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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
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
3,362 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.
interlochen OP
40 posts
 
What is the standard purity of most high-end copper? 99.9%, or better?
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Wow, a lot has past since I introduced the copper ribbon. I teased my 12 gauge ribbon from a Goertz 12 gauge ribbon inductor. It is about 2 inches wide, .003" thick, and all nines pure.

I use plain old Reynolds Aluminum wrap cut into ribbons for the return to the amp. Yes, aluminum sounds ghastly. The amp has never complained though. :-)
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