connection s/where UNLESS there's s/thing wrong in the B's volume control.

I finally measured the output of the Benchmark and found at full gain it puts out approx. 21 Vrms! This makes sence when you consider dBu = 20Log(Vrms/.7746). That's very high (for professional applications driving an amp without a preamp) when you consider most consumer products put out between 2 and 5 Vrms.

There is definately a loose connection or cold solder joint somewhere in the connector end of the vdH cable that can't pass the voltage. Serves me right for buying used on eBay!

I'll be replacing it very soon.

Why don;t you just resolder the cable -- rather than change it, etc. It's just 8 solder points & you'll probably spot the loose one by looking (or measuring).

Gregm,

Thank you for the advice. I'm looking into a new set of Neutriks XX series to do just that. There is too much clearance in the female end of the vdH connectors. Hope this upgrade works.

A side issue: I've always liked using neutriks. They're very handy and reliable.
Many, however, have touted the Eichmann connectors which are not horribly expensive and user friendly.