Speaker cables.. Budget again.. With a twist...



Hi..
I have already broken the bank on my system, Plinius 8200 int. amp, Marantz CD 6000OSE, Vandersteen 1c.. I guess I may use zip wire from Home Depot.. The problem...(the twist) is that I need to run one length 35 feet or so.. The other length will be maybe 20 feet.. No other way around it.. Plus I I cant really spend much more that $125 $150 max... What is my best option..? Zip wire? Or can I somehow "make my own" cable.. I am willing to buy all the parts and solder it up.. DREW
thefish2

Showing 1 response by xti16

Personally looking at the lengths of of cables I would go with 2 35ft cables. The reason - I have played with cable lengths and personally found that when you exceed 50% of the shortest wire I hear a slight reverb/echo sound which to me throws off the imaging and soundstage. I will admit when I first heard it (but I had junk equipt. and never heard imaging and soundstage) I kind of liked it. Today 30 years later it drives me crazy. I also ran unterminated speaker cables for over 20 years. I did strip back the wire by approx 3" every 5 years because of a slight oxidation. That could save a few bucks. Now I'm sure some will argue with me about lengths but again thats what I hear. With HT some processors will let you adjust the delay to compensate for the different lengths but thats typically a delay between front and rear channels.

Now to your question regarding cables - you are looking at approx $2 ft with 2 35 ft cables. Look for some closeout audioquest of maybe kimber 'bulk' cables. I would also look at the heavier gauge wire too with those lengths. Also if you do go with 2 35ft cables DO NOT coil up the shorter cable run (you just made a small transformer).

Depending how critical of a listener you are I (personally) find better speaker cables - interconnects - and lastly power cords will bring another notch up of detail, air, blackness, soundstage, depth and imaging. You have a nice system so far and cables is something to 'save' up for.

These are just my personal opinions. Good luck in your search and happy listening.