2. cables
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Can cables of any cost and quality provide bass response missing in my B&W speakers?

I'm sure variants of this question have been offered previously, but let me ask in light of the following:  I have a very modest main system powered by an Adcom 555II amp, Adcom GFP-750 pre-amp, and run into a pair of B&W CM-4 speakers (6.5in woofer, 6.5in. woofer/mid. and tweeter, and bi-wireable).  Any music with a moderate-to- heavy bass component (organ, bass fiddle, etc) just doesn't translate to my ear.  I'm using a mid-range pair of Monster cables, and in fact tried a second pair of Z-Series to no audible difference.  On the other hand I have a legacy pair of a/d/s 1090L tower speakers (2x7.5in woofers, 6in. mid-range, tweeter) that deliver thundering bass when needed regardless of cabling used, and powered by the same system.  Even tried passive bi-amping for the B&Ws by using an old Carver M-500t amp for HF input, and Adcom amp for LF input...no diff.  Is there any point really in looking at higher-end speaker wire of, e.g., thicker gauge, or exotic geometry, or multi-conductor "shotgunning", whatever, in order to induce greater LF response from the CM-4s?  Thanks for your patience.
compass_rose
oldguide
13 posts
 
Aluminum wire is prohibited by code from any home or commercial wiring, so if you are buying at a reputable store you don't have to worry. You need not go to Monoprice to buy stranded 12 gauge.

As for the issue at hand, it is a basic law of physics wire cannot change pitch. However, coat it with snake oil and it can do anything.  Of course, the price of snake oil varies. It's also extremely slippery.


cleeds
6,086 posts
 
oldguide
Aluminum wire is prohibited by code from any home or commercial wiring, so ...
Actually, aluminum wiring is very much allowed in the U.S. under the NEC, although I don’t trust the stuff. It’s also almost universally used for electric distribution - almost all of the overhead electric wires you see on utility poles are aluminum.
compass_rose OP
23 posts
 
Strictly OT, but FWIW...“cleeds”...back in the day CCA was in fact the “go-to” residential conductor wire...however, because of well-documented hazards  with this wire (mainly due  to its adverse expansion- contraction properties under normal electrical demand loads) this wire was banned for residential construction years ago, and is only found in legacy buildings.  Whenever one is looking at an old building with “sound bones“, take a screwdriver and pocket-knife with you and unscrew any switch or outlet cover plate then scrape gently at the “neutral” wire...if it’s “shiny” metallic and not obviously copper, walk away!  
Cheers.
cleeds
6,086 posts
 
compass_rose
Strictly OT, but FWIW...“cleeds”...back in the day CCA was in fact the “go-to” residential conductor wire...however, because of well-documented hazards  with this wire (mainly due  to its adverse expansion- contraction properties under normal electrical demand loads) this wire was banned for residential construction years ago ...
Sorry, but you don't know what you're talking about. CCA still meets the US NEC. See, for example:  NEC Table NEC310.15(B)(16)

The problem with aluminum wiring isn't so much the wire itself, btw, but issues with termination. While I still don't care for the stuff, you're simply mistaken that it is "banned" for BCBW use.

But we are way OT here.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,150 posts
 

compass_rose


the issue is with the model of B&W. This is a funny brand, in that, some models are thin in the Bass. If you can audition something in the 800 series. Happy Listening!

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