I've been using Canare 4S11 speaker cable for years with the intent of upgrading someday. Your findings are very interesting.
What terminations are you using?
Canare 4S11G OFC Speaker Cables, An Incredible Audio Bargain
I just want to share my experiences with this speaker cable because I think it is really special.
I have been in the hobby for over 25 years and many a high end speaker cables have graced my systems during this time. Here is just a short list of speaker cables that I have had extensive experience with:
Audioquest Indigo
StraightWire Encore, Serenade
Kimber 8VS and 8TC
Tara Labs RSC Prime
DH Labs T14 and Q10
Wireworld Oasis
Analysis Plus Oval 12 and Oval 9
Transparent Audio Super
Though each of these speaker cables have their positive attributes and did bring me enjoyment over the years, they were not inexpensive, ranging from $250 to $1200.
This year I decided to get off the Upgradtitis merry-go-round and simplify my system. I heard great things about Canare and Mogami cables, and were a fraction of the cost of high end cables. So I decided to give them a try,
As a DIY project, I built up an 8ft pair of Canare 4S11. It only cost me about $30 in parts from Performance Audio in Utah. As many have mentioned, they do seem to have a very long burn-in period. The sound did not noticeably improve until about 200 to 250 hours. After the burn in I did extensive listening sessions. The sound was very smooth and warm, but in my system, also sounded a little dark and muffled with slightly rolled off highs.
On a whim, I decided to build a 8ft pair with Canare 4S11G, which is their OFC version. Mind you this cable is only $0.60 more per foot more than the 4S11.
I was not expecting very much. Boy was I wrong. After about 50 hours of burn in, I was amazed of what I was hearing. Right off the bat, the cable sounded much more cleaner and clearer than the 4S11, like a veil was removed from my speakers. The highs were extended and airy, without any hint of brightness. The soundstage depth was also excellent. The overall sound was neutral, but very smooth and rich. The bass was full, tight, and punchy. I could not believe that just using OFC as the conductor would bring so much musicality,
So for about $40 all in (cable, good BFA bananas from Amazon), anyone can have great sounding speaker cables without spending a fortune.
Happy Listening!
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Canare cables require a long break-in period. After receiving my pair I put about 100 hours on them. The result was putting them in my closet and buying a pair of Purist. When I changed my system, I decided to try the Canare again. This time I ran them for at least 200 hours and they opened up nicely. Still using them with yet another upgraded system. |
I made a lengthy post a few years ago regarding the Canare 4 S11 speaker cables. The cables take 400 hours to totally burn in and the changes are in my review. I had RAM Electronics build my 2 pairs of cables, one pair for each system. The result is I stopped looking for speaker cables and they work very well within my 2 systems. Best bang for the buck out there. Incidentally, I replaced speaker cables in excess of 2K for the Canare. Best decision I ever made. To other poster who only had them in his system for 2 hours and didn’t like them, you never gave them a chance! |
@lowrider57 I used Audioquest Beryllium copper BFA banana plugs. But the ones from Viborg or Audiocrast work quite well too (on Amazon) around $10. |
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