Speaker length vs. I/C length

6 to 8 are not too bad, but yes it is better to send a longer IC rather than drive current over long lengths.

Let's look at this ONE more time using both science and logic. You pick the most correct answers and make your own decisions.

1) Which signal contains the least voltage ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

2) Which signal contains the least current ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

3) Which signal is typically transmitted via a smaller gauge / higher resistance connection ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

4) Which signal is most susceptible to line loss ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

5) Which signal is most likely to be interferred with by Radio Frequency Interference ( RFI ) ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

6) Which signal is most likely to be interferred with by Electro-Magnetic Interference ( EMI ) ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

7) Which signal can be distorted or lost and then further amplified, further colouring the sound ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

8) Which signal do you want to keep as short as possible in order to minimize the potential problems that were previously listed ?

Speaker Level or Line Level

I will only add that if you MUST use long interconnects, i would HIGHLY recommend the use of balanced cables. The use of single ended cables ( RCA's ) that are of an RFI / EMI resistant design ( braided, twisted, spiral wound, star quad, active shielding, etc ) should be fine for lengths up to appr 6 to 8 foot at most. Not only do they become more susceptible to signal degradation at points longer than that, some preamps simply won't drive / deal with cables that long in a positive manner. Due to differences in circuit design and cable reactance, you may experience frequency response aberrations, phase shifts, etc... in extreme situations. If your system or component layout absolutely requires interconnect runs notably longer than those mentioned, you should consider the use of balanced cables if at all possible.

If you obtain noticeably better results by using longer IC's and shorter speaker cables, chances are that something in the system is not properly matched and / or working outside of what would be considered its' optimum "window of operation". This may be due to many variables such as impedance mismatches, lack of conductivity or surface area, using a cable as a "buffer" to correct / absorb reactance generated within the system, etc...

Hope this helps and gives others a better idea as to why many folks have these beliefs. Sean
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I have always thought the rule was longer speaker cables. Then I read some things by Jon Risch. Don't know what to believe.

The reason for the inquiry was because I want to move my mono blocks to some custom made speaker stands which will hold the amps under them. when I read it is better to have longer I/C's I thought this was right up my ally.

Thank you for you help,
MaxCast

Max, i have ALWAYS promoted the longer speaker cable theory as can be evidenced by doing a search on the Cable Asylum. Jon Risch USED to promote the longer IC / shorter speaker cable ideology. I have seen him do a 180* turn on that subject though and as far as i know, he is now supporting the same ideas that i do. He may have changed his mind again though, so who knows.

The bottom line is not to take my word or anyone else's as "Gospel". Find out for yourself. Keep in mind that it is the same signal between the preamp and amp and the amp and the speakers. As such, keeping the budget equally divided amongst the two will give best results. Many of the benefits of going to longer IC's stem from the fact that the user typically steps up to a higher grade of IC than what they previously had. If you do not get an improvement from upgrading ANY component or cable, then something is wrong. Besides that, the use of shorter speaker cables can increase damping factor IF the speaker cables were inadequate to begin with.

Like i pointed out above, what works best in terms of science and logic only apply if EVERYTHING is up to snuff to begin with. If something is out of whack or less than optimum, "band aids" of various natures can be applied and show benefits. Sean
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Try checking out this link over at the Cable Asylum archive. I found it after doing several searches:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/cables/messages/29011.html

To sum it up briefly:

Jon states: keep interconnects as short as possible unless you know for certain that the component can drive a long length of cable. Most preamps should be kept below 2 meter runs for best sonics and 3 meters at max. That pretty much confirms my previous statements of 6' to 8' at max for single ended ( RCA ) cables.

Thorsten Loesch states: Keep interconnects as short as possible. Long interconnects introduce noise into the system, act as antennas and are responsible for ground loops.

Audio Engineer states: Keep interconnects as short as possible due to problems with dielectric absorption, phase shifts, high frequency roll-off, etc...

Even though i received a few private emails contradicting the statements in my post, i think i'm in pretty good company with my statements and findings. There are always "exceptions" to every "rule" or "generalization" though..... Sean
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