My DIY RCA cable build...

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi all,

As I move along in my install, i'll be making more of these posts...

First off, I gotta say, a lot of people bag on Monster cable for the price.. Well, for me, I got my cable and old ends (not shown) while working a shop back in ~94' and I have been using this particular set of Monster cables ever since.. you will see some really nice build quality from this ....

The set-up... Note the Weller 33w iron.. wouldn't solder without it.. And I Ebay'ed the cable ends..

Each run is a twisted, shielded, stereo pair..

Each single conductor, is made up of 4(or 5) twised conductors, made of flat copper, wound around a fiberglass core..

Pre-tinned cable end (Streetwires ZN5.0 cable ends BTW)

All soldered up...

Complete...

Enjoy..
Aaron

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Uncanny · 02-13-2008, 01:10 PM

those look sexy... about how much does a stereo set run you to make?

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 01:40 PM

Thanks,

And as far as cost... I would have no idea anymore... back in 94'ish the 301XLN was top line car audio RCA cable and IIRC like 3$ a foot cost.. The Monster 401XLN cable ends i HAD on them were like 20$ each at cost IIRC (which I don't honestly)

The SW ZN5.0 cable ends were like 15$ shipped for 20 of them or something... Ebay..

There are MANY other DIY cable that can be had, much much cheaper these days, I've had these forever and NEVER ever has noise problems.. Hell, between tracks, it's like I have a noise gate on the car.. I could always hear the noise come in at the begining/end of tracks, but when the swich between tracks was made and all bits zero... nothing, like, locked in an underground cavern nothing...

Rayman21287 · 02-13-2008, 02:50 PM

Do "quality" cables make much difference?
Does it help with sound quality or something?

Ron

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 02:57 PM

Yes and no....

Anything above a playstation red/white ended POS RCA cable will help with noise (electrical)

Being able to tell the difference between my RCA and a decently sheilded RCA from walmart... not so much... But, then again, i've never done any A/B testing with RCA cables..

"decent" cables is always a good idea.... paying retail for Monster cable is NOT.. lol.. Someone recently linked mr to these Monster cables and for the price, i'd by them, if i wasn't up to making my own.. http://cgi.ebay.com/Monster-Cable-XL...742.m153.l1262

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 04:36 PM

Not to burst your bubble but I did one of these FAQ's like a year ago

We should just get these two threads merged or actually added to offset's FAQ as it'll be an easy reference.

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron'z 2.5RS

Yes and no....

Anything above a playstation red/white ended POS RCA cable will help with noise (electrical)

Until I see someone do some actual RLC studies that say these are so bad I'm going to have disagree with you on this Aaron. As long as the connector isn't broken I have yet to see any audible differences in any measurements on cables. I couldn't care if it makes a difference at 30khz since we don't hear sound up there

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daishi00

Not to burst your bubble but I did one of these FAQ's like a year ago

We should just get these two threads merged or actually added to offset's FAQ as it'll be an easy reference.

No bubbles burst-ed here mang.. I wasn't doing a tutorial, I was merely showing of my wikkid cool MONSTER cable.. lol...

If I were doing a tut, I would have show off my mad soldering skills better..... yo..

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daishi00

Until I see someone do some actual RLC studies that say these are so bad I'm going to have disagree with you on this Aaron. As long as the connector isn't broken I have yet to see any audible differences in any measurements on cables. I couldn't care if it makes a difference at 30khz since we don't hear sound up there

Yeah Yeah, herd (or not) it all before..

couchflambeau · 02-13-2008, 04:50 PM

You're gonna hate me since ya already got them all soldered up but....

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-210

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-212

These are the original "pants" to dress the end just like the "off the rack" standard lengths... $1 and $2 for the 4 channel version respectively....

Maybe next project.....

IIRC the 401's were actually a buyoff from Dave Navone/RC... think they wrote the white paper on the construction and the noise rejection capability, they sold it to MC. I did a couple of projects where a noise issue was eliminated by going from 201 to 401 cable, but that was alternator whine/ground loop stuff that miraculously went away. Honestly I've learned a lot since those days so perhaps changing another factor in the system may have eliminated the problem, but it's always difficult to pull $$ for troubleshooting, usually people want results, not the reason WHY there's noise in a system. As for the whole system sounds better with better cable arguement, ain't gonna go there....

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 04:55 PM

Those things always make me think of a condom for an octopus or squid...just strange looking

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijb2105

those look sexy... about how much does a stereo set run you to make?

I made 6 pairs of runs (3 pairs 7ft, 3 pairs 12ft) for $80 shipped.

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by couchflambeau

You're gonna hate me since ya already got them all soldered up but....

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-210

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-212

These are the original "pants" to dress the end just like the "off the rack" standard lengths... $1 and $2 for the 4 channel version respectively....

Maybe next project.....

IIRC the 401's were actually a buyoff from Dave Navone/RC... think they wrote the white paper on the construction and the noise rejection capability, they sold it to MC. I did a couple of projects where a noise issue was eliminated by going from 201 to 401 cable, but that was alternator whine/ground loop stuff that miraculously went away. Honestly I've learned a lot since those days so perhaps changing another factor in the system may have eliminated the problem, but it's always difficult to pull $$ for troubleshooting, usually people want results, not the reason WHY there's noise in a system. As for the whole system sounds better with better cable arguement, ain't gonna go there....

No hate'in here man, I didn't want my cables wearing pants.. I only showed one cable the "high" cable, color coded with yellow. the "mid" cable is in green and the sub cable I got soldered up and found it was internally shorted(I disected it at a pinch point I found, but it showed no signs of ruined insulation), but that was going to be white.. and then the red/blue for right/left.. ANd the cable pants would have NEVER fit into the ZN5.0 connectors, the hole was all of 1/8" maybe 3/16"...

With that anyone got a 12' chunk of decent stereo pair cable they could sell/give me?? **cough Daishi cough**

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 05:59 PM

Try khail, I'm pretty sure he has a ton of Gecpo cable...I have a few feet left, but now what you need sorry

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-13-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daishi00

Try khail, I'm pretty sure he has a ton of Gecpo cable...I have a few feet left, but now what you need sorry

Thank you anyways man... I know if you did, you prolly would...

Daishi00 · 02-13-2008, 06:06 PM

Well, I think I do have enough down at my Dad's, but I'm not going down there for a few more weeks so It would be like a month before being able to get it to you.

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 02-14-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daishi00

Well, I think I do have enough down at my Dad's, but I'm not going down there for a few more weeks so It would be like a month before being able to get it to you.

Yeah, it's no problem, i'll get some somewhere... no worries man..

IllNastyImpreza · 03-29-2008, 06:43 PM

I can't seem to find the ZN5.0 RCA connectors on Ebay anymore...

Link anyone ???

jobber · 03-29-2008, 07:26 PM

My JL premium 4 channel RCA finally arrived, it was backordered everywhere. Its the final piece of my system and i can reassemble my interior. I am ready to stop messing with the install for a bit, homeade RCA's just arent my thing.

dougkmcse · 03-30-2008, 09:30 PM

Nice job. I have a lot of the gold monster cable ends from like 92. When i did my first big system. I would rather make my cables than buy them.

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 03-31-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougkmcse

Nice job. I have a lot of the gold monster cable ends from like 92. When i did my first big system. I would rather make my cables than buy them.

I'm NOT a fan of monster cable ends anymore, I have a set, from the same time period 401xln "turbine" locking ends and I've literaly ripped the outter poerion of a female RCA connector OFF with them... YES, they do make a hella good connection, but, mostly TO good for your OWN good... lol...

I wanted something REALLY small to, that's why I went with the ZN5.0 ones.. The olt monster ones were 1.5" long for crap sake...

Quote:

I can't seem to find the ZN5.0 RCA connectors on Ebay anymore...

Link anyone ???

Hay, I tried to find you a link for them, but, the guy on Ebay I got them from, didn't seem to have anymore... keep searhing the bay, that's where I got mine, 20, for like 15$ shipped to BTW IIRC...

pc4400 · 03-31-2008, 11:15 AM

Dude,

On pic 6 of your post, the left RCA (the blue one). I can clearly see that the ground wire solder bead didn't even conform to the gold plating. It's just beaded and sitting on top of the gold conductor. You'll want the solder to melt better (quicker). This is most likely because your solder iron is incredible cheap. Try looking for a better solder iron. I use a Hacko with the temp control you'll get much better results. Also, ditch that solder and get No.44 solder.

IllNastyImpreza · 03-31-2008, 12:32 PM

anyone got any links for some decent RCA connectors in BULK ???

Aaron'z 2.5RS · 03-31-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pc4400

Dude,

On pic 6 of your post, the left RCA (the blue one). I can clearly see that the ground wire solder bead didn't even conform to the gold plating. It's just beaded and sitting on top of the gold conductor. You'll want the solder to melt better (quicker). This is most likely because your solder iron is incredible cheap. Try looking for a better solder iron. I use a Hacko with the temp control you'll get much better results. Also, ditch that solder and get No.44 solder.

Thanks and GOOD EYE, it's been corrected... Right after I took the pic in fact.. lol...

I'm well versed in soldering to BTW, that little "mistake" just got by me for a second, after 3hrs of making cables (about 1.5hr per) my eyes were going all..

Oh and Weller FTMFW... lol... no need for temp control as long as it's HOT HOT HOT....

Siper2 · 03-31-2008, 01:40 PM

Nice work.

I've got mid-grade Monster stuff in my car, but I got it eight years ago when I had my install done. I didn't know any better.

It is good quality, though. Never had a problem with it.

02-13-2008, 12:41 PM	#1
Aaron'z 2.5RS Scooby Guru Member#: 1026 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Hickigan Vehicle: '00 RS/WRX Stg5 '98 RS Stock	My DIY RCA cable build... Hi all, As I move along in my install, i'll be making more of these posts... First off, I gotta say, a lot of people bag on Monster cable for the price.. Well, for me, I got my cable and old ends (not shown) while working a shop back in ~94' and I have been using this particular set of Monster cables ever since.. you will see some really nice build quality from this .... The set-up... Note the Weller 33w iron.. wouldn't solder without it.. And I Ebay'ed the cable ends.. Each run is a twisted, shielded, stereo pair.. Each single conductor, is made up of 4(or 5) twised conductors, made of flat copper, wound around a fiberglass core.. Pre-tinned cable end (Streetwires ZN5.0 cable ends BTW) All soldered up... Complete... Enjoy.. Aaron * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

02-13-2008, 04:50 PM	#10
couchflambeau Scooby Specialist Member#: 102145 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Virginia Vehicle: '04 STi/Cobb St. II 18L Java Black Pearl	You're gonna hate me since ya already got them all soldered up but.... http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-210 http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=185-212 These are the original "pants" to dress the end just like the "off the rack" standard lengths... $1 and $2 for the 4 channel version respectively.... Maybe next project..... IIRC the 401's were actually a buyoff from Dave Navone/RC... think they wrote the white paper on the construction and the noise rejection capability, they sold it to MC. I did a couple of projects where a noise issue was eliminated by going from 201 to 401 cable, but that was alternator whine/ground loop stuff that miraculously went away. Honestly I've learned a lot since those days so perhaps changing another factor in the system may have eliminated the problem, but it's always difficult to pull $$ for troubleshooting, usually people want results, not the reason WHY there's noise in a system. As for the whole system sounds better with better cable arguement, ain't gonna go there.... Last edited by couchflambeau; 02-13-2008 at 04:59 PM.

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02-13-2008, 01:10 PM	#2
Uncanny Scooby Specialist Member#: 133012 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Kansas City Vehicle: 2015 STi Lightning Red	those look sexy... about how much does a stereo set run you to make?

02-13-2008, 01:40 PM	#3
Aaron'z 2.5RS Scooby Guru Member#: 1026 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Hickigan Vehicle: '00 RS/WRX Stg5 '98 RS Stock	Thanks, And as far as cost... I would have no idea anymore... back in 94'ish the 301XLN was top line car audio RCA cable and IIRC like 3$ a foot cost.. The Monster 401XLN cable ends i HAD on them were like 20$ each at cost IIRC (which I don't honestly) The SW ZN5.0 cable ends were like 15$ shipped for 20 of them or something... Ebay.. There are MANY other DIY cable that can be had, much much cheaper these days, I've had these forever and NEVER ever has noise problems.. Hell, between tracks, it's like I have a noise gate on the car.. I could always hear the noise come in at the begining/end of tracks, but when the swich between tracks was made and all bits zero... nothing, like, locked in an underground cavern nothing...

02-13-2008, 02:50 PM	#4
Rayman21287 Scooby Specialist Member#: 105125 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Grand Forks, ND Vehicle: 2005 WRX/ 2008 Stage Pi/MercedesC300 4MA	Do "quality" cables make much difference? Does it help with sound quality or something? Ron

02-13-2008, 02:57 PM	#5
Aaron'z 2.5RS Scooby Guru Member#: 1026 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Hickigan Vehicle: '00 RS/WRX Stg5 '98 RS Stock	Yes and no.... Anything above a playstation red/white ended POS RCA cable will help with noise (electrical) Being able to tell the difference between my RCA and a decently sheilded RCA from walmart... not so much... But, then again, i've never done any A/B testing with RCA cables.. "decent" cables is always a good idea.... paying retail for Monster cable is NOT.. lol.. Someone recently linked mr to these Monster cables and for the price, i'd by them, if i wasn't up to making my own.. http://cgi.ebay.com/Monster-Cable-XL...742.m153.l1262

02-13-2008, 04:36 PM	#6
Daishi00 Scooby Guru Member#: 78952 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: BSG junkie Vehicle: 2005 WRX CGM	Not to burst your bubble but I did one of these FAQ's like a year ago We should just get these two threads merged or actually added to offset's FAQ as it'll be an easy reference.

02-13-2008, 04:55 PM	#11
Daishi00 Scooby Guru Member#: 78952 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: BSG junkie Vehicle: 2005 WRX CGM	Those things always make me think of a condom for an octopus or squid...just strange looking

02-13-2008, 05:59 PM	#14
Daishi00 Scooby Guru Member#: 78952 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: BSG junkie Vehicle: 2005 WRX CGM	Try khail, I'm pretty sure he has a ton of Gecpo cable...I have a few feet left, but now what you need sorry

02-13-2008, 06:06 PM	#16
Daishi00 Scooby Guru Member#: 78952 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: BSG junkie Vehicle: 2005 WRX CGM	Well, I think I do have enough down at my Dad's, but I'm not going down there for a few more weeks so It would be like a month before being able to get it to you.

03-29-2008, 06:43 PM	#18
IllNastyImpreza Scooby Guru Member#: 36333 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: East Kingston NH Vehicle: 98 RS GT30R, closed deck madnes	I can't seem to find the ZN5.0 RCA connectors on Ebay anymore... Link anyone ???

03-29-2008, 07:26 PM	#19
jobber Scooby Specialist Member#: 164043 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Virginia Beach, VA Vehicle: 2015 WRX and FozzyXT White	My JL premium 4 channel RCA finally arrived, it was backordered everywhere. Its the final piece of my system and i can reassemble my interior. I am ready to stop messing with the install for a bit, homeade RCA's just arent my thing.

03-30-2008, 09:30 PM	#20
dougkmcse Scooby Newbie Member#: 85938 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Bellingham Ma. Vehicle: 2004 WRX WRB	Nice job. I have a lot of the gold monster cable ends from like 92. When i did my first big system. I would rather make my cables than buy them.

03-31-2008, 11:15 AM	#22
pc4400 Scooby Newbie Member#: 139835 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles Vehicle: 2007 Impreza WRX TR grey metalic	Dude, On pic 6 of your post, the left RCA (the blue one). I can clearly see that the ground wire solder bead didn't even conform to the gold plating. It's just beaded and sitting on top of the gold conductor. You'll want the solder to melt better (quicker). This is most likely because your solder iron is incredible cheap. Try looking for a better solder iron. I use a Hacko with the temp control you'll get much better results. Also, ditch that solder and get No.44 solder.

03-31-2008, 12:32 PM	#23
IllNastyImpreza Scooby Guru Member#: 36333 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: East Kingston NH Vehicle: 98 RS GT30R, closed deck madnes	anyone got any links for some decent RCA connectors in BULK ???

03-31-2008, 01:40 PM	#25
Siper2 Scooby Guru Member#: 1134 Join Date: Mar 2000 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Vehicle: 2015 Outback H-6 White	Nice work. I've got mid-grade Monster stuff in my car, but I got it eight years ago when I had my install done. I didn't know any better. It is good quality, though. Never had a problem with it.