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Solid core Versus Stranded Speaker cables

Ok for starters I have never tried a solid core Speaker cable until recently. I was very skeptical of the solids performance but I'm glad I tried it. As a matter of fact I tried it and found it to be the best cable I have ever used to date. After much searching, getting opinions from fellow audio enthusiasts and trial and error I happened upon a seller here on Audiogon, JW Audio who offered a 30 day in home trial period with full money returned, no questions asked and took a shot in the dark. That shot hit the bullseye dead center. After receiving the Cryo Nova 12 foot long cables, I was somewhat stunned when I seen the cable, it was nothing like I expected but I connected it anyway. Holy S....t did it make an immediate difference and it keeps getting better. My entire system (Krell) opened up like peeling the skin off a banana. Highs, lows, detail, soundstage, depth, clarity and details that I was missing were revealed. ( and I thought what I had was really outstanding )

Which brings me to the point of this thread. Not knowing what makes a solid core or a stranded speaker cable more desirable aside from the obvious flexibility issues I'm curious to know what my fellow audiocrazies use and why they prefer one over the other or if they even tried both. Anyone willing to give up their opinions on the pros and cons of solid versus stranded speaker cable? I will start that I am a convert to at least this particular solid core speaker wire and unless someone can better it with the 30 day free trial period I do believe it is here to stay.

128x128gillatgh
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,826 posts
 
I was a big solid core devotee until I discovered that it's all system dependent. With my Tonian Labs TL-D1s, Tempo Electric solid silver SCs made for the best sound (even better than the Clear Day) but with my Clearwave Duet 6 monitors, Zu Audio Event SCs rule the roost (stranded cable). You won't know any different until you try.

All the best,
Nonoise
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Skin effect in copper starts at gauge 18@20kHz. Current in thick stranded cable jumps constantly from strand to strand to stay on the outside of the cable (skin effect). Surface of each strand contains impurities (copper oxide). Insulated strands are much better. Skin effect still exists since strands are in magnetic field of the other strands but it can be arranged in helical twist on hollow tube or flat tape to reduce magnetic field to neighboring strands only. At least that's how Audioquest explains it.

I replaced very thick stranded Monster Cable with a solid wire (AQ Indigo) long time ago, and sound opened substantially. Stranded cable was muffling the sound.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Thanks I appreciate all your answers to this thread. I hope I will gather more explanations and gain a better understanding of the inherent pros and cons of these different type of cables. So far I have noticed an improvement in the high mids but also in the low frequencies when present. I'll be listening closely to assure my self that all frequencies are represented as my ears allow.
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
There is not a single high end pre amplifier manufacturer that uses a single inch of stranded wire.
There are very few high end amplifier manufacturers that use stranded wire.
A long time ago Alon Wolf showed the crossover for his Magico Mini, it used magnet wire. No stranded wire. The picture was quickly removed. Seems audiophiles want expensive wire in their expensive speakers.

Don't waste your time trying to convince people that stranded wire is garbage, and should be relegated to mid-fi and lo-fi. Enjoy the music, and proceed to remove EVERY piece of stranded wire from your entire system. It will only get better with each change.

Tweeter: 28awg or smaller
Midrange: 24 - 26awg
Woofer: Here you can go heavy, 14 - 18awg.

Massive improvements with solid core power cords. Just really difficult to work with, and lots of bending and positioning.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 

I do not mean to convince anyone of anything, just stating my experience so far.

I am looking to refine my knowledge of the subject and everyone in this hobby has valuable information to share. Just like you cousinbilly, I appreciate any and all input even if it contradicts. Audio performance is very much subjective to the listeners ears and there is no hard evidence that determines right from wrong or good or bad. I value yours and anyones input. Thanks

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