Finishing up the new interconnects

 Here are the completed interconnect cables for my phono stage preamp (record player), and for my preamp to amps. I cut them to fit, and they look clean.

So before I installed them in my system, I gave them a quick check with the ohm meter and then hooked them up to an extra CD player I have, for 50 hours of break in. I know, it seems like witchcraft or something, but that break in time makes a difference. If I wasn't so impatient I would have run them in for 100 hours. While they were breaking in, I installed an upgrade to my amps, to refine the sound a bit. Once the upgrade was complete, and the cables were run in, I assembled it for a listen. I ran through a few albums to test the modifications and cables. I only have a turntable hooked up right now. First up was Nirvana Unplugged, it was very engaging, and I listened to several songs twice while rolling a couple different tubes through the amps to check the sonic differences. Then I listened to a couple songs off the new Slash album to really give the changes a workout. Last, I finshed up with side 2 of ZZ Top Fandango. This might be the best group of songs on any ZZ top album. It was killer to say the least. Phase 3 is up next, an upgrade to the phono stage preamp.

Phase 1 of my tube stereo system upgrades

So I have rearranged my system resulting in the need for new cables. I like to build my own interconnects and speaker cables. It's a huge saving over paying for premium cables, and I think these are actually better cables. The other big thing, is they are all custom length so I can minimized the excess cable hanging and laying every where. These bulk cables feature 22 gauge .9999 oxygen free copper conductors with copper shield wire over the top. The jacket has a really nice feel to it, and it's really flexible. Time to fire up the soldering iron and get it done. Watch for phase 2 where I will install an upgrade in my tube amps.