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Star-Quad Construction:This top-quality Benchmark cable features Canare Star-Quad Speaker Cable. Four heavy-duty 14 AWG stranded conductors are combined into two pairs arranged in a star-quad configuration. The combined conductors are equivalent to 11 AWG, but the star-quad configuration reduces magnetic radiation and interference by about 20 dB, making this cable superior to 2-conductor cables.
Canare 4S11 (11AWG - 2/4 conductors): (~$1.50/ft, I noticed some Ram Electronics 4S11 cable measurements here)https://www.audioholics.com/gadget-reviews/ram-electronics-hs-speaker/hs-measurements-and-analysisDC Resistance: 2.6 mohm/ftCapacitance: 45 pF/ftInductance: <0.12 uH/ft
SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns replies: For the uninitiated, there are four cores in star-quad cable — the clue is in the 'quad' part of the name — plus an overall screen. The screen helps to prevent electrostatic interference from reaching the signal cores, just as in a conventional cable. The four cores are very tightly twisted with each other and rotate over a relatively short length, known as a 'short lay length'. This arrangement results in a magnetically coaxial structure and provides greatly improved rejection of electromagnetic interference compared to standard two‑core mic cables — perhaps by as much as 20dB.
Obviously, with four wires in the cable, the core‑core and core‑screen capacitance will be much higher than in a more conventional two‑core cable, and that's the down side because it can result in a greater HF loss in very long cable runs — although it really won't be a problem over 10 metres, or even 50.
As to whether I would use star-quad in preference to ordinary balanced cable, I wouldn't, particularly. With that short a cable run, and in a domestic situation, interference isn't likely to be an issue at all. There's no reason not to buy star-quad if you can get a good deal, but I wouldn't seek it out specially, as you're very unlikely to gain any significant benefit. I'd look for a decent two‑core cable from a reputable supplier. I particularly like double‑screened cables ('Reussen' screen), which are also widely used in broadcasting.
Starquad cables are very good at rejecting very close sources of EM interference -- such as when laying mic cables in a cable duct with lighting cables -- but are essentially no better than standard balanced cables when the interference source is more than a few feet away. And the extra pair of signal wires increases the capacitance quite significantly, which can become an issue in very long cable runs or if you are trying to force AES3 digital signals down the cable!
My actual first time listening to the DPS-4 power cable on a fully loaded SE with DPS-4 internal cable (non-anodized). All I can say is this is insane. A total new level from how it sounded with Jay’s Takachi case with Schurter inlet. I’ve never heard such a profound difference from a power cable. And the one it replaced was a $1000 cable!
...Next sort out the wires to get our Star-Quad geometry. If you look at a cross section of the wire you will have a conductor at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00, 12:00 and 6:00 will be combined for positive and 3:00 and 9:00 will be combined for Neutral (or vise versa the important thing is that you use the same scheme at both ends) with the 83754 the Black and Red will make up the "Hot" and Green and White will make the "Neutral".I like the Oyaide connectors for Star-Quad cables because the terminal pockets have the fastening screw in the middle. This allows you to terminate the two wires with one on either side of the screw instead of having to twist them together and put them in the same hole as with the Marinco and Wattgate connectors.
My shielding techniques are very effective at preventing AC cables from radiating noise. The problem is that even "shielded" cables don't do it right. You need to have the external wire from end to end to make it effective.An intermediate approach is starquad AC cables, they cut down a lot on the radiated noise, but are not as good as a full JSSG.
Flavor #2(this version sounds best with amplifiers and most other grounded analog components)
* Star quad geometry with tight lay length (twists per inch) provides excellent RFI/EMI rejection, and also reduces the inductance (raises capacitance).* No shield is utilized in order to maintain unrestricted macro and micro dynamics. The star quad geometry concentrates the current towards the center of the conductor bundle, providing excellent shielding from external sources, as well as mitigating radiation of RFI/EMI.* VH Audio's "Spaced Counter-spiraled Ground"™ geometry, which helps reduce the sonic effects of having a safety ground.
1) Do not pay 200 euros for a cable if you can get the same for 50. Do not pay 1,000 if you can pay 200 .2) If it sounds good, it's fine.3) The audio was developed after the Second World War thanks to the curious and craftsmen who loved their hobby, and there he has to return.4) Most cable manufacturers do not believe in cables, but in marketing. Luckily, the number of artisans who do believe passionately in their work grows day after day.5) A nicer cable does not sound better. Once installed, a nice cable is not visible. If it sounds good and, besides, it's beautiful, better.6) A simple circuit sounds better than one where there are many components. A simple cable works better than a very complicated one. In audio, less is more.7) To make a good cable, you only need elements of quality, simplicity, patience and common sense. To sell or buy it, you just need honesty and a word.8 ) Complicated designs usually serve to:a) justify complicated prices,b) fix problems created by the cable itself.9) Solid conductors sound better than multi-conductor conductors.10) The best insulators that exist are, in this order, air, cotton and Teflon . This principle also applies to headset cables, even if nobody follows it.11) An open interconnect cable sounds better than an armored one . If there is no other remedy, it is necessary to use less aggressive shields and very separate from the conductors.12) Good braiding is more effective than good shielding .13) The only cables that need shielding are loudspeaker and current cables , not so much to protect themselves as to not affect the weak signal cables in their environment.14) If your ear tells you otherwise, forget the above.15) A connector should only be an extension of the cable itself, not a jewelry complement.16) In domestic wiring, quality has nothing to do with resistance. The important thing is the selection of metals, insulators and geometry.17) Prohibited to prejudge. If a cheap alloy sounds better than a gold or silver cable, let's use it without complexes. If a € 30 cable sounds better than a € 500 cable, sell the € 500 cable , even if it is made with tantalum and diamond.18) 50% of the sound of a cable is based on the peace of mind it provides to the one who buys it. You have to leave this type of anxiety aside.19) Oddly enough, there are still very simple designs that have not been experienced or that nobody makes, and that sound really good.20) The audio market (like many others) is perverse: a cable costs 20 euros, plus 50 for advertising, plus 100 for the distributor, plus 150 for the seller = 320 for the buyer . If you ignore those intermediaries, a cable that costs 20 euros can be sold for 45, depending on the hours of assembly. Simple, right?21) In the technological era and the society in series, an object crafted by hand, on request and to the taste of those who ask for it, has a value that goes beyond its function, because it is unique and unrepeatable. This includes furniture, jewelry, kitchen and audio craft components.22) There is no need to pursue chimeras. That record will never sound like when we were 16 years old, even if it sounds better.
Hi,Do you recommend solid copper or Stranded for power cord to a tube amp?
The Neotech NEP-3200 is a 9AWG UP-OCC (ohno continuous cast) Copper AC power cable, that uses 16 solid copper wires that are each 17 AWG. Each of these solid core wires is individually insulated with FEP (fluoropolymer) insulation. Each wire is woven around a fiber-filled PVC core to maintain structural integrity, and minimize conductor movement.The Neotech NEP-3200 is among the best bulk cables on the market, and is especially ideal for high current amplifiers, as well as feeding power strips or line conditioners. Use the 6 red color-coded conductors for 'hot', 6 blue conductors for 'neutral', and 4 black conductors for the 'safety ground'. Total O.D. is .614" (15.6mm).
It is no surprise that when a cable is designed to be low inductance that its capacitance will be proportionally higher as a result. Unlike cables that sandwich their conductors together, the Kimbers manage to keep capacitance in check without the necessity of adding a zobel network on the speaker side of the cable to assure amplifier stability. Kimbers published capacitance spec is 38pF for the 4PR and 90pF/ft for the 8PR. This is about what I measured as well as you can see from the graph above. The Kimber 8PR is about four times higher in capacitance than the Sonicwave or 5T00UP cables, and twice as high as its 4PR sibling. Again I don’t see this as a show stopper especially since most people purchasing these type of cables are doing so for short runs (under 50 ft) and are likely using high quality amplification that doesn’t have stability issues driving moderately high capacitive cables.
This top-quality Benchmark cable features Canare Star-Quad Speaker Cable. Four heavy-duty 14 AWG stranded conductors are combined into two pairs arranged in a star-quad configuration. The combined conductors are equivalent to 11 AWG, but the star-quad configuration reduces magnetic radiation and interference by about 20 dB, making this cable superior to 2-conductor cables.
Tin, silver... platedMy hypothesis is they modify the phase. How much? I guess where else you should see the difference is with the speaker cables.
Capacitance, InductanceMy hypothesis: cables can work like a 6 dB Low Pass Filter to the noise. Well, it is not an hypothesis, is true. It is cheaper and more effective to look for other methods that reduce noise much more.With speaker cables, if the cutoff frequency < 20 kHz it should be heard in the speakers.
Bill, I'm using Canare 4s11 pretty much everywhere (FWIW, Magico uses 4s11 to internally wire their Q series on down). I'm agnostic about wire brand, I look for certain electrical characteristics and good materials/construction. 57s don't put special demands on cables, YMMV
But it is a bad idea to Bi-Amp, Bi-Wire with them -> they would be like normal cables.
Solid Long-Grain Copper (LGC) ConductorsStar-Quad GeometryCarbon-Based Noise- and Crosstalk-Dissipation SystemQuoteThis cable's negative conductors are covered with partially conductive Carbon-Loaded Polyethylene. This remarkable material reduces radio-frequency garbage being fed back into the amplifier. The sonic benefit is exactly the same reduction in "hash" and improved dimensionality that comes whenever RF interference is reduced in an audio circuit. In addition, a carbon layer damps interaction between positive and negative conductors, and an external Carbon-Based Noise-Dissipation System reduces external interference.Choice of SureGrip Spade or SureGrip 300 BFA/Banana (Gold or Silver) ConnectorsFoamed-Polyethylene Insulation (For All Positive Conductors)
This cable's negative conductors are covered with partially conductive Carbon-Loaded Polyethylene. This remarkable material reduces radio-frequency garbage being fed back into the amplifier. The sonic benefit is exactly the same reduction in "hash" and improved dimensionality that comes whenever RF interference is reduced in an audio circuit. In addition, a carbon layer damps interaction between positive and negative conductors, and an external Carbon-Based Noise-Dissipation System reduces external interference.
