2. cables
  3. 159301-12620

Long XLR cables - help me decide

I need a set of fairly long XLR cables to go between my preamp and monoblock amps. The amps will sit behind the speakers, so the right channel amp needs a cable that is around 25ft. I think it makes sense to use equal length cables, although I doubt it makes much difference (except for potential sale in the future). 

I'm currently using somewhat shorter (17ft) DIY cables made from DH Labs Pro Studio bulk cable. I like the way these sound, so I could just make another set of cables with this, but I'm wondering if there is something that might be better (and I like to experiment). This is a silver plated OFC copper stranded wire with PTFE foam insulation.

I made a set of cables using Connex The Natural One from Parts Connexion. This is a tin plated copper with natural cotton insulation. I found this cable to be kind of flat sounding - lacking in detail and energy. Fortunately, it didn't cost much.

I'm considering making cables from Neotech NEI-3001 Mk III, which uses a combination of solid core OCC copper and silver plated copper wires with FEP insulation and air tubes. I already have connectors so this would cost me about $730. The DH Labs Pro Studio would cost me a bit less, but I think the Neotech is a higher quality cable (at least from a materials and construction perspective).

Another option I'm considering is Audio Envy (not sure which of their two models). This would be less expensive, but I'm not sure if it would be as good. 

Any other options I should consider under $1000. I have tried Blue Jean cables and don't like them as much as my current cables.
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Showing 6 responses by jaytor

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jaytor OP
742 posts
 
Good to hear. Thanks.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@dgarretson - Thanks for the pointer regarding the Eizz connectors. These look excellent. I've ordered a set to use with whichever cables I decide on. 

@teo_audio - Thanks for the pointers. I don't think I've visited the Audio Sensibility site before. 

I'm kind of leaning toward sticking with the DHLabs Pro Studio since I know these sound good in my system. It's the audiofool experimentation bug that's making me considering other options. 
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@mitch2 - yes, my mistake on the model number. It's the NEI-3001 Mk III that I ordered.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@stringreen  - While I agree that balanced interconnects impart less of their sonic signature on the sound, and thus sound more similar to each other, I have still been able to notice a difference between every balanced interconnect I've tried - some more than others. 

I've decided to give the Neotech cable a try. I have had good experience with other Neotech wire/cable I've used (although I've never tried the NES-3001) and this seems to be a well made cable with logical material and construction choices. Order placed with Sonic Craft. I'm going to use the EIZZ connectors.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 
@brownsfan - Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check them out. I assume you re referring to Signal Cable Silver Resolution. I've had mixed results with all-silver interconnects. I had a set of fairly long Silver Audio Hyacinth XLR interconnects a while back that I found to lack body and be a bit harsh sounding. But I now use a set of DH Labs Revelation between my DAC and preamp and really like this cable. 

I have found that balanced cables impart less of their character on the sound than RCA interconnects do, but the differences are still noticeable. 

@teo_audio - I agree with your priorities (neutral and dynamic), but it's not easy to figure out which particular cables exhibit those characteristics the best (or the best within my budget anyway). My long cable length requirement limits the options quite a bit.

In my current setup, these interconnects will be used with amps that drive the speakers from about 80Hz up. I am building a new set of speakers that will shift the crossover point up to about 170Hz, so low bass performance is less of a factor. Separately driven stereo open-baffle subs cover the lowest frequencies.

I am intrigued by the Neotech cable mentioned in my OP, primarily because Neotech has an excellent reputation re the quality of their cables, but I haven't been able to find any listening impressions on this particular cable. 
jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
742 posts
 

I was asked by a member to follow up on this thread with my experience with the Neotech NEI-3001 Mk III. This cable is very thick and it was hard to find connectors that would work. I had connectors from several brands on hand including Neutrik, DH labs, Viborg, and EIZZ and the only ones I could get to fit were the EIZZ and these required that I remove the strain relief. 

I used these for several months in my system, but found them a little too laid back sounding. They also seemed a bit dull sounding, meaning the music lacked emotion. Ultimately, I preferred the sound of my previous cables which were made from DHLabs Pro Studio.  

I also tried making a set of cables from Connex "The Natural". These were just too warm sounding in my system. But I made a set of RCA cables from them for a friend and he loves them. 

I ended up buying a pair of Iconoclast 4x4 UP-OCC cables which worked very well in my system. These are quite a bit more expensive than my DIY cables and also extremely stiff, but they sound very nice. 

 

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