Cable Asylum: REVIEW: DIY by Chris VenHaus Cat5 Speaker Cable Cable by Bob W

Model:	Cat5 Speaker Cable
Category:	Cable
Suggested Retail Price:	materials cost about $45
Description:	Braided Cat5 Network Cable
Manufacturer URL:	DIY by Chris VenHaus
Manufacturer URL:	DIY by Chris VenHaus

Review by Bob W ( A ) on February 21, 2002 at 10:19:27
IP Address: 131.118.225.42

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for the Cat5 Speaker Cable

Amazing.
I replaced Monster OFC stranded wires with DIY Cat5 speaker cable (Chris VenHaus design). I really didn't know what the cable improvement curve was like and didn't want to invest > $500 for a relatively small improvement. I ended up spending ~$75 since I also purchased adhesive heat shrink to use on the cable ends and expanding black braided monofilament sleeving along the legnght of the cables. I'd advise both, really nice finished look & increased durability/protection.
I really didn't know what to expect. Wow, am I glad I built these cables! The soundstage dramatically improved, excelent detail, speaker placement is no longer an issue, and the bass was extended. I probably don't have enough experience to explain all the improvement. In addition, the individual improvements combined synergistically to dramatically increase my listening pleasure. I was thinking of upgrading my CD player to a norh cd-1, I can't justify a change now.
I spent ~$75 including adhesive heat shring and expanding black braided monofilament sleeving. I'd advise both, really nice finished look.
A note: Because I'm a fan of detail and high frequency I use them bi-wired with .99999 silver wires for the high frequency posts (each silver cable consists of a pair of loosely braided, teflon insulated 24g wires). I had those bi-wired with the old monster cable previously, so this is an accurate review of the CAT-5 difference.

Product Weakness: my right index finger last knuckle is still swollen & a bit sore 3 weeks after finishing
Product Strengths: soundstage, bass, detail

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Roksan Caspian integrated (mk I)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz CD-63: AR XA TT
Speakers:	Spendor S1
Cables/Interconnects:	see review for cables: Homegrown silver interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	most
Time Period/Length of Audition:	10hrs playing time
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	my right index finger last knuckle is still swollen & a bit sore 3 weeks after finishing
Product Strengths:	soundstage, bass, detail