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How to select a good Speaker Cable

Speaker cables do have a significant role in how our system sounds. Different cables sound different. 

So which one is the right one for you?

The Speaker Cable is an extension of the Amp. and not an addition to the speaker's load. It shall have a certain resistance (low) not to spoil the Amp's DF figure. As so, it can be calculated and there is a formula to do it.

The higher the Amp's DF, the lower the Speaker Cable's resistance shall be. As today SS power Amp's get DFs of 400 and above (Digital Amps go by thousands) the cable of 10 ft (3m) long, gets as thick as 0 AWG.

I can see your eyebrows elevates, when that thick cable is to be deal with. Most Speaker Cable makers skip it because of that. So most cables on the market (regardless of the look or price) are of 14-12 AWG. Way less that supposed to be.

Worst! no Speaker Cable maker, dealer or seller knows the answer, of what is the correct cable for your system. 

So most of us ended up, with a cables too thin for the task.

A conducted test, on this site, about a year ago as well as with some closer friends, shows a significant improvement with a calculated size cable over their previous cable. The results were all positive and preferred the calculated cable.

So, instead of asking: which of two brands, or two prices or two colors of Speaker Cable do I need, you should ask how thick of a Speaker Cable do I need.

I'll be happy to provide you the calculation, for who request it. All you need to provide is:

1). Length (Ft. or meter)

2). The Amp's DF figure.

Thanks


128x128b4icu
b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
558 posts
 
Mr. stevea11757

Thanks.
The best to make your 0/1 awg cable is to use a short but thinner cable on the ends. I used #8 awg. For the length, 10cn (4'') is good.
In person, I prefer banana plugs over spades. I used the Nakamichi type from eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/8x-Nakamichi-Gold-Plated-BFA-Speaker-Audio-Banana-Plug-4mm-Connector-Bananen/281702195511?hash=item4196c26137:g:Q3QAAOSwu1VW6rf~
Connecting the short #8 awg to the Nakamichi banana plugs:
used soldering.
Connecting the  short #8 awg to the  0/1 awg cable: 
I use an industrial type of spade. I purchased a crimping tool for that size! and the spade is cramped over the  0/1 awg cable.
The connection between the short cable and this large spade can be done also by soldering (before crimping). You ,at yose alo a different methode:
Dril a short jile, for the  #8 awg cable to enter, about 2 cm deep.
Insert the  #8 awg cable into that hole.
Use a small hose band to tight it up - and you are done.
An isolating sleeve (shrinking) would be nice on top of that.

Please be kind to update me on progress, as well to share your impression from your new sound. Thanks.

b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
558 posts
 
Mr. drivingwatts

For symmetry, try to keep both cables for same length,
even if one is a bit longer than required.
Speaker's data is not required.
They are not a part of this "Speaker Cable" calculation.

For a DF of 150 and 6’ it should be a #6 awg cable.
b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
558 posts
 
Mr.  unreceivedogma

Good for you.

There is tell, of a guy in Russia, who thought the russian made shoes were very good, till he purchase an imported pair...

Usually it is common to think that the better is the worst enemy of the good. In your case, this say was put to sleep.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Auditorium 23 would be great for me, but expensive. So, for now its audioquest type 4 and my QED silver anniversary biwire. 
echols8
1 posts
 
McIntosh 462 DF 40
15 feet of cable needed. 😬

Ordered Robin Hood Zero from Audioquest. Is that going to good?
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