Topic: speaker cables (how much money do I really need to spend)

[gkatz]

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...)]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

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

Terry

[jlykos]

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...)]

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]

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

Thanks for that, seems very reasonable.

Just another sumpim sumpim to get addicted to!!!

Terry

exactly   

[rjp]

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]

Canare 4S11.    One of best DIY speaker cables. 

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

[kirk97132]

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

Surprised no else posted the link sheesh