Comparing Speaker Cables


I have accumulated several pairs of speaker cables that I have never tried to do careful A/B comparisons of because the time it takes to swap them is longer than my audio memory. But my speakers are bi-wired and it occurred to me that I could hook two different cables up and then only swap them at the amp which would be much faster. Is there any sonic downside to having a pair of unconnected cables hanging off one of the sets of inputs while the second set is connected to the amp?

pinwa

Pinwa…

You’ve some decent information with which to move forward with. Sort of skip over the typical Chip eating lard bucket god of cheap Products and crazy ideas you’ll be fine. Pretend it’s not there it’ll get old and fizzle out.

Cheers to all…. More chips to….

For sure the amount of difference you hear also depends on your expectations and your definition of small/big difference. Assuming your system is capable of good level of detail, then different cables should add their specific sound signature. I have 4 pairs of cables and I could never make a mistake which one is on duty. Friends also usually notice if I have changed cables just by listening to the system and not being aware of the change.

I to have four pair of speaker cables and when I bought the KEF Reference 5’s, I tried all of them for a couple of days each and then picked the pair I liked the best. About seven weeks later, I did it again and I picked the same pair. I plan on doing it one more time and then getting rid of two of the sets I don’t use anymore.

JD

I'm a bit fan of testing speaker cables.  I tested Canare 4S11 vs Rocket 33s vs Kimber 12TCs.  I liked the Canare 4S11 - there was mudiness in comparison with the Rocket 33s and there was harshness in treble at times for the 12TCs.  Ultimately, I auditioned Kimber Bifocals and they provided a large soundstage with beautiful clarity and resonance on bells, symbols and bass guitar with sharp and clear kickdrum and tom toms.

How much it depends on system and user I don't know.  And I had a friend listen as well and we were changing things who came to the same conclusion on the 12 TCs and the bifocals truly were obvious (the cost is the challenge)

This is not so difficult. As someone mentioned, take copious notes.

But also listen to specific tracks over an extended period...allow yourself to get accustomed to one set of cables.

Then a after a couple of weeks, change cables and take more notes.

Quick comparisons are tough to quantify.

Be methodical and trust your ears.