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Best cable for short monoblock runs?

My blocks are elevated so that I only need 15" or even 12" of cable. I've done a lot of DIY experimentation with short and more conventional (2 meter) lengths and results suggest the composition and configuration of short runs may be more critical than long runs.

Probably my best short run results were with 4 - #24 bare Cat5 copper runs for each leg, spaced widely apart, like a fan. 8 wires total.

Your experiences, suggestions? Doesn't have to be DIY. Commercial is good.

I've tried Jon Risch's 89259 2 meter runs -- not too impressive, to be polite. I just ordered a 2 meter pair of Signal Ultra cable. I'll use long runs over that short 12-15" distance if results are superior. May as well put the blocks on the floor if I do.

I'm using DIY monoblocks now but have a pair of Clayton M200s coming soon.
Regards,
Dave
interlochen
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Stringreen, actually there is for short runs, and it isn't commercial. Cardas is just awful, if you insert it anywhere in a really revealing system. I know, because I tried it. Of course, if a person's amps throw off objectionable HF sounds....

I use very thin, .003" 12 gauge copper ribbons lightly wrapped in Saran Wrap to prevent shorts. The sound is thrilling in it's stage depth, and optimally realized bass and treble extensions.
clio09
3,363 posts
 
Ribbon cables are a good solution. Two non-DIY brands that come to mind are Decware and Grover Huffman (which I'm using in a 2m run). They are both available in 1/2 meter runs, and longer if you decide to go that route.
interlochen OP
40 posts
 
Stringreen: I've considered anti-cables and will have another look.

Clio09: I've seen Grover mentioned frequently but I didn't know Decware offered cables. Mmmm...

Mural: 3 mils ribbon. I assume the 12 gauge refers to total cross section in the ribbon case so your cables must be wide-ish, which is not a problem. Your ribbon source?

Yesterday I installed 15" lengths of RG-8x, single lengths per channel and I think it may best everything else.

Obviously I'll have to try multiple commercial offerings and hope for a return policy. I've exhuasted DIY alternatives except ribbon.

I wonder how Al foil would sound? Probably ghastly.

Finally, what do you guys think about short vs long for monoblocks? Convention holds that shorter is better for SCs and ICs, but in this case long SCs allow for shorter ICs, which may be more critical. Not sure.

Dave
interlochen OP
40 posts
 
Also, curious about copper purity. What is the high-end standard, 99.9% -- or better?

Side note: 7 nines is the only way to get warmth out of silver. Anything less will be bright. Heard this?
clio09
3,363 posts
 
See here:
http://www.decware.com/newsite/newdsr.htm

Steve uses all silver. The Grover Huffman cables are a combination of copper and silver ribbons.

For copper I prefer Ohno Continuos Cast, but have had good results from other types as well.

Since I run balanced I'm using longer runs now. For single ended 1m would be my limit.
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