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Stranded vs singal core conductors and skin effect

Yea, Yea, I did a search. I did find similar topics, but I still don't know which solution is preferable. Many mega-buck cables utilize solid core. Is solid core a better solution (conductor, etc.)? Isn't it the geometry (twisting, braiding, etc.) that addresses the skin effect issues? Are there other scientific reasons for utilizing stranded wire vs singal core? I am really considering making some DIY speaker cables. If for no other reason, than just for kicks - sounds kind of fun. I have read up on so many different theories. I realize that inductance and resistance are extremely important factors, as well as capitance, and for whatever reason, it must be a challange to design a cable with extreamly low measurments in all three categories?? I don't really fully understand why. HOLD ON - I don't want a complete lesson here. I'm just seeking some input from the engineering-minded or the knowledgeable DIY community as to which type of wire offers the best conductivity (and other factors??) for designing a DIY speaker cable. Additionally, which geometry is the preferred method?
2chnlben
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Musicnoise,

I could not agree more with your statement above. We live in a highly unethical modern world of sophisticated snake oil (couched in science). Audio cables are just a tiny microcosm of the problem. You have TV adds now (that governments allow) which suggest what ailments you may suffer from and what drugs you should ask your doctor to prescribe you. Worse you have Al Gore running around like Henny Penny telling everybody the sky is falling down with the snake oil of Global Warming. The science/data behind many modern ridiculous hyperbole is actually unfounded - all extrapolated from faulty statistical analysis/testimonials and a few kernels of truth, such as that CO2 is what atmospheric physicists would call a green house gas.
milen007
54 posts
 
try a 2mm magnet wire that resemble anti-cable. there is few success in this method. you might just lose few buck if its not working. just my 2 cents
carl109
134 posts
 
"But, different salts (or, spices) do taste different in the same way that different cables sound different."

Bob's right I'm afraid; salt is salt. It's a sodium chloride crystal and if pure will taste the same regardless of what brand it is. However, they can taste different due to additives or impurities. Sea salt can contain other minerals which alter the flavor.

Using that analogy, cables can sound different when made from different metals (eg copper, silver, blends etc), but comparing one 99.99% OFC copper cable to another is unlikely to yield much difference, provided the AWG suits the length of cable run.

And I'm not an engineer!
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Sometimes I wonder if even keeping the DC resistance low by using large wire is important. When I first made up some biwire cables for my Maggies I used small #24 wire for the tweeter. The tweeter connection led directly to a 1.5 ohm padding resistor. I put the ohms in the cable and eliminated the resistor. Results were fine.
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Sometimes I wonder if even keeping the DC resistance low by using large wire is important.

I agree it is relative. If you have a low impedance load then it starts to become a small factor. With well designed speakers and short runs and an appropriate amp - it is really no big deal at all. That this speaker cable issue continues to come up as often as it does suggests a great deal of insecurity over audio systems in general. Is it perfect? Am I missing something? Is something damaging my sound? Might gold or silver be better?

Like the nonsense spam email directed specifically at males, "How to better satisfy your wife/GF". Also obviously designed to play on male insecurities...
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