Author Topic: speaker cables (how much money do I really need to spend) (Read 8187 times)

gkatz · « **on:** July 09, 2011, 08:01:25 PM »

I read somewhere about somebody actually comparing overpriced "interconnects" with a plain old metal coathangers, with no real difference. Is this generally true? I am starting to upgrade my playback rig, got a topping TP30 tripath amp on the way, I picked up a pair of "interaudio by bose" 2 way speakers (5 inch bass driver), just wondering if nice(r) cables would make any difference at all. Im guessing the answer is no until I get up into real expensive 'audiophile' stuff, and even then, it would only be minimal. correct?

twatts (pants are so over-rated...) · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2011, 10:53:06 PM »

I look at it the same way I look at my mic cables... I had my mic cables made here on TS (DogStar), so I had a set of matching speaker cables made at the same time (DogHouse)... They cost me about $200 (methinks) for 2 mic cables, 2 speaker cables and a custom subwoofer cable...

For my system, I see no justification on spending more than that...

Terry

notlance · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:34:05 AM »

Don't want to start the "Great Cable Debate" again, so let me just say that there may be better ways to spend your money than on expensive cables. Unless your speaker wires need to be longer than about 50', 16 gauge zip cord, aka lamp cord, should work fine.

JackoRoses · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2011, 10:30:26 AM »

oh about 40$ give or take.
Run down to the big box hardware store and pick up some extension cords, cut the ends off and there ya go.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2011, 12:34:47 PM »

Keep your cables as short as possible make sure both left and right are the same exact length. And use a #10 or #12 AWG Wire and you will be fine. Monster cable in bulk is very good.

And not terribly expensive.

sparkey · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2011, 03:28:19 PM »

I like to pick out a high end brand and buy their entry level stuff....I think I have Audioquest? Aesthetically pleasing wire which seems to work just fine can be found in the low voltage department at Home Depot, too.

gkatz · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:42:14 PM »

I ordered 25 feet of this monster cable for 7.99 with free shipping. it definitely looks visually appealing to me haha. I guess that's half the satisfaction right there!

noahbickart · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:30:28 AM »

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

twatts (pants are so over-rated...) · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2011, 12:58:39 PM »

My first set of non Radio Shack speaker cable: http://www.theanalogdept.com/hd14.htm

Terry

jlykos · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2011, 03:59:54 PM »

10% of the total value of your system is the rule of thumb. Don't spend a fortune, but quality cables will last longer. Different brands of analog cables like speaker cables and some interconnects will sound different. I have yet to hear a difference among digital interconnects.

twatts (pants are so over-rated...) · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:16:45 PM »

Quote from: jlykos on July 11, 2011, 03:59:54 PM

Different brands of analog cables like speaker cables and some interconnects will sound different.

This was my thinking when I had my speaker cable made at the same time as my mic cables, and out of the same material. I wanted the coloration of my playback to be minimal, I figured using the same cable wouldn't change the sound...

While the Home Depot cabel worked, the silver clad DogHouse cable brought us a certain clarity/lessened the dullness of the tape... Or at least I "think" so... YMMV...

Just another sumpim sumpim to get addicted to!!!

Terry

gkatz · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:20:06 PM »

Quote from: jlykos on July 11, 2011, 03:59:54 PM

10% of the total value of your system is the rule of thumb.

Thanks for that, seems very reasonable.

Quote from: twatts and not wearing pants on July 11, 2011, 05:16:45 PM

Just another sumpim sumpim to get addicted to!!!

Terry

exactly

rjp · « **Reply #12 on:** July 11, 2011, 11:55:07 PM »

Quote from: noahbickart on July 11, 2011, 11:30:28 AM

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

I was going to put that link up if nobody else had done so. Belden 5000UE at $0.52 a foot sounds like a pretty good deal to me - and at 12AWG is likely to be overkill for most people.

spyder9 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2011, 12:16:48 AM »

Canare 4S11. One of best DIY speaker cables.

http://store.haveinc.com/p-49380-canare-4s11-starquad-speaker-cable-14-awg-cut.aspx

kirk97132 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2011, 03:41:01 PM »

Here ya go:
http://amzn.to/g9rU93

Surprised no else posted the link sheesh

twatts (pants are so over-rated...) · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2011, 03:50:46 PM »

Quote from: kirkd on July 13, 2011, 03:41:01 PM

http://amzn.to/g9rU93

My name is John Connor, they tried to murder me before I was born, when I was 13 they tried again. Cables from the future. AudioQuest K2 terminated speaker cables. All my life my mother told me the storm was coming, Judgment Day, the beginning of the war between man and machines. Three billion lives would vanish in an instant, and I would lead what was left of the human race to ultimate victory.

illconditioned · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2011, 04:38:42 PM »

Two words: lamp cord

Richard

som · « **Reply #17 on:** August 11, 2011, 10:32:57 AM »

I use Blue Jean interconnects, and Clear Day Speaker cables: http://www.cleardaycables.com/single.php

Pretty cheap by audiophile standards. I may be deluded, but I heard a difference with the Clear Day cables, greater detail and clarity, individual instruments really stood out more.

Regarding making the cables the same length....my rack is to the left of my left-hand speaker, so I need about 6' on the left and 14' on the right. I researched this a bit and came to the conclusion that the differences in length are utterly meaningless. More timing or phase errors (or whatever) can be introduced by, say, tilting your head 1 inch to the left or right.

mfrench · « **Reply #18 on:** August 11, 2011, 12:02:11 PM »

Mark Levinson amps had an ad campaign in the 70's, where they welded with the output of one of their high current output SS amps.
This impressed me.
When I bought my latest amp, a high current output SS amp, I decided to get cables that were heavy enough to use for welding.
On the packaging for the cables, it was suggested that you not use the cables for car battery jumping or welding, as that would void the warranty.

Cables by Analysis-Plus, Bi-Oval9 9ga, oval woven copper, supported by an oval teflon core, and insulated by teflon. Massive T1 spades. Serious cables.

Lil Kim Jong-Il · « **Reply #19 on:** August 11, 2011, 12:46:30 PM »

After reading evil moderator's comments about his cables, I bought copper AP oval 9s. I use them for the bass cabinets and AP silver oval for the monitors. They were a nice jump up from the MIT cables I was using and I haven't felt the need to swap them for anything else. The MIT cables were a huge jump up from lamp cord but of course YMMV.

I think the biggest downside to having speaker cables of different lengths would be a longer resale time.

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #20 on:** August 11, 2011, 01:08:34 PM »

I didn't read through the entire thread, but I have read more than I care to admit on this topic in the past. I ended up buying outdoor low voltage lighting cable in bulk at my hardware store... The cable and insulation are impressive, I'd rather use this cable than even the expensive pro monster cable...

Jamos · « **Reply #21 on:** August 15, 2011, 02:12:11 AM »

Anyone use CAT5 or CAT6 cable for speakers?

Author Topic: speaker cables (how much money do I really need to spend) (Read 8187 times)

kirk97132

mfrench