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 In Action (Above)
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 24 gauge (0.5mm) for runs up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and recommend 20 gauge (0.8mm) for longer runs.
For speaker cables, we suggest 20 Gauge (0.8mm) for low power SET (tubed) amps and short runs (under 4 feet / 1.3 meters) and 16 Gauge (1.3mm) for longer runs and most higher power solid state amps. 12 gauge is recommended for very long runs (>20 feet / 6 meters) and/or very high power amplifiers (>150 watts).
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 DyneonTM. 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.
 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-0610Ag Signature Banana Plugs and the Eichmann Pure Silver Boyonet Banana Plugs.
Speaker Cables In Action
(The amplifier's interconnect and power cord have been removed for the sake of clarity.)
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 cord fabricated from 12 gauge, Teflon® insulated, 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 then inserted into a convoluted PVC wrapper for protection and a woven nylon cover is applied for æsthetics. 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've made them as short as two feet and as long as 20 feet, but there is really no practical limit. European and Asian power plugs by Furutech, as well as 20 Amp WattGate IEC connectors, are available by special order.
| Prices | Plus shipping from Troy, NY 12180, USA |
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Fine Silver Interconnects
24 Gauge (0.5mm) is recommended for lengths up to 8 feet (2.4 meters).
Use 20 Gauge (0.8mm) for longer lengths. | - 24 Gauge (0.5mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with
WBT-0110Ag Pure Silver NextGen Locking RCA Plugs
$250 per pair, up to 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$8 for each additional foot pair
- 20 Gauge (0.8mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire terminated with
WBT-0110 Ag Pure Silver NextGen Locking RCA Plugs
$300 per pair, up to 3.2 feet (1 meter) long; +$12 for each additional foot pair
- Balanced (XLR) connectors from Furutech or Deltron are available by special order. Prices on request.
| | Fine Silver Wire in a Teflon Jacket for DIY Interconnects or Loudspeaker Cables |
- 24 Gauge (0.5mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated
$8 per foot, cable pair (4 lengths of wire, enough to make a complete stereo pair) or
$2 per foot (0.3 meters), coiled or cut to size, any length.
- 20 Gauge (0.8mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated
$12 per foot, cable pair (4 lengths of wire, enough to make a complete stereo pair) or
$3 per foot (0.3 meters), coiled or cut to size, any length.
- 16 Gauge (1.3mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated
$24 per foot, cable pair (4 lengths of wire, enough to make a complete stereo pair) or
$6 per foot (0.3 meters), coiled or cut to size, any length.
- 12 Gauge (2.0mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated
$48 per foot, cable pair (4 lengths of wire, enough to make a complete stereo pair) or
$12 per foot (0.3 meters), coiled or cut to size, any length.
- 10 Gauge (2.6mm) Extra Soft Temper Pure Fine Silver Wire, unterminated
$72 per foot, cable pair (4 lengths of wire, enough to make a complete stereo pair) or
$18 per foot (0.3 meters), coiled or cut to size, any length.
- On special order, we can also supply any standard gauge pure silver wire in raw coils, with or without Teflon jacket, from 01 gauge (7.34mm) to 30 gauge (0.25mm). Prices vary with the market and must be prepaid.
| | Loudspeaker Cable Termination | 8 Pieces, enough to terminate both ends of a cable pair, including installation on any of the above sets: | Standard
Power Cord | 14 Gauge 15A shielded power cord, with molded IEC Female and North American Male connectors, 6 feet (1.8 meter) long, $20.00 | Common Sense
Custom Power Cord | 12 Gauge Double-Teflon insulated and shielded power cord, featuring 15A WattGate Audio Grade IEC and North American terminations.
+$250/6 feet, +$10 each additional foot
European and Asian power plugs by Furutech, as well as 20 Amp WattGate IEC connectors, are available by special order for a slight additional charge. | | Warranty | - 10 Years on all parts and labor
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| 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 for unbalanced interconnects (RCA connectors) and power cords. Allow 2-4 weeks for special orders. |
Due to the fluctuating cost of silver, prices are subject to change (up or down) without notice.
30 Day, Risk-Free Trial
Try any of these cables and cords at home for 30 days. Make a full evaluation in your own system, at your own convenience, without the pressures of time or sales personnel. If you're not completely satisfied with the improvement, return them in their original condition for a full refund. Certain restrictions apply.
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