AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Niteshade Audio => Topic started by: Niteshade on 30 Mar 2010, 01:23 pm
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LH-1 Interconnects:
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1256498603216/Home/lighthouse-cables-1/cable1-a-sm.jpg)
Lighthouse interconnects are available in 4ft and 6ft lengths at $145 and $200 respectively.
These cables are double shielded, are lab quality and will perform flawlessly with any audio equipment. They can be used for digital signals as well as radio frequencies and video.
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are they the "Best in the World"? :lol:
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Only the world? C'Mon! Best in the Solar System!
are they the "Best in the World"? :lol:
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In all seriousness, these are excellent cables.
1] All soldered contacts are perfect, cable trimming is perfect.
2] Heavy terminators that easily conform to varying RCA socket widths
3] No heat shrink tubing used OR adhesives of any kind
4] A flexible outer shield is used the entire length of the cable that protects against abrasions and acts as a strain relief
5] 100% hand tailored and thoroughly inspected for build quality & performance
As stated in the product description, they are designed to work well out of range of audio frequencies. Internal losses within the AF band are virtually non-existent. I never liked the idea of 'hearing' a cable. There are other things to contend with, so why should a cable be a sonic contributer?
The sound of "absence" in itself is what's important. LH-1's will not attenuate anything at all, nor boost anything. Relative to your present cables, there could be a clear improvement- but it is due to non-interference.
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Out of curiosity, what does "double shielded" mean? Are there literally two shields (triax...?)?
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There is a 95% copper braid and underneath it there is a solid foil shield. The underside of the foil shield is laminated as well to provide extra physical support.
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There is a 95% copper braid and underneath it there is a solid foil shield. The underside of the foil shield is laminated as well to provide extra physical support.
What RCA connectors do you use? Are they directional? Why 4 feet? Can they be the usual 3 feet or 1 meter length?
Ray Bronk
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I chose 4ft as the base length because it is neither too short or too long for most situations. It has no correlation to performance. I can make cables in any length that is required. I am currently using Nakamichi RCA plugs. They're heavy and precisely made. I love the solid feel and how they conform to different sockets to provide a solid ground and a good positive contact. They are not directional or locking.
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I chose 4ft as the base length because it is neither too short or too long for most situations. It has no correlation to performance. I can make cables in any length that is required. I am currently using Nakamichi RCA plugs. They're heavy and precisely made. I love the solid feel and how they conform to different sockets to provide a solid ground and a good positive contact. They are not directional or locking.
Hi Blair,
Ok, so I would probably get 3 feet or 1 meter (39.37 inches) That is more the standard length. So how much for 1 meter or 3 feet?
Asking about the cables being directional because you have two forms of shielding. If one of them is not connected at one end, this would be a fantom shield, and would make the cables directional.
Ray Bronk
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I will post some additional length prices soon. A 3ft pair is $120.00.
The shield has to be connected at both ends. A complete circuit would not exist in some cases without it.
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The shield has to be connected at both ends. A complete circuit would not exist in some cases without it.
some will disagree with you..
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I will make them one sided by request. It might help with ground loops in some cases. There would have to be a solid ground between the two devices being connected for that to work. With the shield connected at both ends, a solid circuit is guaranteed.
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Are these wires coaxial with a single center conductor and a two-layer shield?
Steve
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Yes, you are correct. They use a high density copper braid and a laminated foil shield.
Are these wires coaxial with a single center conductor and a two-layer shield?
Steve
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Although leaving a shield not connected on one end is an option on a 2-wire + shield cable, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of not connecting the shield at one end of a COAX cable!
For one, you would loose any possible chance of even coming close to a 75 ohm impedance for digital audio use.
And for either digital or analog use, who would want the signal to return through either a chassis ground or separate ground wire?
Steve
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I'd leave it up to the customer. However, I do feel it is better to have the shield attached at both ends for most jobs.
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Although leaving a shield not connected on one end is an option on a 2-wire + shield cable, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of not connecting the shield at one end of a COAX cable!
For one, you would loose any possible chance of even coming close to a 75 ohm impedance for digital audio use.
And for either digital or analog use, who would want the signal to return through either a chassis ground or separate ground wire?
Steve
Hi Steve,
Now if I recall, this is a double shielded cable. It's the foil shield that I am referring to disconnect at one end. If this is being used for digital use, then this might be different. We are still dealing with an unbalanced line source here. It may or may not make a difference in audio. I am not a cable designer. With a good resolving system like what Blair has, how a cable is terminated does make a big difference. i don't see the need for the double shielding, but again, there is a purpose for everything. So both shields are connected on both ends. No problem. It might be worth the experimentation to leave the foil disconnected from one end and see what happens on the audio side.
Ray Bronk
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There is no insulation between the two shields. Copper is braided over the foil. The lamination side of the foil faces the inner dialectic (solid nylon).
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There is no insulation between the two shields. Copper is braided over the foil. The lamination side of the foil faces the inner dialectic (solid nylon).
Hi Blair,
Ok, the point is mute. Thanks. So if I buy a shorter length from you, like the standard 1 meter, what would be the price then? Thanks.
Ray
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I sent you a PM
Hi Blair,
Ok, the point is mute. Thanks. So if I buy a shorter length from you, like the standard 1 meter, what would be the price then? Thanks.
Ray
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We have an alternative version of the LH-1's for the same price! :D
This second version uses a low density dielectric and has a stranded core. It's very flexible, like rope. The lower density dielectric cable has less loss per foot than our standard LH series. I am not going to call it superior to the first cable, but it provides an alternative product at no extra cost to you.
In the near future, we will have cables that are one model up and one down from the LH-1's for a decent price spectrum.
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Our latest cable review is on page 12 of Affordable Audio's August publication:
http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-08.pdf
For further reviews, please follow the Beacon Two preamplifier & LH-1 cable tour.
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Hi, maybe I missed it when I read the thread
What is the capacitance/ft on this interconnect?
thanks
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Hello-
Capacitance for foot is 25pf.
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Hi,
Do you offer an audition period of time?
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That's a great idea! I will offer a 30 day audition.
Hi,
Do you offer an audition period of time?
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We have an alternative version of the LH-1's for the same price! :D
This second version uses a low density dielectric and has a stranded core. It's very flexible, like rope. The lower density dielectric cable has less loss per foot than our standard LH series. I am not going to call it superior to the first cable, but it provides an alternative product at no extra cost to you.
In the near future, we will have cables that are one model up and one down from the LH-1's for a decent price spectrum.
Hi Blair,
Any difference in its sound character?
Ray
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Well- the foam core increases the velocity factor, so it has the ability to increase the performance of high frequencies on some systems. They're very,very close to the nylon core models. Both are rated for use up into the high Mhz bands. In fact, I use the same wire(s) up to 440Mhz!
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Any update on availability of the interconnects?
Thanks
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I am waiting for some more IC parts to come in.
Hope everybody's doing well! I've been busy and last week's lousy weather didn't help much of anything.