|
 |
| Original style Belden umbilical (upper) and new umbilical build with LAT "Silverfuse" wire (lower). From Charles Stoyonovich's SA-5000. This is an example of a non-molded on connector, note how it can be disassembled to get at the internal wires. Molded-on connectors cannot be disassembled and require an extra charge to replace. |
Sometimes it just takes me a long time to start thinking outside the box. I always knew that the Belden (and similar) PVC-jacketed multiconductor wire that I used at Counterpoint was probably not very good sounding. However, it is rated to handle high voltages, and those umbilical cords that connect Counterpoint preamps to their supplies have to handle high voltages. If a cable can't handle the voltage, it could lead to arcing, blown fuses, angry customers . . .
However, in early 2007 a good customer convinced me to try using something better than the Belden wire for his upgraded preamp, and he wanted me to use a 24 gauge wire made by LAT International, called "Silverfuse," which is rated to handle 600V. But before I committed to installing the wire into his preamp (and charging him for it!) I promised him I would first listen to it and compare it with his stock cable. So I built up one umbilical from the old Belden wire, one using the LAT wire, and one using Cardas Teflon jacketed 6N copper multi-strand litz wire tested to 5000 VDC.
I was blown away. The new umblilicals walked all over the Belden umbilical in so many ways, and so profoundly, that I knew I had to offer this upgrade. If I had to choose between the Cardas and the LAT umbilical, I'd be hard-pressed to make a decision because they both make the Belden sound like dog doo-doo: grungy, slow and blurry-sounding, like old dirty copper and crummy PVC insulation (surprise!). Note that LAT has a lower insulation voltage rating which makes it unsuitable for umbilicals which carry high AC voltages, such as the SA-2, SA-3/3.1 and SA-3000, so for those products only the Cardas wire can be used.The other products convert AC to DC in the power supply before bringing it to the audio chassis so the lower voltage rating is not a concern and either brand of wire can be used. In addition, the Cardas wire is more flexible than the LAT wire, so for reliability I recommend the Cardas wire.
Pricing for the umbilical depends on several factors: wire brand, umbilical length, number of conductors, and connector modification surcharge, if needed. Note that if you have another wire you'd like me to use, please contact me.
Pricing table for power supply umbilicals
| Counterpoint Model |
Number of Conductors |
Setup Fee* |
Base charge** plus Price per foot if built with LAT Int'l wire. LAT Silverfuse is thin and single-stranded, two wires per conductor must be used for reliability. |
Price per foot if built with Cardas wire. Cardas is multistrand and a suitably large gauge so one wire per conductor works well. |
Connector Replacement Surcharge (if needed)**** |
| SA-2 |
8 |
$100 |
Not Available due to voltage.*** |
Base charge: $189, then $18/foot, two-foot minimum. |
None needed |
| SA-3/3.1 |
7 |
$100 |
Not Available due to voltage.*** |
Base charge: $179, then $16/foot, two-foot minimum. |
None needed |
| SA-5/5.1 |
10 |
$100 |
Base charge: $210, then $32/foot, two-foot minimum. |
Base charge: $199, then $23/foot, two-foot minimum. |
None needed |
| SA-3000 |
12 |
$100 |
Not Available due to voltage.***. |
Base charge: $209, then $28/foot, two-foot minimum. |
May require $85 additional if umblilical has molded-on connectors. Older version SA3000 do not have a connector, the connection is permanent. The upgraded umbilical can remain that way, or you can have us install a 12-pin connector for $85. |
| SA-5000 |
15 |
$100 |
Base charge: $262, then $48/foot, two-foot minimum. |
Base charge: $249, then $35/foot, two-foot minimum. |
May require $95 additional if umbilical has molded-on connectors. In that case, molded parts to be replaced with Hirose HR1388 Strain Relief, HR1324 Plug (Female), HR1335 Receptacle (Male). |
| SA-9 |
24 |
$100 |
Base charge: $475, then $77/foot, two-foot minimum. (This unit has a lot of internal wiring coming off the power supply connectors and 24 conductors to work on.) |
Base charge: $419, then $55/foot, two-foot minimum. (This unit has a lot of internal wiring coming off the power supply receptacles and 24 conductors to work on.) |
None needed |
* Setup fee is applied if this is the only upgrade that is done to your unit. If other upgrades are done at the same time that meet the minimum upgrade fee, the Setup Fee is waived. More information here.
** The "base charge" covers the labor and additional wire needed to complete the connections inside the power supply and audio chassis.
*** Insulation on Silverfuse wire is not rated to handle the 600 to 900VAC present in the umbilicals of these products.
**** (some Counterpoint models have molded-on connectors which cannot be opened and worked on -- both the connector and the chassis receptacle need to be replaced, call or email me to discuss) |
|
|
