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Speaker cable change??

Was curious (still again) concerning speaker wires and their sound effect in relation to my current rig. using original  (Grover Huffman) SX bi wired to my Slant 6s  (only) if I were to change what would you recommend? Since I am, I want to retain detail but still have full smooth sound and pick up additional enhancement in the bottom realm and since I'm using ARC CD 3 Mk 2 and DSi200 I was just trying to see if I could find a balanced compromise as I do know Silver would be smooth but, would probably brighten the sound more and not necessarily enhance the lower registers as I want? Would a hybrid be a better choice to achieve this?

Budget is a consideration, any suggestions from owners that have had usage with these types of gear? 

                                               Ray

rsjm80
williewonka
3,082 posts
 

@rsjm80 - take a look at this thread

It explains some of the current approaches to cable design - without getting into the science.

There’s three brands mentioned...

  • they are are all excellent performers
  • with varying price  points
    • but you do get what you pay for

WRT strnded vs. solid wire

  • sollid wire can handle more current
  • has less distortion

Silver wire is more dynamic and detailed

  • which can sometimes be mistaken for brightness.
  • If a cable is bright it is more due to geometry and insulation employed

Hoper that helps

 

rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 

Thank Willie that did help me some.as I have looked a bit the Synergistic SR30 seems like it might(?) fit the bill? I must also say that that I DO NOT PUSH the volume levels on the music I listen to (which is rock, alt rock) but I want to get the best listening as possible and NOT HAVE listening fatiueu.

rms456
48 posts
 

@williewonka there's doubt about using solid core cables for speakers.

Speakers by their very nature, vibrations travel through the connectors, solid stranded cable is designed for vibration free environment, such as in wall. Vibrations and enough movement can break the conductor.

If the choice is current, there are many speaker cables that have larger stranded conductors to compensate the minor variation of solid/stranded cable current carrying capacity.  Seven strand cable is still not enough strands, as this is still not that flexible. 

williewonka
3,082 posts
 

@rms456 - I considered this and tried a quick test before using solid wire...

  1. Using pliers, I bent the wire 90 degrees
  2. I then bent the wire back on itself 180 degrees
  3. After several iterations (appox 15) the wire snapped
  4. This was the Neotec OCC wire

Considering a speaker cable will never undergo such extreme bending under normal use I figured it would probably be good for a lifetime.

Granted, vibrations can be fatiguing, but quality copper is able to withstand vibrations much better than household Romex.

Regards Steve

soix
9,665 posts
 

I’d recommend these Acoustic Zen Shotgun bi-wire cables.  I have them and they exhibit the sound characteristics you’re looking for.  Best of luck.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/185798770113

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