RCA Interconnects - Stinger or something else?

S

SlvrDragon50

Noob
I impulse bought a Kenwood 9906XR for my Accord so now I need to get some RCA interconnects. Been a while since I've looked so I am curious if anything else has popped up since I last got interconnects or if I should just get some Stingers. Probably gonna get the 8000 series since the price isn't too shabby.
 
Following. Looking myself. I have the t spec V12 series now. They aren’t terrible but I was also considering the 8000 series
 
I like the knukoncept krystal cables. They are priced right and seem to be a better build compared to the stinger 8000's (at least to me) and are slightly cheaper. I don't think you'd go wrong with either.

http://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-audio/rca-cables/krystal-rca-kables/

There is also someone on facebook/diyma (maybe this site too) that makes really good cables. I can't remember his name but they were my second choice. I only choose the krystal cables because they were still quite a bit cheaper than his cables.

Edit* look of westco on diyma
 
Jdunk54nl said:
I like the knukoncept krystal cables. They are priced right and seem to be a better build compared to the stinger 8000's (at least to me) and are slightly cheaper. I don't think you'd go wrong with either.

http://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-audio/rca-cables/krystal-rca-kables/

There is also someone on facebook/diyma (maybe this site too) that makes really good cables. I can't remember his name but they were my second choice. I only choose the krystal cables because they were still quite a bit cheaper than his cables.

Edit* look of westco on diyma
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Yea, I spoke to Westco, but it would end up costing more than the 8000, and I would have to buy two 2-channel RCAs.

Smitty said:
What kind of inputs does your amp have?
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Not quite sure what you're asking. It will route into a DSP Pro and then a MMATS 6150.
 
If your amp has balanced differential inputs (some higher end amps) then twisted pair interconnects are fine. If not (as in most mainstream amps), use the shielded coax style.
 
I like the Knu Klarity cables because they're cheap, ends grip tight but not too tight so no risk of damaging rca jacks, they're shielded, and seem to be made decent enough.
 
I ordered custom RSD cables for my new build. If looking for something "cheap" and fast I would go with Blue Jean Cables.
 
Smitty said:
If your amp has balanced differential inputs (some higher end amps) then twisted pair interconnects are fine. If not (as in most mainstream amps), use the shielded coax style.
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Hmm, I have no clue. I can get the 8000 for $38 which is fairly cheap I think and is shielded.

lowcel said:
I ordered custom RSD cables for my new build. If looking for something "cheap" and fast I would go with Blue Jean Cables.
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I am confused whenever someone brings up Blue Jean Cables since I've always found their prices to be quite expensive. How are you configuring them?
 
Ya, compared to the Knu Krystal and stinger 8000's. Westco (is this RSD???) was like double cost and Blue jeans was nearly triple the cost. RSD and Blue jean were quite a bit cheaper than stinger 9000s or other "higher end" RCA's.

Krystal 3ft is $10.50
Stinger 8000 3ft is $18
Westco 3ft is ~$23 (this is using his 2014 pricing so as long as prices stayed the same since then)
Blue Jean 3ft is $39
Stinger 9000 3ft is $84
 
The 8000 are not properly shielded for unbalanced inputs. They are twisted pair so if your amp has balanced inputs you're good to go.
 
Jdunk54nl said:
They have a mylar foil shield.
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The last I checked, the foil only covers the main portion of the cable and is not terminated at either end. In this case it won't be much better than twisted pair. If something has changed and they do have the foil terminated at one end, this would possibly be a decent cable for use in either scenario. If so, one end should be marked or some way to tell which is the source end of the cable. The last time I inspected a pair the resistance of the center conductor was awfully high as well. I will admit it was not a BNIB set but I couldn't find where the foil should have been terminated to begin with.
 
Jdunk54nl said:
Ya, compared to the Knu Krystal and stinger 8000's. Westco (is this RSD???) was like double cost and Blue jeans was nearly triple the cost. RSD and Blue jean were quite a bit cheaper than stinger 9000s or other "higher end" RCA's.
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Here is RSD's facebook page. The cables are custom made by my buddy Joseph Davis, one of the nicest guys in car audio.
https://www.facebook.com/RSDcustomcables/

Here is his website.
https://rsd-custom-cables.sitelio.me/

I went with the RSD Black Diamond cables. They aren't cheap but they should be amazing. All of the cables combined in my Altima retail for a little under $1,000 I believe.

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Compared to the 20 foot Straight Wires RCA I have in my 4Runner they are extremely affordable. That one pair of cables retails for around $800.
 
Smitty said:
The last I checked, the foil only covers the main portion of the cable and is not terminated at either end. In this case it won't be much better than twisted pair. If something has changed and they do have the foil terminated at one end, this would possibly be a decent cable for use in either scenario. If so, one end should be marked or some way to tell which is the source end of the cable. The last time I inspected a pair the resistance of the center conductor was awfully high as well. I will admit it was not a BNIB set but I couldn't find where the foil should have been terminated to begin with.
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Ground would need to be connected at one end to prevent noise, but that is different from the mylar foil.

Mylar foil naturally rejects the noise if it is covering the cable 100%. Kind of like aluminum foil. If you wrap your phone in a mylar shield or aluminum foil, the signal will be greatly reduced or non-existent.

I used this method on my LED reverse light pods on my truck. I was getting EMF interference with my reverse sensors and the lights. Wrapped the lights in aluminum tape and no more EMF interference with the sensors.
 
I agree, but wouldn't the gap in foil on either end be susceptible to noise? That was my main thought when I examined them. I have not used them since I don't have amps with balanced inputs.
 
Smitty said:
I agree, but wouldn't the gap in foil on either end be susceptible to noise? That was my main thought when I examined them. I have not used them since I don't have amps with balanced inputs.
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That should mean that it would be the only spot where it could pick up EMF noise is at the ends, and that ideally is the least likely spot, if the mylar foil is capable of blocking 100% throughout the rest of the cable.
 
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