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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
 
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. :-)
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,433 posts
 
Interlochen - Most of AQ stuff is 99.9999% pure and some is 99.9999999% pure copper. Some manufacturers like Acoustic Zen in addition forge copper into hot forms (continuous cast) to prevent crystal formation (impurities reside between crystals). It has zero crystals (one continuous crystal) while standard oxygen free copper has about 2000 crystals per foot.
interlochen OP
40 posts
 
99.9% -- I guess I was slightly off. lol

I've been using 115 buck Signal's Ultras (7') and I'm not sure what to make of them. Not much break-in. Great bass and soundstaging. A little gritty, or revealing upstream problems?

I have a new #24 12 - wire construction. Sounds excellent -- well rounded -- and kind of groovy looking. Send me a note and I'll send pix if interested.

I take back comments about Risch 89259 twisted cross-connected cables. They're actually very good. I had some other problem while auditioning them (new outputs in amps).
interlochen OP
40 posts
 
Very interesting Kijanki. Very.

Mural: Al wrap for "the return"?? Do you mean negative side?
Fascinating.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Do it the other way around, and you have trash to hear. The fact is what goes to the amp is grounded. There is absolutely no reason to give wasted signal a royal coach ride to the graveyard. I got the idea from my speakers. The bass ribbons are aluminum, and the music exits through, you got it, aluminum ribbon down the 5 feet of the speaker.
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