Parts and Components

This guide describes how to DIY the LOD that connects my ipod to my amp. 

The parts and component you will need for this DIY:

3.5mm plugs

There are several sources for 3.5mm plugs online, here are some. I got my supplies from Take Five Audio, and i think their service is pretty good. My package arrived less than a week after i placed my order.

Take Five Audio

1) http://www.takefiveaudio.com

Qables

2) http://www.qables.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76&zenid=ddc13bea182cd45ae4cd038af719003e

For my singaporean counterparts, you can get real cheap plugs at Farnell Newark at Tai Seng Drive

3) http://sg.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=1004527+248022&No=25

The links above may not work after some time, just go to their websites and search for it.

For plugs, my personal preference is the Neutrik plugs, because i like small things. However, due to their small size, they can be hard to work with. I would recommend first timers to try out the Switchcraft plugs first. I find no discernable difference in sound between these two popular choices. However, that is just me, and there are people who feel the Switchcraft provides a better sound. 

Dock Connector

The second major component you need would be the dock connector. There are many different sizes available. The picture above shows the relative sizes, from the smallest to the biggest. 

There are 2 major sources you can get your connectors from

Ridax

1) http://home.swipnet.se/ridax/connector.htm

Qables

2) http://www.qables.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76_81&zenid=ddc13bea182cd45ae4cd038af719003e

I don’t recommend you buy this from Singapore retailers, as the prices they charge are, well, expensive. I think its 8 bucks. But of course ordering online you got to take into account shipping fees too. You may want to check with me if i got extra connectors lying around. They will go for 5 bucks each. 

The Ridax carries all the different sizes, while Qables carries only the third connector from the left. 

For me, i uses the smallest (first and second from left). However i would recommend first timers to choose the bigger connectors. They are definitely easier to work with. Some may say that the big connectors provide better structural integrity. This is true only when you use a glue gun. The epoxy that i use as the filler material will provide a very strong and tough structural support (i hope i am right, i will wait and see how well my connectors stand up to everyday abuse).

The other difference between connectors is whether they can be snapped close or glued together. I find no difference. The ones that can snap close most probably wouldnt work as they should for me, as i uses thick wires. I think you can choose this according to your preference.

Wires

Arguably the most important and most debated part of the connector. What material to choose? Copper or Silver? Multi-stranded or single core? These are the questions that should be in your mind right now. Well i think the fun of DIY is that you can choose what material to use. Hence this is entirely up to your own choice. There are a lot of material online debating what sort of wires are the best, and i may post their links sometime in the future.

There are many places where you can get your wires from

Take Five Audio

1) http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=1&cat=DIY+Supplies

Qables

2) http://www.qables.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76&zenid=ddc13bea182cd45ae4cd038af719003e

Homegrown Audio

3) http://www.homegrownaudio.com/bulk_wire.htm

Parts Connexion

4) http://www.partsconnexion.com/partscomponents.php

For Singaporeans, i heard there is a shop in Sim Lim Tower called LHS that carries cables. There is another shop in called Koba located at People’s Park (i think). Personally i have never brought from them, yet. For not-exotic wires, you can get them almost anywhere. Can try Farnell too if you want to buy in bulk.

Solder

The last component you need is solder. Solder is an mixture of different metals that is designed to melt at low temperatures. Solder is used to bond the wires to the plug and dock connector.

There are mainly 2 types of solders. Leaded and unleaded ones. Lead/Tin solders are the most common, and the cheapest to use. They are the most widely used solder in the past for a very long period of time. However, environmental and health concerns prompt authorities to gradually outlaw leaded solders. 

I recommend everyone to use unleaded solders. However, unleaded solders have slighty higher melting points, and does not stick as easily. Please visit the Tools Needed section to see what soldering irons should be used to handle unleaded solders.

Besides leaded and unleaded, solders are also classified as eutectic or non-eutectic. Eutectic means the solder melts and solidifies at the same temperature. Non-eutectic means the solder melts and solidifies over a range of temperatures. The rule of thumb is eutectic solders are better. 

Solder is relatively widely available, Sim Lim Square and Sim Lim Tower got loads of it. 

1) Sim Lim Square + Sim Lim Tower

Farnell-Newark

2) http://sg.farnell.com/

Take-Five Audio

3) http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=11&cat=Solder

And almost all online audio shops.

My personal favourite is the Cardas Tri Eutectic Solder (http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopexd.asp?id=688). Its pretty easy to work with and has a high silver content. It comes in small packs of 10g too. Trust me, 10g is more than enough for a LOD. I got mine from Take-Five audio. However, i am moving on to using Johnson Mfg AI-423 silver solder. This solder is reputed to be the best sounding solder. Cant verify that claim though. 

Thats all for parts and components needed.