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DIY Speaker Cable Canare 4s11 Home Depot Lowes

Looking at this for improved sound on second system. I have no background in electronics so "simpleton" answers appreciated and forgiveness for simpleton questions requested in advance!

1. If I buy Canare 4s11 should I braid this? If so, what kind of configuration is preferable?

2. If braided, how should the strands be terminated (is one used as a ground, etc.?)?

3. If I go with HD or Lowe's extension cord cable, any recommendations between 14, 12, 10, and 6 awg?

4. If I go with HD or Lowe's extension cord cable, do I just (stupid question here) have them terminated as is with two runs of cord in a single termination for each channel (i.e. I get 4x the length of finished cable I need for each speaker)?

5. On the extension cord cable, if there are 4 internal wires do I use one as a ground? Leave 2 'hanging'? Have all 4 soldered to the spade?

Thanks for any help or resources. I've looked at some DIY threads but haven't found one that addresses these specific questions or answers them in a "this is the generally preferred way to do this" fashion.
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vegasears
1,173 posts
 
Not the answers you are looking for but...

I went to Lowes and picked up some multi stranded THHN 14 AWG wire. I secured the wire together and wrapped it around at tree in the backyard then placed the other ends in a drill motor. I stretched out the wire and twisted it tightly with the drill motor. The twisting adds natural shielding and looks cool too. The project was cheap, easy and fast. As for the sound, you will have to be the judge.

Have Fun
Allan
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Allen: very interesting... You have used the "Mike VansEvers dedicated power-circuit cable construction technique" which I first posted here a few years back (forgive me for forgetting if we've exchanged any emails in that regard -- I can't recall -- I've communicated with so many of the fine members here).

That construction technique was intended for AC power cable: I've never fabricated any speaker cables using that architecture, yet it certainly seems worth trying! I believe that Mapleshade uses a similar approach for their 'double-helix' cable configurations?

Mike: regarding your question about conductor-size, my personal opinion is that #14awg would be an absolute minimum gauge. #6 I think may be a bit too much though; wire is typically not very flexible at that large size & is fairly cumbersome to work with & to terminate. Having said that: when I used to use 'lamp cord' as speaker cable I used #14awg for quite awhile, then when I changed it to #10awg I experienced significantly better sound. However, even that old original Monster Cable did a better job for me than similar gauged lamp cord, possibly because they used higher purity copper and the OFC's (oxygen-free-copper) awareness idea was beginning to actually be taken seriously.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I am using HD extension cord, 12 gauge, there are three wires and I am only using two of them, the other I bent back and rubber banded tightly to the cable to keep it out of the way. I have to admit that the sound of the "cable" is very good. I still believe in using "better" cabling but for the moment it works for me. I did not even bother to terminate the ends.

Regards,
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