You can make cheap audiophile quality cables comparable to expensive
designer cables.
F/BNC/RCA compression connectors assemble quickly and easily with
common varieties of coaxial cable and grip with 360° high strength
retention, resulting in more reliable and robust connections than
solder connectors.
Common Cable Problems
poor cable retention → failure of the cable-connector
junction
tight connector fit → cable and jack damage
loose connector fit → poor connection
poor cable shielding → hum and interference
poor connector aesthetics → visit from
Obsessive-Compulsive Feng Shui Assassin
Compression .vs. Crimp
There are several RCA compression connectors to choose from, but the Canare RCAP-C is the only good crimp connector. The RCAP-C
connector has a long crimp sleeve and an even longer cable boot, which
results in a long lever arm that is vulnerable to jack damaging
impacts and requires more rear clearance. The sleeve and center pin
must be crimped separately. The RCAP-C crimp tool and die set is much
more expensive than a generic universal compression tool. Both systems
provide high strength cable retention superior to soldered connectors.
Some professional cable companies use compression connectors
exclusively, claiming greater reliability and ease of assembly.
When constructing interconnects, as opposed to patch cables which must
endure flexing and handling, foil and 95% coverage copper braid is the
best compromise shielding choice for a single cable type used for
analog and digital audio and video. Double 98% copper braid has
slightly greater EMI rejection and slightly worse RFI rejection, making
it better for audio than video, but most good double braid cable is
stranded core intended for patch cables, making it unsuitable for most
compression connectors.
Of the 3 coaxial cable sizes compatible with compression connectors,
RG-59 is a good compromise between flexibility and performance. RG-6 is
thicker and less flexible, but is a good choice for long video runs.
Mini cable (it has no official designation) is thinner and more
flexible, but has double the shield resistance and can be more
difficult to assemble.
