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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2012 13:37:38 GMT
Hi Guys, Many of my low voltage DC cables are shielded 2 core. That is 2 wires pvc insulated and twisted together with an outer mesh shielding - no idea really whether it makes any difference but my logic is that, given my wiring is a complete rat's nest of high voltage, low voltage and various analogue and digital i/cs, the shielding may help to minimise EMI and RFI and shouldn't have any adverse effect. As you are probably aware, this sort of cable ain't cheap so I wondered if I could achieve the same effect (if any ) by using cheaper cable. The cheapest alternative that springs to my mind is single core shielded. If I were to use the centre wire for the +v and the shielding as the 0v would that be equally effective at minimising any EMI/RFI? Then there is 2 core cable with each core individually screened, in a side by side configuration which is a bit cheaper than the current (sorry ) cable but more expensive than the single core shielded. So, anybody willing to give me the benefit of their knowledge on this subject? - what potentially offers the best 'bang per buck' for low voltage power supplies? - or any better alternatives? TIA, Dave.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2012 14:42:55 GMT
I just use unscreened cables with a large enough diameter for power supplies, AC as well as DC. But I am a strange geezer when it comes to audio. Needless to say power supplies by definition have an impedance close to 0 Ohm and thus are not sensitive to stray RF (below a certain level) that could interfere. Audio cables are a totally different matter (voltage, impedance wise) and need to be screened. There are even LOTS of people that use unscreened cables (or only grounded at one side) as interlink and claim this is better than screened and never even complain about hum. Too many nonsense out there interwoven with grains of truth, handily exploited by people who like to urn big money fast. As always ... if you feel or hear differences using these cables and the it's worth the price to you then it is.
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joethearachnid
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Post by joethearachnid on Apr 26, 2012 15:20:59 GMT
I can attest that this is very good stuff: www.rapidonline.com/Cables-Connectors/Evolution-XPC-OFC-Professional-1-pair-62370It's dead cheap (£8 for 20m), is nice to work with a looks pretty sharp too. I'm also pretty sure that it's what Mike uses for his output leads on his Little Pinkies. I haven't tried using it for power wiring myself (only audio signals) but I trust to Mike's judgement. -JoetheArachnid
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2012 16:37:00 GMT
Hi Frans, Thanks for your response - as always I greatly respect your opinion. Being new to this audio 'lark' I have very few pre-conceptions so I have no difficulty considering both views from each side of the 'great divide' and view with some amusement the bickering which sometimes occurs, until it starts getting personal, which I find very sad. My view is that shielding probably does nothing useful, but I doubt it does anything detrimental either so I might as well use it just in case . Hi Joe, Thanks for the link - that stuff looks to be very reasonably priced and ideal for the job. Again, if Mike does use it it ain't going to do anything detrimental, that's for sure . I've put 20m of each colour in my basket but not yet hit the button - VAT and delivery, proportionately, don't 'alf boost the bill though . I'll sit around and see if anyone else contributes anything before hiiting the 'Buy' button. Cheers, Dave.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Apr 26, 2012 17:01:53 GMT
I can attest that this is very good stuff: www.rapidonline.com/Cables-Connectors/Evolution-XPC-OFC-Professional-1-pair-62370It's dead cheap (£8 for 20m), is nice to work with a looks pretty sharp too. I'm also pretty sure that it's what Mike uses for his output leads on his Little Pinkies. I haven't tried using it for power wiring myself (only audio signals) but I trust to Mike's judgement. -JoetheArachnid Er, Danger warning! That cable is not stated as able to take 230 VAC mains. So I wouldn't use it for AC unless Rapid technical support can confirmed it's speced for high voltage as well. How low is low for your application?
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Apr 26, 2012 17:09:06 GMT
Actually my best advice is to try the screened cables and you be the judge. There are just too many technical thingy that can't explain what is heard. Period and have fun if your ears are still sharp enough to differentiate.
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joethearachnid
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Old head on young shoulders.
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Post by joethearachnid on Apr 26, 2012 17:38:49 GMT
Er, Danger warning! That cable is not stated as able to take 230 VAC mains. So I wouldn't use it for AC unless Rapid technical support can confirmed it's speced for high voltage as well. How low is low for your application? I think you missed the title of the thread Obviously you would always use appropriate mains cable for mains applications, but for low voltage/current AC or DC it should be fine if you want shielded wire. Of course there are other better suited cables out there but this stuff happens to be very cheap for what you get. -JoetheArachnid
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XTRProf
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Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Apr 26, 2012 19:11:03 GMT
Er, Danger warning! That cable is not stated as able to take 230 VAC mains. So I wouldn't use it for AC unless Rapid technical support can confirmed it's speced for high voltage as well. How low is low for your application? I think you missed the title of the thread Obviously you would always use appropriate mains cable for mains applications, but for low voltage/current AC or DC it should be fine if you want shielded wire. Of course there are other better suited cables out there but this stuff happens to be very cheap for what you get. -JoetheArachnid Oh, I have people using speaker cables for valve amps internal. So we have to be very careful to state how low is low.
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