Premium SuperTweeter Cables?
There’s a dearth of supertweeter cable offerings on the market. I don’t think Tannoy makes its "SuperLink" cables anymore - I had one and (unfortunately) sold it years ago. Looked like it was single-core solid silver, maybe 20 - 22 AWG in teflon.
What are good options, today - or whom would you commission to build a set? What would be the ideal AWG for a 16 kHz crossover point? I’m looking for premium options - I don’t want the $70 cheapie from AliExpress. I don’t like silver-plated copper. I prefer solid core high quality copper (preferably OCC) or silver. I don’t want a large-gauge firehose speaker cable dangling off these small tweeters. And cosmetics are also important - I don’t want it looking like something I put together myself. I should also note that I don’t care about or require Tannoy’s 3rd "earth" wire.
This is for Tannoy Canterbury GR and Prestige GR supertweeter. Required length is between 1.5 and 1.75 meters, for piggy-backing off the main speaker terminals. The main cable is Audioquest Wildwood (9 AWG, mix of solid core copper and silver wires). I’ve got a DIY pair of ST cables made from Neotech UP-OCC 20 AWG solid core hookup wire, which gets the job done - for now. I also have a spare pair of Audioquest KE-4 (15 AWG solid silver), but it’s a bit long at 8 feet, and 15 AWG seems like too much for this application. Should I look elsewhere, or stick with the cables I have?
I appreciate input from anyone with ST experience OR good ideas for a premium ~ 18 - 22 AWG cables. I’m NOT looking for comments on how this won’t make a difference, more than $20 is too much for a cable, you can’t hear supertweeters (you absolutely can) etc.
Not what you asked for but try the Neotech in a smaller (22-26) gauge and compare it to what you have. Easy enough if you are using bare wire sans connectors. Years ago I used a Litz braid wire (Chimera Labs?) to connect Fostex Bullet tweeters to a pair of single drivers with excellent results. However, the Litz was a PITA to strip/work with (found a local motor repair shop with a solder pot that used my copper bearing solder). Is Litz still a thing (wide flat ribbon is all I see now)?
DeKay |
PartsConnexion commissioned DH Labs to design a pure silver interconnect cable. They ended up using 2x23awg, and I think this might be a good fit for your application. I’ve used this cable years ago to built my own interconnects with good results. It is well-shielded and should function well as a short speaker cable dedicated to high frequencies. I see it’s also 50% off now, so no harm in trying! |
I run my Muratas on Paul Speltz Anticables and am very happy with the result.Conversely tuning the supertweeter in listening distance relative to the other drivers is a job requiring very careful listening and millimeter shifts. Getting them to be in phase is an absolute requirement for good spatial rendition. |
Aperion Audio manufacture a good sounding cable for use with their range of super tweeters and it’s very good value. I’ve also used it as the speaker cable on a 100dB efficient speaker and it’s quite competent, though obviously that isn’t its primary purpose. I believe it comes in a couple length options, max 4’. |
@mulveling - For better cables, maybe check out a company like ZenWave Audio. I am not afflilated with them nor a customer, but Dave’s interconnects and speaker cables get good reviews and feedback on WhatsBestForum. And, I believe ZenWave has a silver/copper 20 or 22G speaker cable |
Great feedback, thanks all! Various bulk interconnects like the DHL or hookup wires could work fine, with some finishing. I've also thought about contacting Drew of Moon Audio - his silver headphone cable uses 4x 24 AWG wires, so I imagine 2 of those could be easily doubled up to make a pair of 21 AWG ST cables. But especially thanks to @facten for the mention of ZenWave Audio. That's exactly what I was looking for! I'm also familiar with Dave's postings on WBF, and generally like his philosophy. His 20 AWG high-efficiency cables look perfect here. |
Forgot to mention that the Litz was recommended by a local AP specifically for use as tweeter cable. He said it would better my 47 Labs OTA - which it did for the tweeter link, but I still preferred OTA powering the main driver. Chimera Labs is no more, but you might take a look @ Jena Labs to see what they offer. VH Audio also has some interesting (cutting edge?) cable.
DeKay |
@mulveling - take a look Zavfino UP-OCC cables - they are very well made and may be well suited to your application Thei UP-OCC copper shoould be adequate for super tweeter use
I have tried silver speaker cables in the past, but did not like the sound
Regards - Steve |
