2. cables
  3. 158502-141693

Choice between 2 speaker cable types.

I would like to upgrade my speaker cables and I have been referred to two well known speaker cable companies. Straightwire and Cardis are the two recommended to me. Does anyone have any experience or input regarding these two companies and the two cable models suggested to help guide me in the right direction. Straightwire - Expressivo Grand vs Cardis - Cygnus series. 
I have a rather long run between my speakers (Focal Scala Utopia) and my amplifier (Mac MC302) at 26 feet so a proper quality cable has been suggested.
Thanks so much in advance for your assistance.
Andy

andyhifiman
andyhifiman OP
22 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your responses.
At this point I am trying to narrow it down between the two different cable brands as moving the placement of the components around will not work. (Happy wife, Happy Life).
b4icu's avatar
b4icu
558 posts
 
It is not about the logo on a speaker cable, but the length and thickness of it. A speaker cable shall be calculated by using the Amp's DF figure and the required length. That shall comply to a certain resistance.
Any cable, with that resistance (no matter who makes it, the conductor substance or ending) would do. 
Any thinner option, will sound less good and will get less out of your audio system. For two or more cables that has the same resistance, no matter what sticker you put on (brand) they should sound identical.
andyhifiman OP
22 posts
 
Thank you once again for your input. 
Much appreciated.
chayro
2,986 posts
 
What are you using now?  Sometimes you can luck out with 10 gauge Belden from Bluejeans.  With one set of speakers, I replaced the more expensive cable with Belden and actually preferred it.  With another set of speakers I had to leave the room, it was so bad.  My advice is try a run of Belden and see what happens.  You could luck out. 
andyhifiman OP
22 posts
 
Thank you, interesting thought.
More to discover