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speaker cable length question

I am in the prcocess of looking for new speaker cable. I currently use Discovery Cable which is good, but I am looking for something more open and neutral. In any case I can proceed one of two ways:
1. 12 foot runs from amp to speaker
2. Move the amps closer to the speakers which would be inconvenient and have a 2 foot run from amps to speakers.
Question:Would the sound be that much better with a 10 foot shorter run? Some say that with speaker cables, the shorter the better. Should I bother to move the amps from my current stands and put them on amp stands next to the speakers or just purchase 12 foot runs, I know the 2 foot run is less expensive, but my prime consideration is sound. Has anybody out there personally experienced a difference in sound quality with a long vs. short speaker cable run?
kjl
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
In my opinion you will not hear any difference between a 12 ft run and a two ft run. I would be more concerned about the length of the interconnects. Do they have to get longer because of the shorter speaker cables?

Chuck
bgrazman
226 posts
 
Aren't you asking the question:

For a fixed distance Preamp to amplifiers to speakers what is the best sounding balance of distances (pre to amp) vs. (amp to speaker).

In my experience, you are better off with shorter i/c's and longer speaker cables (wonder if this will light off a firestorm?).

happy listening
wberdan
86 posts
 
I have a different feeling- I prefer longer interconnects and shorter speaker cable. I have tried speaker cables of different lengths in the past from 24' to 8' to 5' to 3' to 2'- and I can say without a doubt that the shorter cables sounded better.
Probably because they contributed less to the overall sound.

I have not noticed such a difference with lengths of balanced interconnects.

Will
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