Speaker Cable


Hello,

        I would like to make my own cables to hook up my PA speakers to the PA amp.

I have purchased quality Speakon connectors.

Can anyone recommend (UK) some quality but reasonably priced cable?

I've learnt that the cables used for instrument leads should not be used for speaker casbles?

I am unsure what type of cable i should be using.

Links would be appreciated!

 

Many thanks Audiogon Community!

coolrekz

Right on, skeotical. Canare StarQuad is similar, and great for less-important surround speakers' long lengths and other budget-sensitive projects.

For affordable premade I have respect for Kimber's 4/8TC. No experience with the MUCH-cheaper to make 4/8PR they're marketing heavily.  Teflon's expensive, but as a point in the system evolution may be warranted.

I'm building cables right now with Mogami W3103 and it's very good.  12 AWG and the insulator is thick.  Use 1/2 braid and 15mm pants.

I use cable from TMB for PA speaker cables, they have a branch in the UK.  
 

It’s 12 gauge, easy to work with, coils nicely and has a high strand count. 

I build my own speaker cables using cat 8 ethernet cable and adding spade or banana connectors.

I use 24awg

8 strands 24 awg is equal to 15 awg. 8 x 26awg equal to 17awg.

I would make both lengths the same (longer) length for flexibility in the future,

you need some slack to get down, across, out/up to spkr, not sure if you included that in your 10 meter estimate?.

using 12 meter x 4 (2+, 2-) = 4 runs 43lf. I would buy 4 cables 50lf, and cut length to what I wanted.

cat 8: various lengths, various colors

cut off the ethernet connectors, strip 8 strands, twist or crimp together, add connectors

stripper/crimper

I used different color cables for + and -, but the connectors are color coded so the same color cable can be used.

banana plugs, wbt type, 2 set screws

banana plugs, alternate type

spades, 2 set screws

there are advantages to removable connectors.

Thanks Ken, not 100% on the lengths but one will be about 6 mtrs and the other 10 mtrs at a guess. I also have plenty of heatshrink - never terminated cables before despite working for a connector/cable distributor for 25 years lol, are speakon cables easy to terminate?

 

Hello, you don’t mention the length required, but for short or long I recommend

Audtek OFC copper from Parts Express.  
https://www.parts-express.com/Audtek-SKRL-10-50-10-AWG-OFC-Speaker-Wire-50-ft.-100-028?quantity=1

we will see if my link survives.
 I have made many speaker cables with this wire, and would get the 10 gauge as it is so reasonable.  It is easy to strip and labeled to keep + / - phase correct.  It comes in various length spools.  They also have good assortment of heat shrink to dress up the terminations.  Good luck!  Ken