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Have a look at these Beauties!!!! How to make your OWN "High End" Cables!!! - Page 73

post #2161 of 2776
1/5/13 at 9:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

Is it easy, straightforward to cut a cable in half to make two equal length cables? With my current setup, where the AV rack is on the left I need a ~12 ft cable for the right speaker. I'm looking into getting an AV furniture stand that would hold all my components, which would make a longer cable unnecessary. I could then make two 6 ft cables, use one for the right speaker and save the other for if/when I get a center.

Yes, that should be pretty easy, do the ends of your speaker cables have terminations (fittings, plugs, etc)? If not, easy-peasy... If not, harder - but even radio shack terminations can be just fine... Or like me, you may like to twist the strands together, and then solder them to make them stay stiff/together.
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post #2162 of 2776
1/5/13 at 11:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenBBaker View Post

Yes, that should be pretty easy, do the ends of your speaker cables have terminations (fittings, plugs, etc)? If not, easy-peasy... If not, harder - but even radio shack terminations can be just fine... Or like me, you may like to twist the strands together, and then solder them to make them stay stiff/together.

I plan on making a ~12ft cable like many of the ones posted here - 12awg cl2 wire, techflex, wire pants, heat shrink, gls locking banana plugs. If I replace my dresser with an av furniture stand then I will want to make two 6 ft cables from the 12 ft cable and finish the newly cut ends with wire pants, heat shrink, and bananas. I think the only thing I have to be cautious about is making sure the techflex doesn't fray when I cut the cable in half.
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post #2163 of 2776
1/5/13 at 11:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by er dan gill View Post

I can finally post in this thread! I've been wanting to build a set for a while and decided what the heck. I ordered everything from the usual suspects, save for the plugs. I went with the Nakamichi ones since they were more inline with my budget.
PICS!



They look good. Nice job. I order the Black / neon strip flextech sleeve. Now, I wish I had ordered the rattle snake one like yours. Oh, well. I'm going to order another 25FT of it to cover the visible ends of my other speakers since most of it is covered by a monters cable cover.
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post #2164 of 2776
1/6/13 at 9:33am
For those that are using bookshelf speakers mounted on stands are you running the cable up the length of the stand, somehow attaching it, or letting it hang loose to the floor?
Edited by p3Orion - 1/6/13 at 9:38am
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post #2165 of 2776
1/6/13 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

For those that are using bookshelf speakers mounted on stands are you running the cable up the length of the stand, somehow attaching it, or letting it hang loose to the floor?

My stands lengths are hallow and have a hole at the bottom to route the cable so you can't really see it until you connected to the speaker.
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post #2166 of 2776
1/6/13 at 5:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus748s View Post

They look good. Nice job. I order the Black / neon strip flextech sleeve. Now, I wish I had ordered the rattle snake one like yours. Oh, well. I'm going to order another 25FT of it to cover the visible ends of my other speakers since most of it is covered by a monters cable cover.

Thanks! I only ordered enough to do the front three channels. But I was thinking of ordering some of the checkered flag for my surrounds. If I do I'll post here.
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post #2167 of 2776
1/8/13 at 7:02am
I'm expecting parts for the cables this week and want to know if I need any additional tools. I'm not looking to make this a hobby so I don't want premium tools. I already have one of those standard red & black wire cutter/stripper combo tools, a utility knife, and a set of Wiha precision screwdrivers. Should I get anything else?
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post #2168 of 2776
1/8/13 at 8:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

I'm expecting parts for the cables this week and want to know if I need any additional tools. I'm not looking to make this a hobby so I don't want premium tools. I already have one of those standard red & black wire cutter/stripper combo tools, a utility knife, and a set of Wiha precision screwdrivers. Should I get anything else?

Yeah, use modern connectors instead of working antiques:

http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Speakon-Speaker-Connectors.html



Note that the connector latches in place, is completely insulated even when disconnected and can't be inadvertently disconnected, or hooked up wrong by a person cleaning behind the speaker or moving it.



Notice the extremely effective cable strain relief



Note the completely clean, flush appearance of an unused wall jack.

The pricing is highly competitive and metal versions are also readily available.
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post #2169 of 2776
1/8/13 at 8:15am
How do these connect a speaker and AVR without Speakon connections?
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post #2170 of 2776
1/8/13 at 8:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhskyTangoFoxtrt View Post

How do these connect a speaker and AVR without Speakon connections?

Some speakers and power amps come with Speakons.



I have a pair of Infinity Primus speakers that I added Speakons to.

However, I'm primarily talking about the intermediate connections.
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post #2171 of 2776
1/8/13 at 12:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arnyk View Post

Yeah, use modern connectors instead of working antiques:
http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Speakon-Speaker-Connectors.html

Note that the connector latches in place, is completely insulated even when disconnected and can't be inadvertently disconnected, or hooked up wrong by a person cleaning behind the speaker or moving it.

Notice the extremely effective cable strain relief

Note the completely clean, flush appearance of an unused wall jack.
The pricing is highly competitive and metal versions are also readily available.

No disrespect, but how does this in any shape or form answer my question about what tools to get.

I know I (vaguely?) asked "should I get anything else?" but I was asking about tools.
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post #2172 of 2776
1/8/13 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

I'm expecting parts for the cables this week and want to know if I need any additional tools. I'm not looking to make this a hobby so I don't want premium tools. I already have one of those standard red & black wire cutter/stripper combo tools, a utility knife, and a set of Wiha precision screwdrivers. Should I get anything else?

I think you will need just electrical tape (to secure the techflex at each end) and a lighter for the heat shrink, and you should be ready to go!
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post #2173 of 2776
1/8/13 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cr136124 View Post

I think you will need just electrical tape (to secure the techflex at each end) and a lighter for the heat shrink, and you should be ready to go!

Electrical tape... check. Lighter...still need to purchase. Thanks.
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post #2174 of 2776
1/8/13 at 12:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

Electrical tape... check. Lighter...still need to purchase. Thanks.

Looking forward to see a ton of pics of your speaker wires really soon............cheers!
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post #2175 of 2776
1/8/13 at 1:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

Electrical tape... check. Lighter...still need to purchase. Thanks.

a hair dryer might work in place of a lighter.
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post #2176 of 2776
1/8/13 at 3:10pm
Will the pants stay in place well without using heat shrink? If not where is a good place to get heat shrink that's also inexpensive?
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post #2177 of 2776
1/8/13 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyde01 View Post

Will the pants stay in place well without using heat shrink? If not where is a good place to get heat shrink that's also inexpensive?

They should stay in place without issues. You just need to make sure to buy the right size of pants based upon the wire and techflex that you are planning on using for your project.

As many other folks here I used the Monoprice 12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable + 3/8" Techflex + Parts Express Cable Pants 9mm. End result here:




Good luck!
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post #2178 of 2776
1/8/13 at 3:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by holt7153 View Post

a hair dryer might work in place of a lighter.

I tried a lighter but I didnt like the soot it put on the heatshrink sometimes. I bought a craptastic Heat Gun from Canadian Tire for 15 bucks a while back to fix the yellow light of death on my ps3, thats all im going to use from now on, it works gr8 and no soot. Theres gotta be a place in the US to get a cheap heat gun.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/SpecialtyTools/HeatGuns/PRD~0546502P/Jobmate+Heat+Gun.jsp?locale=en

:-)
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post #2179 of 2776
1/8/13 at 3:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cr136124 View Post

They should stay in place without issues. You just need to make sure to buy the right size of pants based upon the wire and techflex that you are planning on using for your project.
As many other folks here I used the Monoprice 12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable + 3/8" Techflex + Parts Express Cable Pants 9mm. End result here:
[IG ALT=""]http://www.avsforum.com/content/type/61/id/115240/width/500/height/1000[/IG]
[IG ALT=""]http://www.avsforum.com/content/type/61/id/115241/width/500/height/1000[/IG]
Good luck!

Good to know! Thanks. I ended up ordering the thicker Monoprice 12 gauge in-wall cable, 3/8" techflex, Nakamichi plugs, and Knukonceptz cable pants from Ebay. Hopefully everything will fit snugly. If not I can terminate the techflex with a few extra wraps of electrical tape before covering with the cable pants.
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post #2180 of 2776
1/8/13 at 4:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slingblayde View Post

I tried a lighter but I didnt like the soot it put on the heatshrink sometimes. I bought a craptastic Heat Gun from Canadian Tire for 15 bucks a while back to fix the yellow light of death on my ps3, thats all im going to use from now on, it works gr8 and no soot. Theres gotta be a place in the US to get a cheap heat gun.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/SpecialtyTools/HeatGuns/PRD~0546502P/Jobmate+Heat+Gun.jsp?locale=en
:-)

A heat gun is my recommendation as well. I spent a little more on a cordless one so I'm able to build cables on the dining room table or couch (yeah, I'm single smile.gif).

I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/MJ-950-ULTRA-THERM-Cordless-Refillable-Butane/dp/B005HG934Q

cheaper model: http://www.amazon.com/Iroda-MJ-600-MICRO-JET-Cordless-Refillable/dp/B005HG931O
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post #2181 of 2776
1/8/13 at 5:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cr136124 View Post

They should stay in place without issues. You just need to make sure to buy the right size of pants based upon the wire and techflex that you are planning on using for your project.
As many other folks here I used the Monoprice 12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable + 3/8" Techflex + Parts Express Cable Pants 9mm. End result here:


Good luck!

Nice cables. Too bad Emotiva no longer sells the banana plug kits.

9mm cable pants, really? I bought the 10mm from Parts Express based on nezff's suggestion. I hope they aren't loose. I do plan on using heat shrink over them. Using with 12AWG CL2 and 3/8" Techflex.
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post #2182 of 2776
1/8/13 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyde01 View Post

Will the pants stay in place well without using heat shrink? If not where is a good place to get heat shrink that's also inexpensive?

I ordered the 12MM HEAT SHRINK 3:1 BLACK 6" X 4 PCS. from Parts Express. Price is $2.95. I also ordered the CABLE PANTS 10MM 2-CONDUCTOR BLACK 10 PCS. from them as well. The price for those is $5.78. Shipping was $3.95 so the order total came to $12.68. Shipping is still $3.95 if only ordering the heat shrink.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=080-640
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post #2183 of 2776
1/8/13 at 5:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyde01 View Post

Hopefully everything will fit snugly. If not I can terminate the techflex with a few extra wraps of electrical tape before covering with the cable pants.

There you go my friend. Now you are talking like an expert............cool.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

Nice cables. Too bad Emotiva no longer sells the banana plug kits.
9mm cable pants, really? I bought the 10mm from Parts Express based on nezff's suggestion. I hope they aren't loose. I do plan on using heat shrink over them. Using with 12AWG CL2 and 3/8" Techflex.

Thanks!

Yeah, is a bummer on the Emotiva's banana plugs. I was planning on buying few more of these for my other speaker wires (surrounds). I'll need to start looking for something else that looks that nice.

No need to worry, as cyde01 already mentioned above, you can just give an extra wrap of electrical tape to your cable/techflex before installing the cable pants and you will be good to go.

Cheers!
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post #2184 of 2776
1/8/13 at 7:00pm
Those Emotiva plugs are SLICK! I wish I could get a bunch. I bought the Nakamichi plugs off ebay, I'm sure they will be fine but those Emotivas are dreamy.
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post #2185 of 2776
1/8/13 at 8:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slingblayde View Post

Those Emotiva plugs are SLICK! I wish I could get a bunch. I bought the Nakamichi plugs off ebay, I'm sure they will be fine but those Emotivas are dreamy.

Me too!
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post #2186 of 2776
1/10/13 at 5:02am
if I have the 16 guage wall rated speaker wire...what size jacket and pants should I get? will the 3/8" and 9mm work?
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post #2187 of 2776
1/10/13 at 12:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Fineberg View Post

if I have the 16 guage wall rated speaker wire...what size jacket and pants should I get? will the 3/8" and 9mm work?

If I was you, I would try to measure the diameter of the 16 gauge cable, and that will pretty much help you decide what size sleeve to buy.
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post #2188 of 2776
1/10/13 at 12:24pm
Well, I ended up biting the bullet and bought 100FT of a different company sleeve cover for $22.92. I am going to test them out, and I am hoping they are equal or higher quality than FlexTech. I like FlexTech stuff, but for $100 FT, I would of spent $39.20 plus shipping, which would of been over $40 dollars.eek.gif I am going to need another 100FT to complete my 7.0 runs.

This is what I bought if anyone else is interested. It should be here Monday.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350675902106?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
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post #2189 of 2776
1/10/13 at 12:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus748s View Post

Well, I ended up biting the bullet and bought 100FT of a different company sleeve cover for $22.92. I am going to test them out, and I am hoping they are equal or higher quality than FlexTech. I like FlexTech stuff, but for $100 FT, I would of spent $39.20 plus shipping, which would of been over $40 dollars.eek.gif I am going to need another 100FT to complete my 7.0 runs.

This is what I bought if anyone else is interested. It should be here Monday.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350675902106?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I just added up 100 ft (25' x 4) of 3/8" black techflex on furryletters' ebay store and it totaled $33 for me. I wonder if you would have been able to get a better deal by contacting him directly.
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post #2190 of 2776
1/10/13 at 1:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by p3Orion View Post

I just added up 100 ft (25' x 4) of 3/8" black techflex on furryletters' ebay store and it totaled $33 for me. I wonder if you would have been able to get a better deal by contacting him directly.

The one I was buying from him was the 1/2" for $9.80 + shipping. Even buying the 3/8" is more, which I don't think he will be willing to price match.

I will send him an email and ask.
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