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Prefer High-end Interconnects

last updated 01-Dec-2003

Introduction

After building all kinds of interconnects with Prefer Cable, I decided to build two "high-end" models based on the more expensive MGK-6 and MGK-18 cable of Prefer. Both cables are single core coaxial types with OFC copper, PTFE insulation, carbon and copper screening etc (completely buzzword compliant). According to the website of prefer, the MGK-18 cable is their high-end cable for very low noise applications. It's the thickest cable I used so far (7.7mm) and for this cable you need RCA connectors with a sufficiently large opening.

Forum readers pointed me to the MGK-6 cable, reporting the very high quality of this cable. With its blue PVC jacket and 6mm diameter the MGK-6 is easy to work with and it looks good too.

What do you need?

The following is all you need to build a high-end interconnect.

Take the desired length of cable, e.g. 1.20 meters for a pair, of either MGK-6 (blue) or MGK-18 (thick & black).
4 RCA connectors of good quality. The Neutrik connectors shown right are very nice connectors and easy to work with.
If you want you can apply any sort of finish (sleeve etc.) but as it won't improve the sound by any means there is no need.

Needless to say that a pair of interconnects built from these components are not the cheapest one can make. If that is your goal you should build the standard Preferred cable or build a 4Play or so. On the other hand, there are very little cables that will beat the performance of one of these interconnects for the same price. Most exotic audio cables are not necessarily better but in general far more expensive.

The costs for a pair of interconnects is rather dependent on the price paid for the connectors. The price for a meter cable is more or less the same (€ 5.00/meter or so) but the price paid for 4 Neutrik connectors is about € 40.00 compared to €15.00 for the silver type used. Well, I do like Neutrik connectors but in this case costs are not related to to the final sound quality. I would like to recommend you to make your choice based upon the cable (and not the RCA conenctors).

Construction

The construction of the interconnect is equal for all coaxial cable as described on the first Prefer page. For the remaining part it is specific for the RCA connector used (cable clambing, soldering lugs etc).. .

Wrap-Up

The MGK-18 is a very low-noise cable with low capacitance. I decided to give it a try in a phono setup where it performs very well. The connectors used (see photo above) are above average and make good connection.

The blue MGK-6 is in principle also suited for phono applications, but most of the times I use it for line-level applications (Cdplayer).

Which cable is better is just a matter of taste. By the way, in my opinion this is true for most interconnects. Differences between cables are in the range nill to subtle, but they're seldomly earthshaking. It's everybody's own decision but I rather spend my bucks on better equipment than on cabling.

Room for Improvement

Maybe next time I'll use Silver Bullit plugs or so, but other than that I'm satisfied.

More Preferred Cable

Prefer cable has also been discussed on the other Prefer pages.

An overview of all Prefer products
Prefer MGK 6, Carbon Screened, Single core High End
Prefer MGK-18, Carbon Screened, single core low noise/loss cable.

Prefer Site, cable descriptions

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