Tempo Electric : Cables & Cords

Since 1992, we've been fabricating our own interconnects, loudspeaker cables, and (more recently) AC power line cords. While complete DIY instructions are still available on our sister site, The Vinyl Tourist, we now offer these on a custom-made basis for listeners have neither the time nor the resources for home brew. In fact, our custom fabricated cables and cords will basically cost you the same amount as you would otherwise spend on home-brew. How can we do this? As an OEM, we're able to buy wire and connectors in bulk at wholesale prices. We sell them for the equivalent of MSRP and the spread between the two covers our overhead and manufacturing costs. And, since we only sell direct, you're basically buying them at wholesale, too.

Interconnects & Speaker Cables

Based on a concept pioneered by the late Harvey Rosenberg, these have evolved over time into an elegant solution, free from hype and pseudo-science. The basic ingredient is extra soft temper, fine silver wire in various gauges, jacketed in PTFE Teflon® spaghetti tubing. For interconnects, we recommend 20 or 24 gauge, depending on the length, with 8 feet or 2.4 meters, being the dividing line.

For speaker cables, we suggest 20 gauge for low power SET (tubed) amps and 16 gauge for higher power solid state amps. Larger diameter stock (lower gauges) often make sense for runs that are longer than 8 feet (2.4 meters).

To terminate the interconnects, we use WBT-0110Ag NextGen Locking RCA Plugs (shown above) which employ fine silver contacts throughout. The body is constructed of Ultramid®, while the negative contact uses Dyneon^TM. The barrel is comprised of an Aluminum/Magnesium alloy for improved rejection of EMI. Although designed with digital signals in mind, they are perfect for analogue use. The locking feature makes an especially tight contact without forcing the barrel onto the socket, essential for optimum signal transfer. An economy version, featuring WBT-0110 Cu Gold-Plated Oxygen Free Copper NextGen Locking RCA Plugs, is also available.

Speaker Cable Spades

The same concept applies to speaker cables. For the latter, however, we usually don't terminate the silver wire, preferring instead to thread the bare ends into the binding post's center hole and gently tightening. However, if you like, we can attach any one of a number of spades or banana plugs.

The ones we like best include (shown photo right) the Alpha-Core Pure Silver Spade, the Kimber Postmaster, and the WBT-0680Ag Silver Signature Spade. While we use WBT lead-free silver solder with the first two, the WBT-0680Ag spade utilizes a compression fitting that's tightened with a dedicated Torx driver (shown far right).

Not illustrated, but also available, are the WBT-0600 Topline Banana Plugs and the Eichmann Pure Silver Boyonet Banana Plugs.

AC Power Line Cords

You don't have to be a millionaire to own a high-end power cord. We also offer a common sense power fabricated from Teflon® insulated, 12 gauge, silver-plated copper stranded wire. The wire bundle is then covered with copper braid shielding and wrapped again with heavy gauge Teflon® tape. The whole package is inserted into a convoluted PVC wrapper for protection and then a woven nylon cover is applied. Finally, the ends are terminated with WattGate Audio Grade Power Plugs (illustrated below). These cords can be made-to-order in any length. To date, we have made them as short as two feet and as long as 20 feet, but there is really no practical limit.

Prices	Plus shipping from Troy, NY 12180, USA
Fine Silver Interconnects	24 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with WBT-0110 Cu Gold Plated Oxygen Free Copper NextGen Locking RCA Plugs $175 per pair, 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$10 for each additional foot pair 24 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with WBT-0110 Ag Pure Silver NextGen Locking RCA Plugs $250 per pair, 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$10 for each additional foot pair 20 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with WBT-0110 Cu Gold Plated Oxygen Free Copper NextGen Locking RCA Plugs $225 per pair, 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$12 for each additional foot pair 20 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with WBT-0110 Ag Pure Silver NextGen Locking RCA Plugs $300 per pair, 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$12 for each additional foot pair
Fine Silver Loudspeaker Cables	20 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated $12 per foot pair 16 Gauge Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated $24 per foot pair
Loudspeaker Cable Termination	8 Pieces, enough to terminate both ends of a cable pair, including installation on any of the above sets: Kimber Postmaster, +$80.00 Alpha-Core Pure Silver Spades, +$150.00 WBT-0600 Topline Banana Plug, +$288.00 WBT-0660Ag Silver Signature Spade, +$352.00 WBT-0680Ag Silver Signature Spade, +$352.00 Eichmann Pure Silver Boyonet Banana Plugs, +$450.00
Standard Power Cord	14 Gauge 15A shielded power cord, with molded IEC Female and North American Male connectors, $20.00
Common Sense Custom Power Cord	12 Gauge Double-Teflon® insulated and shielded power cord, featuring WattGate Audio Grade IEC and North American terminations. +$250/6 feet, +$10 each additional foot
Warranty	10 Years on all parts and labor
Availability	Now ! All cables & power cords are built to order by hand in our workshop in Troy, New York, USA. Lead time is typically 2 days from order to shipment depending on the individual configuration.

Due to the fluctuating cost of silver, prices are subject to change (up or down) without notice.

30 Day, Risk-Free Trial

Because we only sell directly to you, all Tempo Electric products come with a 30 day unconditional refund period. This allows you to make a full evaluation in your own home, at your own convenience, without the pressures of time or sales personnel. In fact, if you're not completely satisfied and live in the Lower 48 United States, we'll even cover the cost of shipping both ways. Listeners outside of the Lower 48, will receive a $100 credit toward shipping and return. Certain restrictions apply.