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Cardas Golden Reference - Reterminate?

I've got a long set of CGR cables (XLR) that I plan to slice into smaller, uneven chunks to fit my new system configuration (all single-ended). I'm very capable of re-terminating the cables, and believe that I would likely improve on the termination job that even factory-terminated cables provide (i've carefully studied their work). I have all the necessary connectors, solder, solder pot, iron, rosin, etc.

What I'm seeking is instructions for the main conductors. I'm aware of what to do with the shield & ground/drain wires. However, I'm not sure how to wire the 3 main conductors? That is, 2 for hot & one for ground - or vice-versa?

Help is very much appreciated!

Thanks!
ecamel
glenn_garza
61 posts
 
You may already be aware of this, but in case you are not...The other thing to be careful of the the fact that you are dealing with Cardas ICs. There are many wires in there and each has an enamel coating, which is reportedly extremely difficult to get off for termination. So unless you unsolder the XLRs from the cable, and then use that same bit of the conductors (that were previously soldered to the XLR), you will likely have difficulty getting the job done correctly and quickly.
ecamel OP
13 posts
 
Technique is important in removing the coating on the litz wires - simply ensure that all conductor tips are covered with flux and dip into a solder pot. I'm very capable and successful at this (strictly a hobby!)

I'm still left with uncertainty about wiring - I have 3 main conductors and need to determine how many go to hot and how many to ground. I suppose it doesn't matter too much, limitations likely to the lowest common denominator (single conductor).
herman
2,267 posts
 
Once you are done the cables are essentially worthless i.e. they will have no resale value. I had Cardas do the same job for me a few years ago and what they charged was well worth it because I later sold them as factory terminated and more than made up for what I paid them to do it. I don't know what they charge now but it is worth considering.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
*Once you are done the cables are essentially worthless i.e. they will have no resale value* (Herman)

Cardas Golden Reference are very expensive cables (duh), so I pretty much agree with what Herman said above. It almost seems a shame to start slicing & cutting them. I also wonder if a DIY slicing & re-terminating of expensive cables (higher-end Cardas, Nordost, whatever) would yield the same sound quality as factory terminated?

I'd at least call Cardas before proceeding......

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,003 posts
 
Cardas charges $50 per END, (not per pair) for retermination. It is impossible for anyone but Cardas to reterminate their cable properly no matter how talented you are at soldering. I was a Cardas dealer for many years and have seen how this is done...don't even try.
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