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I'd like to upgrade my speaker wire

I am fairly new here and still learning.  I have a Yamaha R803 receiver and Vandersteen model 1s.  I'm happy with them for now but I'd like to upgrade my speaker wire. I presently have 14 gauge wire I bought years ago at Best Buy. I need 40 feet.  I've read great reviews about Back Cat but I think 40 feet may be a little pricey for me. I'd greatly appreciate any advice on a good quality wire at a reasonable cost. Maybe under $500?   BTW,  I bought Jim Smith's book as recommended here, great advice, thanks.   Doug
dwhess
Post removed 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Millercarbon-you need to buy jim smiths book on how to get better sound. Jim states to never put your gear in the middle between the speakers, put your gear on the side.

"Jim states." Oh. Well now. That changes everything. Jim states. I must admit, I didn’t see that one coming. The logic! The facts! Its the most airtight argument, possibly of all time! "Jim states!" Wow. Whatever was I thinking? I am in awe.
terry9
2,354 posts
 
Twenty foot cables are long enough for the topology to matter. According to the Maxwell Equations, inductance is your enemy for speaker cables, and you don't have to worry about capacitance.

That means speaker cables which consist of two ribbons facing each other, like Goertz. As Elizabeth said, 12 AWG or better. Otherwise the highs will suffer.
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
What you need is <= 12 gauge wire but even more importantly, very FINE stranded wire with MANY strands.  Higher frequencies tend to be affected by the skin effect and over such long lengths, the resistance will add up.  The more strands there are, the better it will be.
laserjock1963
139 posts
 
Might need CL2 or CL3 rated if you’re going through walls and floors etc? 


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