Why Do Cables Matter?

It is understandable that the topic of speaker cables can be confusing, given the wide range of opinions and perspectives on the matter. While it's true that the internal wiring within amplifiers and speakers typically uses plain copper wires of lower gauges, the discussion around specialized speaker cables focuses on optimizing the signal transfer between the amplifier and the speakers. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Signal Integrity: Speaker cables are designed to minimize resistance, inductance (L), and capacitance (C) along the signal path. Lower resistance ensures efficient power transmission, minimizing power loss and allowing for accurate signal reproduction. Reduced inductance and capacitance help maintain signal integrity by minimizing distortion and phase shifts.

2. Shielding and Interference: Specialized speaker cables often incorporate shielding to protect the audio signal from external electromagnetic interference. This shielding can help maintain the purity of the signal and prevent any potential degradation caused by nearby electronic devices or power cables.

3. Long Cable Runs: In setups with long cable runs or challenging environments, such as high electromagnetic interference areas, the quality and design of the speaker cables become even more important. Higher-quality cables can mitigate signal degradation over longer distances, ensuring that the full potential of the audio signal is delivered to the speakers.

4. System Synergy: While it is true that a system is only as strong as its weakest link, it is also important to consider the overall synergy of the components. High-quality speaker cables can complement the capabilities of the amplifier and speakers, allowing for a more cohesive and optimized audio reproduction. Matching the quality of the speaker wires with the existing internal wires can help maintain the overall system's performance.

Ultimately, the choice of speaker cables comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific requirements of the audio system. It's important to strike a balance between investing in quality cables and ensuring that the overall system is optimized for the best possible audio experience.

key to remember is that good quality hifi cables need NOT to be very expensive, and as a rule, one should stay away from those in nosebleed territory, even for very good systems

Why?  If so, then perhaps everyone should stay away from all audio gear in nosebleed territory.  You gotta pay to play.  We work to refine and improve our audio systems over time- sometimes we hit a dead end and have to start over or let go of a favorite component because it is just not working well in our system.  Cables are as much as a component as anything else in our audio system.  

I don’t like the idea of spending my hard earned money on a cable anymore than anyone else.  It’s just as bad as having to pay for an expensive car repair.  I go for sound over looks but I can appreciate how some cable manufacturers make their cables look like jewelry.  Some can at least feel like they got something more for their money.  Here’s the reality:  $100k worth of speakers, amps, preamps and source are going to require something around $25k in power cords and cables.  If you are aspiring to get to that level of a system, better budget for cables up front.  Don’t agree?  Well, those with that level of system or higher are nodding their heads.

Perhaps a better piece of advice is to stay within your means when it comes to this hobby.  We all have our passions and it’s fun to play in the high end HiFi arena.  When you find a bargain on a high end amp or a pair of speakers just remember:  they simply will never perform at their best if you scrimp on cables.  

I was at the Ford Proving Grounds in the early 1990’s.  The Mustang group was in the adjacent bays.  I noticed at the beginning of the week they had a large stack of tires sitting there.  I could hear tires squealing all day as they drove the cars on the tire test track.  They would wear out a set of tires on each car in a day.  I was surprised to see that large stack of tires was gone by the end of the week.  One of the engineers remarked to me that for all the work the Mustang group does evaluating tires and finding the best tire for ride and handling, most people will just replace their worn tires with the cheapest set they can find.

why should someone not evaluate nose bleed cables for an ultra nosebleed system ??

tokushi

Specialized speaker cables often incorporate shielding to protect the audio signal from external electromagnetic interference.

I've been at this a long time and have never seen a shielded speaker cable. If they're so common, @tokushi why don't you provide a link to a few?