We recently bought a pair of Klipschorn speakers. The speaker wire connection won't allow us to continue using our 4' Quicksilver pure silver speaker cables, which we really like.
So I made a pair of 6' pure silver speaker cables--2 strands of 20ga for each pos/neg connection in teflon sheathing--and they sound woefully thin. I've heard another system with these cables, and the music sounds quite full. Problem is, it's been so long since we got the Quicksilver that I can't remember if this is normal for new silver cables. Tonight, I hooked up one side with the Quicksilver (only one side is long enough, and just barely), and there is a big difference in the tonal roundness and fullness of the music coming from that speaker. When I swap the cables, the other speaker becomes the better one.
I'm dreading finding replacement cables for the Quicksilver, and I really can't spend $500 right now for a 6' pair from them. With them in the chain, the music is more lively and transparent than with any other cable I've tried. So the question is, do we save our pennies, or do we give my DIY's adequate time to burn-in?
*Also, I hate to have to say it, but if your position concerning cables/burn-in/etc. will not allow you to resolve this dilemma, please don't respond. I'd rather not be the author of yet another mucky cable thread on the fastrack for censorship. In other words, please just answer the question. Thank you. Howard
Boa, unless you already have lots more 20g. wire to add to your existing cable, I'd add a pairs of 16 and 21. That'll make a cable with an AWG equivalent of about 12.8. You'll also get the benefit of what Audioquest calls Spread Spectrum Technology. See http://www.audioquest.com/ and click Cable Theory.
I'm happy to send you (or anyone) an Excel spreadsheet of AWGs; then go to http://www.1728.com/resistrs.htm to calculate the effective gage. .
Jeffreybehr, audioquest price is too expensive for pure silver speaker cables. Assuming 12 total Awg weights 1 Troy Oz/ foot, your total length for 6 ft pair is 6ft X 4 = 24 ft = 24 Oz of silver. You can figure out how much it will cost you.
Oops I did the math wrong. 12 total AWG weights 0.5 Oz/ft total would be 24 Ft X 0.5 Oz /ft = 12 Oz of silver. The Market rate for raw silver is $7 / Oz. The processed silver usually cost 3 to 5 times more. You got to figure out where and how you can get the silver cheap. It definitely better than the copper version. More transparent and clarity. The bass carries more punch than the copper version. Smoother and quieter overall.
I just doubled up on one side, and with 4 runs for each pos/neg it already sounds MUCH better. If I ended up going with 6-8 strands, do you generally twist the end before terminating it?
Jeffreybehr, Are you suggesting that with the remaining four for each pos/neg, I should use two 16's & two 21's?
Makes no difference to our setup seperate or twisted them togather. Keep in mind that they're fragile when twisted togather. You should find some way to reinforce it. I also use Stealth Audio pure silver spades.
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