Extending speaker wire?

In a mid-fi setup I can't imagine that you would hear the slightest degradation, IF you both braid and solder, properly (and then insulate, of course, using shrink tubing or at least electrical tape). If you just braid, even if you did it well enough to assure good contact over an adequate surface area, integrity of the contact would likely degrade over time due to oxidation.

Regards,
-- Al

i've braided and taped speaker cables together many times with no discernible effect. (i'm sure the purists will shudder).

I think Loomisjohnson hit on it. Try it. Determine for yourself if you like the sound. What an outrageous concept - trusting your own ears. You have nothing to lose by trying.

Thanks all - I'll try this and report back.

Keep in mind that the first rule of proper soldering is "heat the part, not the solder."

If you heat the braided joint, and then touch the solder to it, the solder will flow and distribute itself properly. If, as many inexperienced people might be tempted to do, you heat the solder as you are holding it against the joint, the wire may not get hot enough to assure proper flow.

Good luck!

-- Al