2. cables
  3. 188708-115924

Speaker cable length.

I have a small weekend cabin in the country. I have a modest system there consisting of a set of Polk Audio Monitor 7 tower speakers, an NAD C316 BEE integrated, Schiit Modi 2 DAC and a Denon radio receiver. Sounds much better than you might expect.

Anyway, we recently got a fireplace installed. This means that there will be a speaker on each side of the fireplace with the components on the right side of the fireplace. That means the right speaker is within 2-3 feet of the amp/components. The cable for the left speaker will run under the house from the amp and then back into the house on the left of the fireplace because I don't want it on the floor in front of the hearth. This will require about 16’ of speaker cable.

Will the difference (16’ of cable to the left speaker vs maybe 4’ to the right one) make a difference on a modest system like this? If so, what to do about it? I certainly don’t want 16’ of cable piled on the floor on the right.

Thanks for any input.

P.S.: I have good quality bulk speaker cable from Transparent if that makes any difference.

n80

Showing 1 response by 1971gto455ho

1971gto455ho
401 posts
 

One of those situations that can actually be measured if you really wanted to and had the equipment to do so. I’ve tried running equal length cable having both under the Obstacle with one looping back to the speaker when the distance was adequate to take up the extra cable. Satisfied my what if thinking, but that was all ! Did  A/B testing with several audio people using on one side a 13’ shorter piece.., “0” audible difference. The equipment is a large multiple speaker system and very revealing, the DIY wire being of good quality with complementary fittings. Would seem to be an either way personal try it situation, my guess won’t make any difference.

Cheers

 

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