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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!

wkass
gill_benedek's avatar
gill_benedek
8 posts
 

@wkass I am strongly considering trying my hand at building a set.  Do you have any suggestions for step guides where for creating a bi-wire set (4 plugs to speaker x 2 amp)?  If you have any pics of what you made that would be appreciated.  Did you end up doing the whole cable pants thing?

My mid-fi set-up synopsis below.  Thanks,

Gb

 

System

Integrated Amp:  Hegel 590

Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver 500 7generation

Cables: Pine Tree Audio Iso-Quad Bi-Wire with Nakamichi banana (*!!! See note below)

Headphone Amp: Schiit Magni 3

Vinyl: Dual 1214

Streaming Spotify (weak-link) to Hegel 

 

wkass OP
22 posts
 

@gill_benedek There are a couple of excellent videos on 

YouTube from Tharbamar and Matt Coykendall that show 

you how to build 4S11 speaker cables, step by step. You do 

not need soldering skills. Any novice can do it.

With this cable it is very easy to do internal biwire.  On the amp

side you would group two pairs of wires together for + and -. Then on 

the speaker end, you would separate each of the four wires, 

two for + (high and low) and two for - (high and low). So you would use

12 bananas or spades all together.

wkass OP
22 posts
 

I used shrink tubing instead of boots to conceal the

twisted wires. 

terry9
2,333 posts
 

Now try Canare L-4E6S microphone cables for interconnect. I use Eichmann or WBT RCA’s or Neutrik XLR, but L-4E6S is a bear to terminate. Works for me - in a higher end system. YMMV.

 

wkass OP
22 posts
 

@terry9 A great recommendation.  In fact, one of the great attributes of this speaker cable is that it matches well with just about any good quality interconnects.  In fact, I also built interconnects using Canare GS-6 and Mogami W2497.  And these are also excellent matches to the 4S11G speaker cables.  Very organic and smooth sounding with deep soundstage.

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