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Using solid copper Door Bell wire as speaker wire.

In the search for good speaker wire that doesn't break the bank, I came across a forum where one guy asserted that solid copper door bell wire would be the same as the solid copper wire that costs big bucks. The wire in question is 18 gauge. Can anyone out there confirm or rebut this assertion?

I've got Audio Research D-51 tube amp, Audible Illusions Modulus tube pre-amp, Rogers L2sa speakers, Oppo BDP95 CD and Project Expression III Classic turntable with Sumiko Pearl cartridge.
sprintz699
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I've heard the 54 ga Omega Mikros from Mapleshade. Now, those are impressive!
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audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Door bell wire?, wow!, considering I wouldn't use that on a Walmart rca system, looking at what the op has, this has got to be a joke, no pune tended, however, with that money that has been invested in his system, why not get quality cables?, cables are a component!
mitch2
3,747 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, just because some manufacturer pastes their logo on it and puts it in a fancy bag/box/aluminum case, doesn't make it particularly better. Cables consist of copper (or silver) wire, dielectric material, geometry, damping materials, shielding (or not) and connectors. I understand there is research behind most of the top cables, but there is also a lot of marketing spin and fairy dust. You don't have to pay a lot of money to get good sound. I have heard, many upper range cables from manufacturers like Purist, Cardas, Audioquest, AZ, and others and, mostly, I prefer cables I have made myself. If the OP’s doorbell or thermostat wire is CDA 101 OHFC copper, and the dielectric is PE, this is about as good as is being used by many of the top cable makers. That it is solid core gives it an additional boost in my opinion. You shouldn't make the guy feel "unworthy" just because he isn't spending a bundle on cables. We will never agree because IMO the impact of a cable will never equal the impact of a component on how a system sounds.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,413 posts
 
People cannot hear the difference between cables for many reasons. It could be their system that is not resolving enough, could be their hearing instrument or just negative placebo effect since they often strongly believe, that cables cannot sound different. Often they feel defensive about inability to hear the difference (if I cannot hear, nobody can) and post questions about lamp cords or thermostat wires to find confirmation from the other people. Since wire is inexpensive just try it - If it sounds good to you then use the cheapest one, even if it is barb wire (be careful). No right or wrong here.
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