help with custom cables

[aragorn723]

Hi,

I need to make some rca cables to run from my quickie to amp, with 33k resistors on each to help with the imbalance between input impedance and output impedance.  What is the best way to do this so that the resistors don't short to ground?  Heatshrink over the signal wires?  The other issue I'm wondering about is how to get the cable to connect well to the rca jack with this setup.  Thanks,

Dave

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Yeah, I would put the 33K resistors on the amp end.  Solder the resistor to the plug, slip heat shrink over the hot signal wire, solder it to the resistor, then heatshrink over.  Check your work with a meter, connect the ground connection, then hot glue or silicone everything in place.

-PB

 

[aragorn723]

Is there any reason I can't just solder the resistor to the output jacks on the Quickie?

Dave

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Yes, then the output impedance of the Quickie becomes 37K if you do it that way, and it gets to deal with driving your cables.

With the resistor on the amplifier end, all that's left ahead of the 33K resistors is some internal amplifier wiring.

-PB

 

[aragorn723]

ok, so here's the debatable part, i'm thinking about making these with some silver wire.  What is a good website to find it at a reasonable price?  Also, should silver solder be used?  Thanks,

Dave

 

[Grainger49]

Silver solder isn't necessary.  It is harder to solder with but if you are experienced and your iron is good and hot you can use it if you want.  The problem I see is how small the RCA plugs are and the heat needed for silver.

Edit: I, too, use Cardas Quad Eutectic solder.

 

[kgoss]

I have made some really nice sounding cables with silver wire from the Homegrown Audio web site. I used their 4 wire braid with two wires for + and two wires for -.  They follow the design philosophy of Kimber with the braided wires and no shield. I think they sound great. Detailed and smooth but not bright at all which is the complaint some people have with silver.

I agree with Grainger about the silver solder. I use Cardas and it works great.

Ken