Solid core OFC vs stranded OCC copper

@carlsbad

Audioquest type 4 & 5 is solid core. Both carry two solid red and black cores for bi-wiring. Audioquest states Type 5 is 15 AWG in total.

Stranded speaker cables remind me of the Monster cables I started with in the 90’s, which are still being sold today, albeit they tout "pure copper" today. But why would I go back to that?

I have found that the larger (lower) AWG is better for Power cords. So I am interested to know why that would make a difference in speaker cable runs? My runs are about 20 feet, and a bigger AWG is important for resistance, but I am curious if you have heard a sonic difference with the use of a bigger AWG in your speaker runs? My speakers are Martin Logan motions and go down to 4 ohms.

In the Audioquest world (and I am not sold on any manufacturer) if I was to upgrade to Type 9, I would still get the same 15 AWG solid core wire but with the dielectric-bias (battery), so Audioquest is in not providing a larger core as you go up their product line. As far as I know, 15 AWG is the most copper found in Audioquest speaker wire line, so I have always just surmised that going with a larger copper core will not enhance the sound.

@goodlistening64 I tend to go the other way. I would not try a cable that was only 15 awg.

That said, it would probably be fine on low power systems or systems with an active bass driver.

Edit to add:  I am intrigued by a speaker cable that is stiff enough to stay where you put it rather than lay where it wants to lay.  Audioquest has a free in home trial.  My system is using less that one watt per channel....maybe I should consider it.

Jerry

Solid core speaker cables definitely sound better than stranded. Tara Labs and Audioquest both make excellent solid core cables. Audioquest Rocket 88 is one of my favorites. 

Occ. period, 

I prefer solid core OCC/OFC over stranded after testing a few brands and set ups.

For some reason it performed better in my small modest system.  I've tried Silver Sonic, higher end Audioquest, and lower end Kimber Cables.  The best was actually "Anti-Cables" done in true bi-wire. 

This will sound ridiculous, but I see one advantage to stiff solid core is that the cables suspend in free air on their own....no need for cable risers!!!

It might be worth simply testing really good solid core for a week or so and see how you like it.  It seems a lot of folks who use it, swear and stick with it.