XLR Cable, High or Low Capacitance?

[Poodleluvr]

I need to order a pair of 20 foot XLR cables of which Emotiva does not sell XLR cables past 5 meters in length. (16.4 feet)

So, I plan on having some custom made XLR cables fabricated by Blue Jean cable.

Blue Jean offers the Belden 1800F Balanced Audio Cable,(AES/EBU, low-capacitance, high-flex cable)

or the:

Canare L-4E6S Star Quad Balanced Audio Cable,(Higher noise rejection, but with higher capacitance)

Note: both cables are about the same price.

Which pair of XLRs should I purchase?

www.bluejeanscable.com/store/balancedaudio/index.htm

Thanks.

[Poodleluvr]

BTW, I contacted Blue Jean Cable just now:

They said the Beldon cable capacitance is 26 pF per foot.

The Canare cable capacitance is 57 pF per foot. (over double.)

They said that a lower capacitance cable is generally better due to potentially less effect on the upper frequencies.

The recommend the Canare for a higher noise level environment.

Normally, they recommend the Beldon....

[Boomzilla]

If it's for home use, I'd opt for the lower capacitance Belden wires. If it's for commercial sound-reinforcement use on a stage where there will also be lighting circuits, video circuits, etc. then (and only then) would I buy the Canare. This is only my opinion, and with this and a buck, you can get a cup of McCoffee, but I think that in this case, the opinion is reasonable. There's just not normally that much RF noise in the home environment.

PS: I really like Blue Jean cable too - I'm about to order some myself.

[menez]

Hi,

I would go with the Belden ones. I say that, because I use those throughout my system, including a 20ft run to my subwoofer. Dead quiet and high quality connectors.

cheers, -menez

[Poodleluvr]

Thanks. I just ordered a pair of the XLR Beldon Cable, 20 foot.-- About $105.00 total including shipping.

And, I did order a 2 meter XLR Beldon pair from Blue Jean last year when Emotiva was out-of-stock.

I do like their use of black Neutrik XLR connectors. I also like the ability to order a red wire (R) and a black wire (L) pair.

[Boomzilla]

Nov 20, 2013 16:57:52 GMT -5 Poodleluvr said:

Thanks. I just ordered a pair of the XLR Beldon Cable, 20 foot.-- About $105.00 total including shipping.

And, I did order a 2 meter XLR Beldon pair from Blue Jean last year when Emotiva was out-of-stock.

I do like their use of black Neutrik XLR connectors. I also like the ability to order a red wire (R) and a black wire (L) pair.

Enjoy! And, cool poodle, by the way!

[plm]

Low capacitance is what you want for hi-fi, as you want the cable to have as little effect on the signal as possible. Noise rejection is more of a consideration in professional environments where a little HF trade-off for less noise can simply be compensated for with EQ.

[Poodleluvr]

Nov 20, 2013 17:35:54 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Nov 20, 2013 16:57:52 GMT -5 Poodleluvr said:

Thanks. I just ordered a pair of the XLR Beldon Cable, 20 foot.-- About $105.00 total including shipping.

And, I did order a 2 meter XLR Beldon pair from Blue Jean last year when Emotiva was out-of-stock.

I do like their use of black Neutrik XLR connectors. I also like the ability to order a red wire (R) and a black wire (L) pair.

Enjoy! And, cool poodle, by the way!

Thanks for the comment on my avatar.--And, that is my standard poodle. I've never been to Emofest yet, but if I show up at the outdoor pavilion with my poodle, I'm sure people would figure out who I am.

As far as the purchase of the cable, I'm getting my ducks lined up.-- I believe I will be ordering a pair of Stealth 8s soon. I spoke with Nick at Emotiva yesterday and he was helpful and answered all my questions.

Attachment Deleted

[Boomzilla]

I had a neighbor with a standard poodle. That was one of the smartest dogs I've ever met. I like animals in general, and they usually like me.

If you get those Stealth 8s, you owe us a commentary on them once you get them installed!

Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!

Boomzilla

[Poodleluvr]

Thanks Boom. And, I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Now, for more accessories in preparation to order a pair of Stealth 8s in the near future:

I just ordered a pair of economical adjustable stands from e-bay, VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor Stands @ $ 59.98 with free shipping. The offer even includes a pair of VRT Pro Audio 20FT XLR Microphone Cables.

Basically, 2 adjustable metal stands, a pair of 20 foot XLR cables, and free shipping, all for only $59.98.-- I honestly don't see how anyone could make a profit on that deal.

www.ebay.com/itm/390687341740?_trksid=m570.p2045573.l4763&_trkparms=ga1m%3DT10%26ga2m%3DT5%26ga3m%3DT1%26ga4m%3DT3

=====================================

www.vrtaudio.com/

"With the VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor Stand, you can set up your studio in the perfect configuration for creating the ideal mixing environment. Small tweaks in monitor placement can potentially yield hugely improved acoustic results in your studio for better reference which will give you a better product. These stands are also great for setting up surround sound in your living room or audio/video suite. You can’t beat these prices and quality anywhere!"

=====================================

As far as the VRT stands, the lowest adjustable setting is 31.5 inches tall. The Stealth 8s are 16. 5 inches tall The stands adjusted to their lowest setting with the Stealth 8's atop would be at 48 inches minimum. That may be a bit tall for some applications, but it will work to demo the Stealth 8s. I will make the future purchase of Stealth 8s from Emotiva with a full intent to buy, not just try. If the Stealth 8s work for me, I'll invest in better stands for my living room environment and keep the adjustable stands for other uses... 

      

  

 

[Boomzilla]

IMHO, you may want some better stands. The ones you've ordered don't look too sturdy... If the speaker falls over & breaks, the stands were false economy.

I make you two recommendations regarding stands:

1. Get some stands that have HEAVY bases - these resist tipping better - those with post(s) that can be filled with sand or shot are also to be preferred

2. Buy some self-adhesive velcro. Use the hook side to completely cover the speaker-plate of the stand (and it goes without saying that bigger plates are better plates). Use the velcro's felt side to create a "speaker-stand-plate-sized" patch on the bottom of the speaker. This absolutely prevents the speaker from falling off the stand. The velcro becomes more secure with vibrations from the speaker. If you ever want to undo it, just peel the velcro from the speaker & remove any sticky residue with some lighter fluid. I like this much, Much, MUCH better than blu-tak, museum-wax, and other less-secure options that frequently get recommended. Not even mother-in-law-sized keesters can dislodge the speakers from the stands once velcroed.

Cordially - Boom

[Poodleluvr]

I believe I can make these stands work for the time being (temporary).

I already thought of the velcro. As other "accessories", when I made the purchase for the stands, I also purchased 10 foot of 1 1/2 inch velcro and 10 foot of 2 inch velcro. I just purchased the stands and velcro yesterday, so I expect to see them hopefully next week.

www.ebay.com/itm/170995024591?var=470236067285&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

This weekend, the wife is going to the Hobby Lobby store, so I asked her to pick me up a yard of black felt.

Using the black felt and velcro straps both front and back, I believe I should be able to secure the monitors to the stand plate.

Stealth 8s not ordered yet....

Thanks.

[Boomzilla]

Good on 'ya, PL - You DON'T want expensive equipment falling! Sounds like you've got it all under control so I'll butt out.

Post us a photo when you get your Stealths!

Boom

[Poodleluvr]

Nov 22, 2013 11:17:39 GMT -5 Poodleluvr said:

Thanks Boom. And, I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Now, for more accessories in preparation to order a pair of Stealth 8s in the near future:

I just ordered a pair of economical adjustable stands from e-bay, VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor Stands @ $ 59.98 with free shipping. The offer even includes a pair of VRT Pro Audio 20FT XLR Microphone Cables.

Basically, 2 adjustable metal stands, a pair of 20 foot XLR cables, and free shipping, all for only $59.98.-- I honestly don't see how anyone could make a profit on that deal.

www.ebay.com/itm/390687341740?_trksid=m570.p2045573.l4763&_trkparms=ga1m%3DT10%26ga2m%3DT5%26ga3m%3DT1%26ga4m%3DT3

=====================================

www.vrtaudio.com/

"With the VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor Stand, you can set up your studio in the perfect configuration for creating the ideal mixing environment. Small tweaks in monitor placement can potentially yield hugely improved acoustic results in your studio for better reference which will give you a better product. These stands are also great for setting up surround sound in your living room or audio/video suite. You can’t beat these prices and quality anywhere!"

=====================================

As far as the VRT stands, the lowest adjustable setting is 31.5 inches tall. The Stealth 8s are 16. 5 inches tall The stands adjusted to their lowest setting with the Stealth 8's atop would be at 48 inches minimum. That may be a bit tall for some applications, but it will work to demo the Stealth 8s. I will make the future purchase of Stealth 8s from Emotiva with a full intent to buy, not just try. If the Stealth 8s work for me, I'll invest in better stands for my living room environment and keep the adjustable stands for other uses... 

I received some "accessories" yesterday:

- I received the pair VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor stands that I purchased for under $60 bucks delivered to the door with included 20' pair of VRT Audio XLR (microphone) cables. The stands are very nice and well worth what I paid for them. The welds are well done and the stands have a nice black powder coated finish applied. This pair of stands came with rubber foot pads installed on the bases, but included in the packaging are adjustable spikes. I removed the rubber foot pads, installed the spikes, and then adjusted the spikes to 3/4" that will dig into my carpet w/pad.-- Absolutely no regrets about this pair of VRT Pro Audio Height Adjustable Studio Monitor Stands purchased via E-Bay.

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390710454740

- I received the pair of 20' low capacitance Belden XLR cables fabricated by Blue Jeans Cable.

- My wife picked me up a yard and a half of black felt from Hobby Lobby to protect the new speakers.-- Still awaiting delivery of Velcro rolls. May get them today.

- I placed an order for a pair of Stealth 8s this morning from Emotiva.

[RichGuy]

Pro Audio LA will custom make you XLR cables using the best quality wire and connectors at very reasonable rates. I'd recommend using Mogami wire and Neutrik XLR connectors, considered the finest studio quality cables and excellent for sound quality.

www.proaudiola.com/category-s/369.htm

[Poodleluvr]

Nov 26, 2013 21:13:01 GMT -5 RichGuy said:

Pro Audio LA will custom make you XLR cables using the best quality wire and connectors at very reasonable rates. I'd recommend using Mogami wire and Neutrik XLR connectors, considered the finest studio quality cables and excellent for sound quality.

www.proaudiola.com/category-s/369.htm

Thanks for the link.-- I bookmarked that site. Looks like high quality XLR cables at a reasonable price.

Well, my accessories are all ready, I'm ready, my poodle is ready, for delivery of the new pair of Stealth 8s next month-------- on Monday.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[moko]

just want to share some info about cable capacitance.

capacitance reduces high freq that pass through the cable hence warmer sounding and vise versa. but for shorter cable i don't think it will have significant effect.