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Which is better longer xlr or speaker cable

I have just purchased my first mono amps (Nuforce Reference 9V2SE's) giving me some new cable options. Currently I run a one meter pair of XLR and then four 5 meter pairs, as I biwire, of speaker cable. With the mono's now I can also do a 5 meter xlr and short speaker cables.

Which should produce better sound. And for equal sound quality, which should be less expensive. Any recommendations for a reasonable cost way to do this? I would like to get in new or used for under $500 for whatever additional stuff I have to buy. In option one I will need new speaker cable, in option two, new IC xlr. Is it OK to have different lengths of cable, probably 3 meters to the closer speaker?
Thanks
128x128gammajo
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Short S/C's long I/C's.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Sorry forgot to mention, your room is beautiful and the speakers WOW great combo!!!
gammajo's avatar
gammajo OP
844 posts
 
Thanks Samhar for the advice and the positive comment. Has anyone used Hosa xlr stuff such as what you buy at a guitar store - any good?
ckorody
643 posts
 
One of the great benefits of balanced ICs is that you can run them a long way (over 100 feet). That is why all pro audio cables for live shows and studio work are balanced.

Urban legends and audiophoolia aside, the quality of the IC does not matter as much with a balanced cable though I would still look for quality XLR plugs like Neutrik (the standard) or Vampire.

Practically speaking they are also a lot less expensive then biwires.

Personally I run uneven length speaker cables and can't tell...

Don't forget that if you are going to locate the amps by the speakers you are going to need to get power to the amps - hope that's not coming out of the $500 LOL
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