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.

• White Lightning

I may have to try to make a couple pair.

In all seriousness, there are some cables better than 16ga zip cord, but not many. I consider 16ga zip cord to be the standard anything esle must beat.

Bob

I went back to placing shrink tube over the hot pin and a 1/4" or so of the hot wire.

I also revisited the crimp and solder, magnifying the pic Jeff Day took for his review.

As you can see, especially if you enlarge with MS My Pictures, one barrel crimp is pressed down and then the neutral is sandwiched between it and the other. This may be a better method of making a good mechanical connection while still protecting the hot wire from the iron heat.

I'm kinda obssessing because my previous fave connectors were vampire 800C, $27/pr and Eichmann at $44/ set of 4. The Switchcraft have gone up, BTW, ten piecees will now set you back $18.80.