RCA Cables

[KaiserSoze]

I got some of the XLRs and they are clocked wrong ...

I'm not familiar with the concept of cables being "clocked". Dare I ask you to explain?

 

[Helicopter]

Clocking is the orientation of the plug to the jack. Aerospace term for keyed electrical 'cannon' plugs. If I put the magnius on the modius and plug the cables into the modius, the plugs are upside down when they arrive at the magnius. Of course this wouldnt be an issue with RCAs since those are not keyed.

 

[infinitesymphony]

For anyone looking for something decent in the <$20 range on Amazon, I've had good luck with Kopul, KabelDirect, FosPower, and UGREEN. They're mostly comparable brands with Kopul making some higher-end XLR cables.

 

[KaiserSoze]

Clocking is the orientation of the plug to the jack. Aerospace term for keyed electrical 'cannon' plugs. If I put the magnius on the modius and plug the cables into the modius, the plugs are upside down when they arrive at the magnius. Of course this wouldnt be an issue with RCAs since those are not keyed.

Oh, I see! Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Chromatischism]

Get these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PFNSFZT

I have a pair and they are really well made and nowhere near overpriced IMO.

Those look good. I can vouch for the Amphenol connectors, they are really nice. If it's stranded wire it should be more flexible than a hard coaxial.

 

[Chromatischism]

I use these. Very high quality and flexible. Nice for short runs between components. I even use them for subwoofers. I realize they are not shielded in the traditional sense but I have not had any issues. I found them with google-fu one day, didn't see any mentions of them so I thought I'd be the first. They are using Canare Star Quad cable and Amphenol and Switchcraft connectors.

https://www.proaudiola.com/product-p/1-quad-rca-90rca-1.htm

Note, their site will not load if you are using a VPN.

 

[Chromatischism]

Also these from Ghent:

 

[Juhazi]

My suggestion is to put a mask on and walk to the nearest supermarket. Take a look and buy the ones that look heaviest and have sufficient length. No need to pay for delivery!

Too much Old school?

 

[Veri]

Don't waste money on a stupid brand like Audioquest. I recommend these, good price and world renown/studio materials used
1foot world's best cables RCA https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GNXMGTA/ different sizes and materials available

 

[Blumlein 88]

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18534

Another inexpensive way to get a good cable, scratch your itch by covering it in a little snake oil, and not spend $20 per 3 ft cable (less than $34/pair).

The Monolith from Monoprice.

This cable has it all. OFC, flat, spiral, different gauges, litz construction, braided and foil shielding. Amazing value in an audiophile cable. Patented design.

 

[bobbooo]

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18534

Another inexpensive way to get a good cable, scratch your itch by covering it in a little snake oil, and not spend $20 per 3 ft cable (less than $34/pair).

The Monolith from Monoprice.

This cable has it all. OFC, flat, spiral, different gauges, litz construction, braided and foil shielding. Amazing value in an audiophile cable. Patented design.

View attachment 86750

Any cable that spouts snake oil like "Spiral ribbon conductors provide maximum treble definition without harshness" should be boycotted on principle, no matter the price. If people stop buying these cables, marketing will stop perpetuating this nonsense.

 

[adi518]

Those look good. I can vouch for the Amphenol connectors, they are really nice. If it's stranded wire it should be more flexible than a hard coaxial.

Yes, they are quite flexible, no issues there.

 

[mhardy6647]

Note, their site will not load if you are using a VPN.

That strikes me as odd and somewhat disquieting, as well.

They look like nice "interconnects", though.

 

[mhardy6647]

Looks like it could've been repurposed from spare wire from the transatlantic telegraph cable

 

[Vasr]

I use these. Very high quality and flexible. Nice for short runs between components. I even use them for subwoofers. I realize they are not shielded in the traditional sense but I have not had any issues. I found them with google-fu one day, didn't see any mentions of them so I thought I'd be the first. They are using Canare Star Quad cable and Amphenol and Switchcraft connectors.

View attachment 86723

View attachment 86724

https://www.proaudiola.com/product-p/1-quad-rca-90rca-1.htm

Note, their site will not load if you are using a VPN.

This worked for me over VPN (within US). Those right angled ones look good. The big advantage is you can push against the back of them to get a good fit in congested panels that doesn't leave much space between connectors, to get fingers in.

I am looking for a set of multi-channel (7 ch) RCA interconnect between two components about 4" apart in straight line between connectors. There are a couple of constraints:

1. The space behind the components is very limited. Can take about 1.5" (4cm) max of connector length at most. This also needs to accommodate the unbendable part of the cable and any extra length of the cable coiled away. Thick, inflexible cables that are more than 6" long make this difficult. I am using the Monoprice cables right now which is not ideal. I am assuming shielding is not as big a deal for such short run patch cables, nowhere near any power lines. Ability to pull each component out while connected is not a requirement.

2. The RCA connectors on the components are very closely spaced, so while I can fit most of the "quality" connectors with thick hoods, it is very difficult to individually insert or remove cables or to ensure a good fit when they are so close to each other. Impossible to use those locking plugs that need to be turned. The connectors are in two rows with L and R vertically arranged.

Any suggestions for a pre-built or DIY solution? About 6" length cable, flexible enough to be "squished" at the back by the back wall for the required extra length to give some slack or be flush against the components, easy to plug in and ensure a good fit in a closely spaced multi-channel RCA panel, good quality connectors that will ensure a snug and long-lasting connectivity.

I am thinking DIY with right angled connectors at each end with the custom-length short cables circling around the connector panel in the same vertical plane rather than heading back.

Any hints or suggestions? Any "snake" like solutions? Thanks.

 

[infinitesymphony]

@Vasr Sounds like a custom order or DIY if you want to avoid adapters. You might get color coded boots, too.

 

[gvl]

I realize they are not shielded in the traditional sense but I have not had any issues.

Why aren't they shielded? Looking at the product description L-4E6S is shielded. Is the shield left disconnected? Doubtful. Is there any benefit of using star-quad for single-ended cables?

 

[infinitesymphony]

That strikes me as odd and somewhat disquieting, as well.

It could be that IP addresses or ranges used by certain VPN providers have been blacklisted due to abuse. If some VPNs work and others don't, that's the most likely scenario.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Did you think 'clock' was with reference to time? I thought so, till I read the explanation.

I thought we were about to start talking about cable directionality.

 

[Chromatischism]

Why aren't they shielded? Looking at the product description L-4E6S is shielded. Is the shield left disconnected? Doubtful. Is there any benefit of using star-quad for single-ended cables?

I don't know for sure, but there is a "direction" to the cables which I think implies a floating shield?

The benefit of star quad? For me it's the flexibility when using a 1-3ft cable to connect components. The right angle is nice on my subs which keeps things flush against them.