@tjbhuler - There is a growing consensus within the "cables community" that having a thicker neutral than the live/signal provides improvements in sound quality.
Perhaps the lower resistance of the neutral plays a larger role in the performance of the connected components?
I wanted to test this theory out, so I simply doubled up on the neutral and it worked.
I initially used 12 gauge for the live/signal and 2 x 12 for the neutral. It outperformed the 1 x 12 neutral version of the cable.
For the Ground Wire I generally use 12 gauge regardless of size of live/signal (provided the live/signal is not over 10 gauge) because it is required in the event of a catostrophic component failure. There is no need to go to a smaller gauge (thicker) wire for the neutral - it provides no benefit
RE:
I have tried using same gauge for L & N with doubling up the ground wire by twisting each ground cable to L and N side. It was a very nice improvemnt when i compared to another cable i had that was much more expensive than this diy version.
I am assuming you twisted one ground around the neutral and another ground around the signal?
It would perform better than store bought cables because it is a Helxi design (variant).
It must have been a pretty thick cable?
- but I do not know if it would provide and benefits over a standard single spiral helix geometry.
Perhaps if you opt for a PC using the standard helix design you could compare them and report back?
The helix design provides the following physical attriibutes
- it is extremly flexible
- it is no thincker than a comparable bulk mains cable of a similar gauge
I have made cables with 18 and 16 gauge wire and they also work very well with the components.
Hope that helps
Glad you are trying the Helix cables - I think you will like the improvements
Regards - Steve