Multi-channel Audio Cables from Blue Jeans Cable

The Cable: Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Low Capacitance Audio Cable

Our recommended cable for analog audio use is our own proprietary design, BJC LC-1 Low Capacitance Audio Cable. The principal considerations in audio cable choice are low capacitance (to prevent rolloff of high frequencies) and high noise rejection, and we designed LC-1 (which is manufactured for us by Belden CDT in Richmond, Indiana) for the best possible combination of performance in these two areas. Its dense double-braid, all-copper shielding provides high coverage and a low resistance path to ground for superb rejection of electromagnetic interference from such sources as power cords, fluorescent lights, and household appliances. We found this specific shield design to be the best at hum rejection -- see our report of our own hum rejection test for more detailed discussion on this subject. Meanwhile, by maximizing the space between center conductor and shield, and foaming the dielectric, we've produced an analog audio cable with extremely low capacitance -- just 12.2 pF/ft. For more information on the design and specs of BJC LC-1, see our LC-1 Design Notes article. One note: LC-1 is thick, and when several runs are bundled together, makes a heavy and less-flexible cable; for that reason, we generally recommend that you not bundle it in the optional Techflex covering (described below).

The Connectors: Canare RCAPs

Connectors are a critical part of any audio cable, because if the coax isn't well-joined to the connectors, or if the connectors don't make firm electrical contact with the jacks, it doesn't much matter how good the coax is. For excellent electrical performance and mechanical solidity and contact, there is no better RCA plug than the Canare RCAP. Its all-metal body, crimped tightly to the coax braid, completes the shielding assembly from cable end to cable end, to ensure that the cables do not become an entry point for noise. But it's at the point of contact with the equipment jacks that these connectors really shine. Instead of just adding gold plating to the original 1930's plug design, like so many manufacturers do, Canare has engineered these plugs to make tight, electrically and mechanically sound contact with the jacks by building in a unique system of inner spring contacts within the outer connector body--these "internal pressure contact fingers," partly visible in the closeup photo at right, grip the jack firmly without excessive tightness. And yes, the Canare RCAPs are gold-plated--not on the outside for show, but on the contact surfaces, where gold plating ensures a no-corrosion, highly-conductive contact. View Canare's description and specs for the RCAP plugs.

We hand-cut and terminate each of these cables ourselves, using Canare tooling, so we know they're done right and tested before they go out. We think you'll be impressed with their performance; but we also offer a complete, unconditional return privilege. If for any reason--or for no reason--you're not completely, utterly satisfied, just return the cables within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase price in full.

Different Cables:

In addition to our standard Belden LC-1/Canare RCAP configuration, we can supply audio cables in any of a number of different cable types, each matched with an appropriately-sized Canare RCAP plug. For a complete list, click here to see all the cables we currently offer.

Belden 1505F:

Belden 1505F was our recommended audio cable prior to the introduction of LC-1. It also has double-braid shielding, and is a bit thinner, more flexible, and more economical. If you will be wanting to have your audio cables bundled together in Techflex wrap (see below), we recommend 1505F because LC-1 becomes quite thick and heavy when bundled and can pull hard on equipment jacks. View the technical specs for Belden 1505F.

Canare LV-61S:

Canare LV-61S is a somewhat more flexible, less heavily-shielded cable, popular primarily because of its high flexibility and lower price. Capacitance is higher than 1505F and shield effectiveness is lower, but the cable is economical and will perform well in most applications.

Techflex Braided Cable Jacket:

All of our cable sets above will be delivered as six separate cables of identical length. However, if you prefer cables which are grouped together in a common jacket, we also offer Techflex, a black plastic braided covering similar to a "finger trap," for cables up to 4 metres in length. Techflex adds approximately £2 per metre to the cost of any cable assembly above.

Multiple Cable Colours:

Our LC-1 cables are available in black or white, Belden 1505F cables are available in eight different colours, and 1694A is available in ten. The option box below for cable colour controls the colour of the cable jacket only; regardless of the cable colour choice, the strain relief boots on the cables will be coded to distinguish the cables from one another.

Shipping:

All cables ship from the U.S. by International Priority Mail, with 6-10 business days typical delivery time, and may be subject to VAT and customs charges on receipt; for more detail, see our shipping/taxes and duties page.

To Order:

To see pricing, fill in your cable length in metres and select the required number of channels in the appropriate form below (don't forget that the ".1" is an additional channel, so if you're running Dolby 5.1, for example, that requires a six-channel, not a five-channel, cable set), select any applicable options, and the price will display to the right. To purchase, click "add to basket." To view a list of sample prices, see our five-channel, six-channel, seven-channel or eight-channel price lists.