2. cables
  3. 138552-118990

No one actually knows how to lculate what speaker cable they need

It goes back to cable manufaturars, mostly provide no relevant data! to sales and the users. None will answer this!
Whay do you think that you own now the optimal cable to your setup?
I think I've figured it out. 


b4icu
b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
558 posts
 
Mr.  shadowcat2016
Please no "Sir". 

Before you spend some money on a 0 AWG speaker cable, I would recommend you an experiment, that might cost you little of nothing.
Get your amp and speakers closer, to shorten the length from 15' to 7-8'. Try to do (with great care and caution) a connection with two jump start cables, of 0 AWG (the heavy duty type).
If that works for you, you may try to get a set for a good price.
I can recommend you my solution.

shadowcat2016
132 posts
 
b4icu..........thank you again. I did have my amp between the speakers until recently, with shorter cables. The spot was inconvenient, but I understand your point, shorter is better.......and less expensive :)............Most here seem to be male, I made that assumption in your case.............My apologies.
glupson
7,842 posts
 

Does it all come down to "use the thickest and shortest cable there is" or am I simplifying it way too much?

The idea about jumper cables, as extreme as it may be, seems brilliant for this discussion. If they work, and they should to some extent at least, it would take away a lots of wire statements frequently thrown around on many a thread.

b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
558 posts
 
Mr. glupson1

It is not that simple. As if it would, it would be an old story, everybody knows.

In some cases, when the DF is low, as it is often with Tube amplification, a thick and short cable won't help.

For amplifiers with other than A or A/B class (like D-class) it is also not applicable. So it is with none coil speakers (as ribbon).

For the main stream, that do use A/B class and coil loaded, there is a formula to get an optimum thickness, based on the DF and cable length.

However, it is most recommended to have the optimum thickness and length recommended.

Getting thicker or shorter or both, above that optimum, would cost more, but not be of any sonic benefit (improvement).

It is rather recommended to keep the cable shorter, than get it thicker due to its extra length.

shadowcat2016
132 posts
 
Seems to be the case. Shorter/thicker generally gets the nod. Not sure how much audible difference there would be. That said, just did a quick search for "0" AWG OFC wire, pretty cheap, especially by A-phile standards. Seems to be popular for car installs. Guess it can't hurt to try.......Not sure if terminations for that stuff would fit standard binding posts or strips, but I'm sure there are methods..............Any non-audiophile would surely think you'd lost your senses seeing battery cable hanging off your speakers. Lots of things in this hobby are/seem crazy, but if they work for you in your system, I guess it's not crazy........I might try it. Looks doable for less than $100.
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