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Long interconnect or short Speaker Cables

I have a question regarding length of IC and Speaker Cable

My scenario is I have a pre amp and a pair of monoblocks the speakers are about 12’ and 18’ respectively from the monoblocks.

Now the monoblocks are 2' from the pre amp with an 16’ and 18’ run of signal cable shotgun speaker wire.

Would it be better to place the Monoblocks next to the speakers and use a long IC run and a short speaker run?
What would the advantages and disadvantages be beside cost?
Are ICs more prone to pick up noise?
Will it change the characteristics of the sound?
And is there a budget IC that I should consider?

I say budget as 18-20’ is gonna be rather expensive in IC cables if I do go that route.

Also as one speaker is further away than the other about 6’ should I use the same length cable run for both or can I use one 18’ and one 12’ run

Thanks for any advice
punkuk
punkuk OP
52 posts
 
Thanks for the input
I will try to elaborate on my needs as I am not one for dissecting Capacitance or loads I will state what the manufacturers lists in there manuals

Cary SixPac mono-blocks
50 watts RMS. 110/Watts IHF
Input sensitivity 1.2 V for 50 watt output
Input Impedance 150,000 ohms
freq Response 15 Hz to 23 KHz @ 50 watts Output

Conrad Johnson PV 15
Gain 28.5b
Max Output 5.5 Vrms
Bandpass 2Hz to More than 100kHz
Out Impedance 200 ohms

Gallo Ref 3s
34Hz-50hz
Impedance 8Ohms
88db Sensitivity

If I could get some suggestions on what would be a good IC with a 18ft+ run
Also is it OK to use different lengths ICs?
The speaker cables will be less than 3' as the mono-blocks are now sitting next to them.

I realize that there are a multitude of choices when it comes to ether the IC or speaker cables but as I am sure we have all learned it gets rather expensive using the trial and error approch.

With the above information hopefully I can make an informed decision based on your input.
Thanks again for the help
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
When I first started interacting with Robert Schult of Ridge Street Audio he was an advocate of long interconnects/short speaker cables. After a few years of intensive cable research/prototyping he told me he's changed his view. Dusty Vawter of Channel Islands Audio has insisted on long speaker runs.

Again, system specifics may dictate one approach over the other. At any rate, a great power amplifier will be able to drive long cable lengths and still properly control the drivers. Just go to a well designed disco. The cable runs are really long and the sound is tight. This I learned from the master club installer of the Caribbean, the late Emilio Quiñones. Classical music vinyl fan during the day, disco club man at night.

Make your system work for you.

With psychic power and primal intensity,
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Mitch 2 is correct in his point that if you get Alpha-Core Goertz speaker cables, you should plan to insert a Zobel network on each speaker terminal. You can buy high quality resistors and capacitors from several online electronic parts retailers and make your own for about $25.
Post removed 
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Tvad: Yes, I'm aware that A-C supplies Zobel circuits with their Goertz speaker cables. I still recommend building your own from quality components, as:
1. the resistor and capacitor that A-C supplies are not very good quality;
2. the value of the resistor in A-C's Zobel circuit is not optimal. I base this on several independent reviews of A-C's speaker cables. Here is the link to one review that was published on the Audioholics web site: http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/speakercable2p2.php
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