quality 30ft balanced cable ideas........

chadnliz

chadnliz

Addicted Member
I need to run 30ft balanced from a ARC Ref3 PRE to a Aesthetix Atlas Hybrid amp, current cables are AQ Niagra Balanced 10ft, this is my dads rig and as he is moving to his retirement home I would like to lower the cost of cables, a good moderate priced quality balanced cable idea would be great. I know all the big player but wonder about some of the lesser known under the radar options you might know of.................thanks.
My dad just likes music and leaves the rig to me, I didnt advise the hyper expensive cables as a dealer talked him into them, they all sound awesome but I dont know if its worth all that cost.
 
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Have you considered Mogami? They make XLR "Microphone" cable that sounds very good, provides solid, gold connections, and certainly comes in >30ft lengths. It's not generic cheap, but it's definitely cheaper than esoteric.
 
AltecDarpa said:
I dunno if you have seen these, but monoprice cables get good reviews around here, not the same league as esoteric cables at a few hundred to a few grand a foot but it might fit your application.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10244
Click to expand...

I use their higher quality RCA's....

VERY worth it, IMHO. Grab a pair of them and it'll set you back what....$50 with shipping? If the rest of the gear is a reference, that seems like almost nothing...and if you don't like them, you could just give them to a local band trying to make it as some quality microphone cable...
 
I'll second the microphone cables as a cheaper alternative for balanced cables, than the usual "audiophile" ones. I got a nice-looking cable with a cheap used microphone from a flea market when looking for a budget XLR cable and tried it... and it sounds surprisingly good! [I had to change the connector on one end for my application, but otherwise it was as-is.] For the length, I don't think I could have done better, price-wise, even if I had bought it new. Like using "video" and some computer (cat 5) cables, these are made to a fairly high specification (pro mic cables carry a relatively weak signal and have to be well-shielded) but are not as expensive as "audiophile" ones with the marketing/hype premiums added. The copper electrons neither know nor care what "information" they are carrying!
 
Make your own from Neutrik connectors and Belden 1800F cable stock.

Neutrik connectors are well-known and Belden 1800F is an extremely high quality cable with exceptionally low capacitance. This very low capacitance makes it perfect for longer runs (and shorter runs too).

Balanced cables are extremely easy to make if you can use a soldering iron.

The Belden cable is normally around $1/ft in small quantities and Neutrik connectors can be had for approximately $3 each in black housing w/gold pins, or about $2 each in nickel housing w/silver pins.
 
I have an Arthritic disability that keeps me from the DIY stuff and my dad is a buyer not a maker but thanks for all ideas!
 
Markertek sells cables made with Neutrik and Canare Star Quad for what seems to be reasonable prices.

$28 (each) for 25ft, $43 for 50ft. Unfortunately, 30ft isn't listed as an option, but perhaps a phone call would net results.
 
whoaru99 said:
Markertek sells cables made with Neutrik and Canare Star Quad for what seems to be reasonable prices.

$28 (each) for 25ft, $43 for 50ft. Unfortunately, 30ft isn't listed as an option, but perhaps a phone call would net results.
Click to expand...

They also stock/assemble Mogami's

Markertek will custom make Mogami to your specs and the prices can't be beat.
www.markertek.com
tal
 
Yeah, they'd probably do the cables with Belden 1800F too, which would be (actually was) my first choice. I did make my own but purchased the materials though Markertek.

I also made a set with Mogami 2549 and it's very nice cable, but again, I prefer the Belden due to extremely low capacitance.

Dunno how they'd compare to BJC on the Belden though....maybe cheaper, I dunno.
 
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