Something doesn't seem right about this...


When a speaker cable is designed with the positive lead(s)
intertwined with the negative (I'd name names but almost everyone does it),
won't this cancel out some signal?

When an amplified audio signal pulses down the + wire (to your speaker)
it does some work (i.e. makes some sound) then exits in the - (minus)
wire to ground and completes the circuit.
If these wires are next to each other, the incoming signal (+) will be affected by the outgoing (-) won't it?

What am I missing?
128x128dweller
Hi ZD,

I agree completely with all of the comments Kijanki provided, as I usually do. (My response was narrowly focused on interaction between the signal currents flowing in the two conductors, which appeared to be what the OP was asking about). And, yes, we are saying that it CAN be a good thing for the two conductors to be twisted together.

I have no particular familiarity with the Tara speaker cables, but presumably if some of their models keep the + and - conductors separate their designs are either giving priority to factors other than those that have been mentioned, or are controlling those factors in ways other than by twisting.

Best regards, and happy holidays!

-- Al
@ Almarg, Yes, Taralabs is controlling the inductance and capitance in other ways than twisting the conductors!, The result with their top models is one of the best at doing so in the bussiness!, Look into every white paper they have available, check the specs on the omega gold that I own, I'd say, very well done., Happy Holidays.
High capacitance speaker cable can have an impact on your amplifier e.g. Naim amps do not like high capacitance speaker cables.

It really depends on the design of your amp.
Williewonka ... is there an amp that "likes" high capacitance speaker cables.
Bifwynne - Judging by the number of people reporting great sound from Kimber Kable I would say there are many...

e.g.
Kimber 12 TC is rated at 1400pF/ft

Van Den Hul D-352 is rated at 32.5pf/meter

I think Naim cable is around 22 pF/meter

I believe the issue is high capacitance cables can cause some amps to oscillate.

But it is due to the design of the amp, so it does not apply to all amps.

I have not heard that Low Capacitance cables affect the operation of any amp to my knowledge.

Again, it the type of thing you have to try before you buy unless otherwise stated by the amp manufacturer.

The same thing probably applies to interconnects and source components.

Probably why some members report great sound with one cable brand versus some other name brands.