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Duelund conversion to DIY Helix Geometry Cabling

I have been an avid user of the Duelund cabling for over two years now and have used them exclusively in my system with great results. I have built many for friends and have used a full loom of interconnects, speaker cables, power cords and an extensive wiring modification for a previously owned balanced power conditioner utilizing Duelund 600V PolyCast wiring which was transformative. My cabling desires can be a little addictive as I have owned and evaluated 40+ brands of cabling costing more than an entire stereo system!

Over the past six months I stumbled upon a thread here on Audiogon in regards to a Helix designed cabling and as you probably already know, I just had to look a little deeper into this cable design…After a month of studying and sourcing parts, I decided to reach out to the designer/architect, Williewonka who gave more insights and philosophy on how the cable came into existence.

That conversation got the ball rolling in converting one of my KLE Duelund interconnects to Steve’s Helix designed which only entailed replacing the neutral with a Mil-Spec 16 AWG silver-plated copper wire with the neural wire being 3 times longer than the signal wire and of course the “Coiling” of the neutral wire : )

After the modification was complete, I was not sure what to expect from the Helix cabling but I was quite shocked with the results with “ZERO” burn-in time…The sound stage became much wider/deeper with a much tighter/focused image and clarity/transparency is like nothing I have ever heard in any cabling regardless of cost. In fact, I just sold a full loom of a commercially designed Helix Cable that’s renowned around the world and has more direct sale than any cable manufacturer; these $200 DIY Helix Cables walked all over them…

I believe you will hear the same results as I have and have heard back from friends who have already modified their Duelunds with the same results; WOW! Remember the cables will need 200+ hours to burn-in and settle into your system. My system is now 90% DIY Helix to include IC, SC, PC and Coax with each cabling adding its beauty of an organic and natural presentation that draws you into the fabric of the music.

You can tailor the sound of your cables using Duelund, Mundorf silver/1% gold, the outstanding Vh Audio OCC Solid Copper or Silver with Airlok Insulation or your favorite wiring and you can change it at any time…

 

http://www.image99.net/blog/files/category-diy-cables.html

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/difference-in-sound-between-copper-and-silver-digital-cables

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/adding-shielding-to-existing-cables

 

Enjoy,

Wig


128x128wig
jambaj0e
46 posts
 
What do you think about doing this for Audeze LCD headphone cables with 4-pin XLR ends? I'd love to see if that can be done, and hell, I'll even buy it if someone can make one for me as a custom cable.
williewonka
3,067 posts
 
UPDATE: - following @wig 's lead, regarding replacing the Mil-Spec neutral with Neotech wire on my power cables, I ordered some 12 gauge stranded Neotech UP-OCC wire, which finally  finally arrived yesterday :-)l 

Without any break-in time there was a noticeable improvement
  • more details and improved clarity - especially in the top end
  • improved articulation throughout
  • more robust bass with even more texture
  • faster dynamics
  • Improved image - deeper and more precise artist placement
  • totally invisible speakers
But was it worth the expense?

Well, I only used s single wire as opposed to the two mil-spec wires

But taking that into account - it more expensive than the Mil-Spec.

However - when you experience the improvement of the wonderful sound - it was definitely worth it.

The Neotech Stranded UP-OCC is probably not as good as the Neotech solid wire, but I have no intention of wrestling a 12 gauge solid wire.

The Neotech UP-OCC was very similar to the Mil-Spec to work with
  • it held the Helix shape nicely
  • was easy to stretch out over the length of the live conductor
  •  only needed one wire
  • it was a little larger in cross section than the mil-spec
How much difference was there? The improvements were noticeable without any burn in, so I think things will improve over time

Regards - Steve

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,411 posts
 
I have completed the Order for the Wire Types I have made known previously.
There is one small change to my Plan, as the Cables will ultimately end up as XLR.
This change has occurred as the Engineer who has produced my Valve Monoblock Power Amp's has agreed to turn the Amp's into a Balanced Design.
I made the inquiry as I am intending on having a Pre Amp Built that will also be in a Balanced Version of the popular DIY Model.

I will carry on with the Plan as discussed, if I choose to buy RCA Connectors and not repurpose owned ones, I will not invest as much into purchasing the RCA Connectors.

Is there any other things I should consider when allowing for the Wire Usage, to work as both single ended and at a later date balanced ?  
williewonka
3,067 posts
 
@jambaj0e - just reviewed your "balanced" headphones and it appears the Helix geometry will not work well with your headphones.

Balanced headphones requires both lines, i.e. the +ve and -ve, wires to be identical (length, gauge and metal
- it’s a bit like the output from a balanced power supply.
- but it is not "balanced" in the same way XLR interconnects are built .

Whereas the Helix wires are a "single ended" architecture that has a neutral that is 3 times the length of the signal wire and a different gauge for Signal and neutral wires

Hope that explains things - Steve
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,411 posts
 
Another PC Triple C Doner Wire I have discovered for this design for a Power Chord is:
SAEC SPC 850 it is a Cable with 3.4 sq mm ( 12 - 10 AWG )
As a cable it has Two Stranded Wires per Metee Length.

In a very recent investigation, I have seen it sell for £ per metre and under, Shipping and Duty will be extra.

Any thoughts on this as a cable will be well received as I have a opportunity to purchace this and have sent with my other Wires,
that are in a Package that has a shipping deadline that is very close.
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