Resources For DIYers

Here it is https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/iron-pumpkin-preamplifier-s-kits.311916/#post5176838

 

Years/Decades ago Stevens and Billington made the TX102 for TVCs which were very sought after... but I don't know if they sell to the DIY market anymore:
https://www.stevens-billington.co.uk/

 

Neotech also has purpose built wire for headphone cables, NECE-3001 MKII IEM/Headphone Cable:

https://www.hificollective.co.uk/article/neotech-nece-3001-mkii.html
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/bala...up-occ-copper-for-headphone-o3mm-p-15449.html

 

Yeah, I would go Furutech's. But here are some other options (apart from the usual Amphenol, Neutrik/Rean, Switchcraft):

* Eidolic - https://doublehelixcables.com/product/eidolic-emx-4r-rhodium-4-pin-female-mini-xlr-for-audeze-zmf/

* PLUSSOUND - http://www.plussoundaudio.com/diy/c...LUSSOUND-4-Pin-Mini-XLR-Connectors-p250592649

* Toxic Cables - https://toxic-cables.co.uk/product/toxic-cables-4-pin-mini-xlr-single/

* DH Labs too, apparently - https://www.ebay.com/itm/DH-Labs-Mi...e-connectors-DIY-headphone-cable/362479401799

Now if only Neotech would get into the 4-pin and 4-pin mini XLR connectors game.

EDIT: Added DH Labs, which I just found.

 

Hey, just noticed this after I got a shipping notice from hificollective, but there's another Neotech OCC HP cable they've got::Sheathed cable

 

found this site for all kinds of test tones, found it very useful
https://www.audiocheck.net/index.php

 

You can find test tones on the various streaming services as well. Just search for stuff like "1khz tone", "channel identification", etc.

 

Cable builders: Performance Audio (Salt Lake City) has great prices on Amphenol connectors (RCA plugs $2.49 ea):

https://www.performanceaudio.com/sh...l?connector_gender=5416&product_list_limit=25

Cf. Digkey at $3.94-6.28).

They also stock Canare, Neutrik/Rean, Switchcraft; as well as cables by Canare, Mogami and others by the foot. And they'll custom-build cables with your choice of wire & connectors for material cost + $8:

https://www.performanceaudio.com/custom-cable-builder/audio-cables

Free lower-48 shipping on purchases of $49 and over.

 

I swear I asked before, but can you prolific DIYers share your parts bin suggestions? I currently use portable bin boxes of different shapes and sizes by hobby, but thinking of getting a couple desktop or wall mountable systems to consolidate. I don't want to spend too much money, but I don't want things falling apart either. I have a load of audio connectors and small parts, watch-making stuff, and a ton of buckles, rings, rivets, etc. for leathermaking.

 

Mine is chaos, so looking forward to seeing what people are using

 

I use a Plano fishing tackle box for miscellaneous small parts, or stuff that I've recently pulled and might want to prototype.

A lot of other stuff that I have ordered are in the original bags. Put the smaller bags in gallon sized bags labeled for resistors, caps, ICs, etc. And then stick all those gallon sized bags in a larger bin. PITA if you need it handy, but as far as compactness for long term storage it's a winner. And you can always find something eventually.

 

^^^ this. I'm the same way. Things in small bags/boxes that then go into bigger boxes. PIA to get to things but they don't take up much space.

 

That's me too. Ziploc is your friend.

 

Yep. Ziplocs and mini post-it notes to label things. All thingies into small bags. Categories of thingies into bigger bags. Families of categories into boxes. Feel unsure of which family something belongs to, start second bag for another box. Rinse repeat. Realize you need to start labelling boxes. Realize you have too many weirdly sized boxes that don't stack nice. Start buying those cheap stackable meal prep containers. Realize you now need a silver sharpie to write on those black bottomed containers. Acquire bigger boxes to organize containers. Now everything is packed down 4 layers deep and you can't be bothered. Start new hobby and resist the modding/DIY urge for a couple months until you start thinking I can make the thing a little bit better if only I... Rinse repeat.

 

... Set the whole thing on fire, buy everything new at *great* expense.

 

I’ve seen a few people use the Ikea Skadis system to organize keyboard parts

 

Ultimately I’d like to get some kind of multidrawer storage system like this



My dad was a machinist and always has lots of storage cabinets like this for either holding screws or tools

 

That kind of unit is exactly what I was looking at. I currently do use and love the Ikea Skadis system for some of my leathercrafting tools, but I don't really like the little cup/drawers - a little too tall and too easy to pull off the rails for small stuff.



I currently do baggies with labels inside of portable bins like this, which has worked well enough, but I'd like slightly more easy/quick access.


If construction EVER finishes, I will be able to separate my home office from my home workshop which is why I am looking at alternate solutions.

And some of you are kind of joking about chucking everything and re-buying, but I have seriously contemplated selling off most of my electronics, watch, and cable misc parts instead of reorganizing/storing since I have mostly shifted hobbies.

 

This needs to be rebranded to "MiniLab" or something and marketed to guys:
https://www.createroom.com/products/dreambox

 

Akro-Mils makes nice versions of those. https://akro-mils.com/Solutions/Organize-It

If price is no object, their steel cabinets are the best. The plastic cabinets are a little clunky but work fine, and they're a lot cheaper. I have a couple 44-drawer plastic cabinets that I bought on Amazon for $40 each: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P2UOCO/