Anybody ever use Jon Risch cross-connect coax speaker cables?

[Jim R.]

I definitely don't want to start a cable debate here so if you don't believe that gauge, metals, dielectrics, geometries, etc. don't matter, then just hit your back button and find something else to complain about.  So, for the rest of you, have you ever had any experience with the Jon Risch recipe for cross-connected Belden 89259 coax speaker cables?

They look fairly easy to construct, have a great design rationale and I just happen to have about 30 feet of 89259 I could use for a pair of these.  But being as it is expensive coax, if it's not worth it, I don't want to use all up on this project.

Thanks,

Jim

[Paul Joppa]

So, why not make four interconnects with RCAs and build a couple of cross-connect boxes? If you don't like it, you can use the interconnects somewhere else.  :^) 

And you can try other interconnects too!

[Jim R.]

Interesting idea.  Eventually though, whichever speaker cable works best for me will likely get captively wired to the Orcas, though I'll still want to keep my options open for different amps (mostly for demo purposes.)

-- Jim

[matthewmckay]

Hi Jim,

I just finished making a similar set of cables last weekend.  I had been eyeing John Risch's design for a while, but I could not source an appropriate length of 89259.  I did, however, find another run of coax (RG11/U) with a 14awg solid-core copper center conductor, fluoropolymer foam insulation, and copper clad steel shield, so I decided to use it instead.  

I did not want the steel shield as a conductor, so I removed it and wrapped the insulation and center conductor with an unwound alpha core, wrapped the whole thing in teflon tape and through a couple layers of tech-flex over each conductor.  (this was a shit-ton of work!)  It took me two nights to finish, but I am very pleased with how the cables turned out.

...have about 20 hrs on them now, and they are continuing to change with each listening session.  It takes about an hour for the cables/system to warm up, and the music does some weird shit before they settle down.  Once they do, they are very, very satisfying.  It is too early for me to nail down their exact strengths in my system, but I have noticed more extension and authority in the lower frequencies, as well as more textural information (high mid-range?) in comparison to the TMC speaker cables that I was using before. (the TMC cables sound awesome for their pricepoint)

FWIW, I say use the belden and make a set of speaker cables.  If you end up not liking them in your system, It wouldn't be hard to turn them over on ebay or audiogon and I'm sure you would get enough money for them to cover your parts and labor costs.


Matt  


   -here is some more info, if you hadn't already run acrossed it.


This site speaks very highly of John Risch's Design
        
       http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/spkcbl_e.html



Here is where I got the idea for the version that I built

       http://www.aksaonline.com/discussion/discussion_papers_connect.html

[xcortes]

I just replaced all my cat5 interconnects (9 or 10 pairs!) with 89259s in the past mont or so. A lot of desoldering and soldering but I'm loving them.

[Jim R.]

Hah, well, I'll probably get some more and do ICs too -- have lots of switchcraft plugs here -- standard nickel and black/dgold in straight and right angle.

Matt, you can get the 89259 at rawcables.com -- a division of BlueJeansCables -- at something like $3/foot (with quantity discounts), where all the other places like Mouser charge more like $8/foot.  You can get cut lengths or whole reels as well.

Now if I could find my soldering irons!  Yes, they are still eluding detection after the move. <grumble, grumble>

-- Jim

[matthewmckay]

Sweet, I will have to grab a run of the 89259 and make some IC's as well. Muchas gracias for the link Jim. 

[dbishopbliss]

I recently made an 8 foot pair of cables.  I haven't had time to critically compare them to the 12AWG I typically use (family health issues, hurricanes, work deadlines, etc).  To be honest, I am not a believer that cables make or break a system.  That said, when I hooked up the CC89259 I immediately noticed "something" I liked.  When I get more time I will let you know if I identify the "something".

[proud indian]

I did try the 89259's. I was using silver foils before that. What I have at present are the 1694a. Take off the shield and twist the inner core. They are 18AWG. This was against my religion, as I am a " thinner better" person.  Thay sound good, and are presently in my system.

shreekant

[Jim R.]

Shreekant,

You're still ok -- you didn't betray your religion.  The 89259 cross-connected with the shields is 13 gauge approximately. :-)

So far it seems that the speakers I have prefer a heavier gauge wire, but I'm still experimenting.

-- Jim