Posted by Bill Epstein [ 75.143.208.132 ] on May 15, 2008 at 22:32:54:
I built a pair last week and had problems with the very low heat resistance of the insulation. Trashed a few of the Ken Shindo-approved RCAs. I also wanted to try using all 3 wires, 2 for the neutral.
First try I used some shrink tube to overcome the propensity of the thin metal of the shield to come in contact with the hot pin.
Jeff day is right in that his method of crimping and then soldering the folded over neutral wire to the shield id too bulky. I found that using the method for Vampire RCAs, soldering to the shield inside, allowed all 3 to be used. However, the poor heat resistance of the insulation on the hot wire caused a short when it melted from applying heat to the neutral in such close proximity. I used 450 degrees C., less wouldn't get it done.
It's essential to tin the wires. You also have to fasten the RCA to the bench (I used tape) as the hot wire wanted to creep out of the barrel when the iron was applied w/o using the crimpers.
Soldering the neutral to the crimper(?) before crimping it down solved the problem. Now paying more attention to the heat, and waiting to crimp the hot wire until after heating the joint, the need for shrink tube was eliminated.
These RCAs are cheap and the ICs sound about the same as some big name wires I have on loan. They also sound much better than any other DIY attempts I've done with the exception of Cardas Micro-twin terminated with Vampire solid copper $$$ RCAs; maybe even better than the Blue Jeans LC-1.
The review has links to the vendors.
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