DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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These are the instructions for DIY interconnect cables. I decided to make these as I simply could not find cables for my system that met my criteria in terms of cable quality, RCA interconnect style (I really wanted locking plugs), and visual style. Well that's not true.... I did find some cables but they were between $1,000 and $3,000 for a 2 meter pair. After a very long search I decided to use LC-1 cables made by Belden. These are used in bluejeans cables and people really seem to love them (I wanted locking RCA plugs instead of the Canare plugs they use so that was one reason I didn't buy from them directly). You can buy LC-1 cable by the foot or in spools on rawcable.com.

You can download the step by step instruction guide in PDF format (I had posted this on another website [www.blu-ray.com] and just printed it as a PDF for easy download).

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B3Or4a ... lpOb0NuV2M
DIY RCA cable finished
DIY RCA cable finished
103183.jpg (239.78 KiB) Viewed 8437 times
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Re: DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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Nice tutorial. I wish I saw this before I bought my RCA with locking plug from Calabrine. It is not too expensive and they look good too. But I think DIY really give self satisfaction knowing its quality and build.
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Re: DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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Poogie wrote:Nice tutorial. I wish I saw this before I bought my RCA with locking plug from Calabrine. It is not too expensive and they look good too. But I think DIY really give self satisfaction knowing its quality and build.
I completely agree with you. It's truly a pleasure to listen to your audio system and know that there are unique components that nobody else in the world has. I was originally a "non-believer" that cables can make a significant difference in the sound, but this has really changed my view. The sound became significantly brighter and clearer after I changed my cables from some cheaper generic interconnects. I actually plan to make some more for other connections in my system.
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Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Re: DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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I bought some new RCA locking plugs on ebay. They were pretty inexpensive and I like their uniform golden look. Once I receive them and they are up to the quality I expect, I will make another set of cables and post some pictures.
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rca plug.jpg
rca plug.jpg (87.82 KiB) Viewed 8399 times
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Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Re: DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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So I finally got around to making another set of cables to connect my phono preamp to preamp. I used the new RCA plugs and I think they turned out rather well.
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rca interconnect
rca interconnect
449.jpg (148.96 KiB) Viewed 8308 times
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Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Re: DIY RCA interconnect cable (w/ instructions)

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I bought a new turntable recently and it did not come with a RCA interconnects nor a power cord so I figured I make some myself. Essentially same design and base materials as my earlier RCA cables except I added a ground wire (as it's for a turntable).
20170726_123023.jpg
20170726_123023.jpg (335.52 KiB) Viewed 4640 times
The first picture is with the black techflex for the tip of the cables with heat shrink. It's easier to put these one now before the cables are capped.

20170726_124653.jpg
20170726_124653.jpg (345.06 KiB) Viewed 4640 times
After the techflex is secured by heating the heatshrink.

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RCA locking plugs in place. They now can be soldered and secured.

20170726_134648.jpg
20170726_134648.jpg (326.27 KiB) Viewed 4640 times
The end product. You can see the ground wire which runs under the snake design techflex and held securely by the wider heat shrink. Also shown is the power cord for which I will make another post and give more details.
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Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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