Twisting is usually a better performer because it locates the forwards and return wires in close proximity and creates some field cancellation. When the forward and return paths are in parallel or twisted, this lowers the inductance substantially over separated wires. Braiding is really only for convenience to hold multiple pairs together. Braiding actually degrades the performance. If you select a braid that mostly makes the pairs orthogonal to each other, this will help. I would recommend using enough twisted-pairs to equal 10-12 gauge.
DIY speaker: braid vs twist vs straight
I'm looking to make some speaker cables between Musical Fidelity amp and B&W Nautilus speakers. Cable lengths are 4 feet and 12 feet. My questions:
1) Could I go with solid core enameled copper magnet wire? Maybe 2 strands of 18 ga for the tweeters? 4 strands for bass? Or should I use a finer wire with more strands like what Belden makes? I can't get any heavier than 18 ga. But I heard solid core was only good for Magnepan planer-type speakers.
2) Should the wires be twisted or braided? How many twists per foot? Or just left straight?
3) Should I use heat shrink tubing to hold the strands tightly together or just slide them through some 1/32" wall teflon tubing?
4) I would like to use bare wire into the binding posts and just use Caig Pro-Gold to treat the copper. Is this the best method?
Thanks
1) Could I go with solid core enameled copper magnet wire? Maybe 2 strands of 18 ga for the tweeters? 4 strands for bass? Or should I use a finer wire with more strands like what Belden makes? I can't get any heavier than 18 ga. But I heard solid core was only good for Magnepan planer-type speakers.
2) Should the wires be twisted or braided? How many twists per foot? Or just left straight?
3) Should I use heat shrink tubing to hold the strands tightly together or just slide them through some 1/32" wall teflon tubing?
4) I would like to use bare wire into the binding posts and just use Caig Pro-Gold to treat the copper. Is this the best method?
Thanks