| Research & Development | | | | In a quality interconnect, all of these processes are |
| I began designing audio and video interconnect cables | | | | done by hand, one cable at a time. This combination of |
| in 1988. I was asked to develop custom interconnects | | | | quality parts and craftsmanship is essential to the |
| for discriminating audio and videophiles, who wanted to | | | | manufacture of a superior interconnect. |
| see and hear the quality of their components and the | | | | Low Capacitance |
| source material without added personality from their | | | | Research indicates that Low Capacitance is the most |
| interconnects. The cables I constructed were created | | | | relevant aspect of design for Analog or Digital Audio |
| to solve two specific problems in interconnect design. | | | | and Video Interconnect Cables. Capacitance is |
| Prior to this point these problems had not been | | | | determined by the number and thickness of the center |
| addressed in the ever-changing field of high-end audio | | | | conductors in relationship to the outside shield. The |
| video. The first was the subtle size difference of the | | | | material and thickness of the dielectric insulation also |
| RCA connectors used in the manufacture of mid-fi | | | | determines capacitance. Low Capacitance custom |
| and high-end components. The second was the | | | | cable provides the best imaging and sound staging in |
| inherent loss of information through long runs of cable. | | | | analog audio and digital audio as well as the most |
| It was also important that the interconnects allow our | | | | accurate contrast and definition in video. This is |
| clients the freedom to combine components | | | | especially true where long cable runs are required. |
| regardless of the type of connectors utilized by the | | | | Over the years, speaker wire manufacturers have |
| various manufacturers. The custom cables had to | | | | shown the importance of heavy gauge wire between |
| carry information without signal loss and not be limited | | | | the amplifier and the speakers to reduce resistance in |
| to short runs. The custom cables had to be extremely | | | | the signal path. This notion of "The Heavier The Better" |
| flexible and durable to adapt for custom installations. | | | | has erroneously been passed on to purchasers of |
| Most importantly they had to maintain state of the art | | | | interconnect cables for their components. When |
| quality while remaining cost effective. | | | | dealing with low millivolt signals from component to |
| End Connectors | | | | component, Low Capacitance (measured in |
| Each connector must tolerate the extreme heat | | | | picofarads) is the most relevant specification in cutting |
| generated by the melting of silver solder at the point of | | | | signal loss. It is not necessary for interconnect cables |
| termination. The connector used should be chosen for | | | | to be bulky and hard to use. In fact, Low Capacitance |
| its compatibility with the wire. Proper strain relief is also | | | | Interconnects are rarely heavy gauge and can be |
| a crucial factor in interconnect design. It is important | | | | very flexible. Flexibility enables a cable to be angled to |
| that the wire and connector have a seamless | | | | whatever configuration necessary, without affecting |
| integration. Every pair should be matched and tested | | | | the integrity of the design. |
| for continuity and fit. The connection should then be | | | | A cable should be selected for its purity, flexibility, |
| insulated with heatshrink, to protect against | | | | durability, capacitance and individual specifications for |
| contamination and to create a more durable | | | | its designated application. |
| termination. | | | | |