The Article
PBJ Interconnect Cabling is Back
16th April 2019
Kimber Kable is 40 years old this year. To mark the occasion, Russ Andrews is introducing a one-off, limited-edition version of Kimber’s PBJ analogue interconnect
The strictly limited-edition cable includes the features of the original. It is also now available with upgraded WBT 0114 RCA phono connectors in place of the standard Kimber UltraPlate connectors. The original tri-wire braid is retained in red, blue and black.
PBJ (the name derives from Peanut Butter & Jelly) was adopted by company boss, Ray Kimber, who hoped that the cable would become a staple interconnect with audiophiles as the food itself became a staple many years ago.
The tri-wire braid is made up of three VariStrand copper conductors, each is individually insulated with fluorocarbon dielectric and then braided together, with the red wire used for the signal, the blue for the ground and the black as an additional ‘drain’ wire.
PBJ is available direct from Russ Andrews for a limited period at a cost of £170 for a 1m pair.
To learn more, click www.russandrews.com
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Hi Paul,
I have just ordered a pair of these interconnects to connect my Rega RP3 to the Rega Mini Phono Stage but am wondering a couple of things:
1) Should I have ordered a second pair to connect the phono stage to my amp?
2) Will they provide any improvement without the above?
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul – thanks for the question. There should be cables from your RP3 which will run to the Phono. The PBJs can be used to connect the Phono to the amp. So no worries 🙂 In general terms, the cables will aid sound quality.
Thanks Paul.
For some reason I had it in my head that the phono cables from the Rega deck were interconnects but of course they’re hard wired. So I guess upgrading the interconnects from the phono stage to the amp now begs the question… is the phono stage (Rega fono mini A2D) up to it or should I be looking at upgrading that as well?
Regards
Paul
Remind me of you phono amp budget please Paul.
Not really got a budget as such but I suppose making a single upgrade rather than lots of incremental upgrades is going to be cheaper in the long run. I guess up to ¬£400? My amp at the moment is a Marantz PM6005 and speakers I recently upgraded to Q Acoustics 3050i’s. I was thinking of eventually upgrading the Rega RP3 with Funk Firms new Rage upgrade kit. Is that a good move in your opinion or would I be better off selling the RP3 and using the proceeds from that plus what I would spend on Rage to purchase a new deck altogether? Thanks again, Paul
Hi Paul – I’d go for this one – brilliant at the price, small footprint too: https://theaudiophileman.com/110-phono-amplifier-review-moon/
Onto the turntable upgrade. Depends how much you love your Rega. Go for the Rage if you find it difficult to part with it otherwise invest in a new deck and talk to me when you’re ready to move on that 🙂