Slow speaker cables?


Okay, so what's the deal here? What are you hearing that makes a speaker cable slow or fast? I don't get it. You tellin me that with fast cables, the kick drum is right on time, and with slow cables that it's just a fraction of a millisecond behind, and you can hear that? Huh!?! Wouldn't a slower cable slow all parts of signal down, not just one part? I don't get it.
b_limo

Showing 1 response by ngjockey

Hard to define "fast" and "slow" as many other audio terms.

Assuming "fast" and "slow" refer to transient and/or impulse response, Al mentions most of the factors, with the exception of "characteristic impedance" that can impact directly or combine with the load to react. Essentially, the cable can become a storage device, storing and releasing part of the energy. Although the effect would be miniscule compared to the crossover components and voice coils (if applicable), particularly at lower frequencies.

Maybe wires need a Q rating like drivers and cabinets. And to raise the analogy: Are the MIT boxes on their cables like port tuning?