audio Building my own 3.5mm cables

[UnlimitedTMD]

Hey guys,

 

I`m looking into making my own 3.5mm cable for audio passtrough for all kind of stuff, like my headphones, AMP, DAC, Home Theater Set.

I always just bought some from some stores, but they`re soooo bad, they always break, kink or deform on me.

I`ve been looking at some DIY guides and stuff, but they`re always like, yeah just get some old 3.5mm cable and apply new pluggs.

So they never explain what exact kind of a cable it is... I know I can use Cat5e ones, but I`d rather want more robust cable.

So what cable should I buy?

Maybe you can link an Dutch and/or European link?

 

TL;DR; What cable should I buy for 3,5mm audio passtrough (not Cat5e)?

[mcraftax]

use shielded cat5e cable?

[UnlimitedTMD]

Just now, mcraftax said:

use shielded cat5e cable?

I`m looking for something more elegant and sturdy, I also would like it to be relatively fancy looking...

[W-L]

15 hours ago, UnlimitedTMD said:

I`m looking for something more elegant and sturdy, I also would like it to be relatively fancy looking...

Usually they source raw cable itself but in general you would be looking for 3 core shielded cable or something like theses:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5m-METRES-4-CORE-INDIVIDUALLY-SCREENED-AUDIO-CABLE-VIDEO-MORE-IN-OUR-SHOP-/141221070761?hash=item20e16e87a9:g:jO0AAOxyXzxTIYss

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25M-2-Core-Shielded-Screened-Audio-Cable-Reel-Microphone-Lead-XLR-6-35mm/311349362907?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Dcf6e1d6be7184350a623a754ea6b1cd6%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D2%26sd%3D370536846516

[UnlimitedTMD]

6 hours ago, W-L said:

-snip-

Thanks mate

But isn`t the second one a XLR type? Isn`t that only for those other plugs or could I use it either way?

[W-L]

5 hours ago, UnlimitedTMD said:

Thanks mate

But isn`t the second one a XLR type? Isn`t that only for those other plugs or could I use it either way?

The first one would be the best option, the XLR will work as long as it has the correct number of conductors needed also, it's just physically a larger cable with larger conductors which would be good if your going for very long cable runs. 

[UnlimitedTMD]

1 minute ago, W-L said:

The first one would be the best option, the XLR will work as long as it has the correct number of conductors needed also, it's just physically a larger cable with larger conductors which would be good if your going for very long cable runs. 

aaahhh I see, thanks for your replies

[You_are_a_cunt]

Any electronics store will have audio-grade cable that is sold by the meter. You need 2-lead pair cables (Left Channel positive and null; Right channel positive and null). On the jack connector you'll have left and right go to their respective solder points and the null cables have a common solder point. If you want I can get a guide rolling later in the week that will show you step by step what you need and how to make your own cables.

[UnlimitedTMD]

1 hour ago, revsilverspine said:

Any electronics store will have audio-grade cable that is sold by the meter. You need 2-lead pair cables (Left Channel positive and null; Right channel positive and null). On the jack connector you'll have left and right go to their respective solder points and the null cables have a common solder point. If you want I can get a guide rolling later in the week that will show you step by step what you need and how to make your own cables.

Damn  mate, thanks for your answer. If you have the time, please do so, I`d love it

I`ve been looking at some stores, but can`t figure it which sort I should get and I don`t know if they`re made for audio..

[spellmanuk]

braided cables can be be more durable than rubber ones also and they feel nicer