Why twisted pair for unbalanced interconnect?

[gomer]

I used to make my own interconnects and I'm at the point where I need to make more. I was going through my supplies and noticed that all my good analog interconnects were coax and NOT twisted pair. This had me digging through information (I knew I this through before but forgot why). I came across this page which jogged the noggin

www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/balanced.htm

The argument seems fairly straight forward and I can't find any fault on the surface. So this had me thinking, wouldn't it be better to get the Emotiva Digital cables instead of the analog audio for analog audio?!
emotiva.com/interconnects.shtm

[NorthStar]

It all depends of your own use.

Can you be more specific by enumerating the components used in your system(s)?

[gomer]

Actually, the thought process is independent on the exact equipment but rather the fundamental difference of balance and unbalanced and signal transfer through different conductor geometries.

Instead of just the capacitance between the two conductors, one now has the total of (1) the capacitance between the two conductors, and (2) the capacitance between the signal wire and the shield. As capacitance in audio cable is very definitely an enemy, this is a serious sacrifice to make, especially when there is no noise rejection benefit. Coaxial cable, not twisted pair audio cable, is the right choice when connecting unbalanced components.

[solarrdadd]

this is a good issue. i'm setting up a 2 channel system in the basement and will be using analog interconnects between components to the receiver. at this moment i'm leaning towards the digital/coax camp but will wait to read up on some more feedback from the group as to which and why.

check in later!

[NorthStar]

I can refer to several articles on this subject of cables construction and geometry...

Each cable manufacturer has his own take on this, evidently.

But I have at home articles by professional electrician engineers, and with reliable testing on all the different interconnects geometry and construction.
Those articles are not available online.

It would take a very very very long post to mention everything about it!

But in very short illumination, twisted wires are the way to go! And for both interconnects (Balanced or Unbalanced) and also Speaker wires.

Now! With Emotiva power amplifiers, it is recommended to use Shielded interconnects, and not all twisted interconnects are shielded (KimberKable for example); and even Double-shielded is preferable (I use Triple-shielded interconnects for both my subwoofers).
And usually those are the Coax type (like from AudioQuest, WireWorld, etc.).

Personally, from experience, and from extensive reading as well, I like KimberKable (#1) the best, and Nordost cables in some applications (for both interconnects and speaker wires).
Kimber are the twisted type, and Nordost the flat type; but both use the best material in their design.

>>> BUT, like I said, with Emo amps, use Shielded interconnects, twisted or not!
Very important here, and Emotiva recommend this as well. And it has to do with the very high gain of their amplifiers.
{But for pre/pros and CD players, twisted geometry interconnect cables are best, "selon moi".}

________________________

* I did quote some of the most important lines of these articles I had at home right here at the Lounge, about perhaps six months ago or I think even more...

And I'm sure there must be some other good ones available on the Internet; just use some smart searching.

And if anyone here is truly serious in finding some factual facts, and real testing done on cables, from the twisted geometry ones to the coax type, to the flat ones, to the solid core ones, to the special construction ones, to simple lamp cords, and from several cable manufacturers, I don't mind too much to reveal it, and I'm ready for the arguments as well!

But like I said, I've already been through it right here before, and if you search carefully you will find those main lines with the final results from these tests.
It's all about cable Impedance, Inductance, and Resistance.
-> Twisted wires have definitively some real benefits.