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Are DIY Cables Worth It?

I just read a listing in the classifieds titled "Vh audio CHeLA diy bulk speaker cable" that looked interesting. It claims to sell unterminated cable for $17.95/ft that would sound like $2000 cables when terminated.

Assuming I take the time and terminate the cables correctly, from what you see on their website is this cable worth my time? (Keep in mind that my time is not overly expensive, and I will never be able to spend more than $200 on speaker cables.)

Here is a site with more information about them: http://www.vhaudio.com/wire.html#vhspeaker
128x128heyitsmedusty

Showing 5 responses by gregm

gregm
3,395 posts
 
I guess I should be asking how much I would expect to pay (at an average price for the quality of speaker cable that is produced) for the finished version of these cables.
Nicely put! I can only answer that question regrading a particular cable -- not in absolute terms.

I use diy cables. For both ic & spkrs. My case is unusual in that diy replaces an expensive model fm a popular brand (Nordost Valhalla).

As to Chris Venhaus: he's an audiophile and much of the stuff he offers is very good (caps, for example). But, @$18/ft he's not the cheapest around; Mapleshade for one, is cheaper.

I would suggest you diy your IC for the time being.
gregm
3,395 posts
 
Gregm, what do you have for DIY cables that may better Nordast Valhalla?
Freemand, pls note that I use the wires and prefer them in the controlled context of MY system. So, I can't say in absolute terms that the wires "are better" than Valhalla...

As to what they are: simply paralleled silver and copper conductors @~1" apart, supported by masking tape (one side only). They are UNSHIELDED which may make the ICs unsuitable for other applications.

My recommed above was to try a tested diy recipe for ICs and perhaps buy the spkr cable ready made since it looks cheaper.
Cheers
gregm
3,395 posts
 
I've never even heard of solid core speaker wire, let alone considered using it.
It's what I use (&describe) above: one 22-20g wire for hot & one for return (IC). That makes it UNshielded, "solid core" -- as opposed to many thin wires twisted together for hot and similarly for return ("stranded").
gregm
3,395 posts
 
Yup, that's correct freemand -- the "neutral" part of the equation:)
gregm
3,395 posts
 
The "minus" i.e. the "ground" connector. The central pin is the "signal". As per RCA ever since the '30s if I recall. C'mon guys.
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