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Speaker Wire Recommendations?
I'm not looking to purchase immediately, but certainly interested in starting to look at possible speaker cable/wire options.
Focal 836v speakers and Integra 50.1 receiver are the components.
I'm interested to know what cables, probably sub $200, people would recommend or if I will really be able to hear a difference that would be worth the investment. My current wires are the original Monster stuff that I had with my previous speakers.
Focal 836v speakers and Integra 50.1 receiver are the components.
I'm interested to know what cables, probably sub $200, people would recommend or if I will really be able to hear a difference that would be worth the investment. My current wires are the original Monster stuff that I had with my previous speakers.
17 responses Add your response
I would look at Kimber 4PR speaker wire. It's good stuff regardless of price. Way better than Monster cable. The other would be Vampire Wire CCC speaker wire. Prices will vary. I'm using the 12ga hook up wire and it is glorious with my Spicas in Tri-wire configuration. The vampire is my favorite inexpensive wire. But the 12ga is no longer available; the 18ga is under a $1 a linear foot. |
Buconero117 - That's what I'm afraid of and trying to get a feel for. Some people believe that speaker wire is more about "snake oils" than actual factual improvement, but I'm not yet convinced one way or the other. I think that it's possible for things like speaker wires to make a difference IF the system is of high enough quality, but not sure where that level begins. I doublt a $5k speaker wire would make a difference in a $300 shelf system, so at what point does it start to make a big enough difference to justify the additonal cost. |
I think that it's possible for things like speaker wires to make a difference IF the system is of high enough quality, but not sure where that level begins. I doubt a $5k speaker wire would make a difference in a $300 shelf system, so at what point does it start to make a big enough difference to justify the additonal cost.It's important to keep in mind that the presence or absence of cable differences (and the nature of those differences if present) is not only dependent on system resolution and quality, but is highly dependent on the particular characteristics of what is being connected. In the case of speaker cables that would include, among other things, the impedance characteristics of the speaker, the sensitivity of the speaker, and the importance of amplifier damping factor and tight woofer control to the particular speaker. Although your speakers are rated as having an 8 ohm nominal impedance, with a dip to 3 ohms in the bass region, in this review they were measured as 5 ohms nominal with a dip to 3.5 ohms in the bass region, and with 92db sensitivity. I would give greatest weight to suggestions that are based on experience with speakers having similar impedance and sensitivity characteristics, and speakers that employ similar driver configurations (which means that experience with planar speakers is probably not particularly relevant). Also, keep in mind that the longer the cable, the more pronounced its effects will be. And that "different" does not necessarily mean "better," and that "more expensive" does not necessarily mean "better" either. Regards, -- Al |
i just experimented and put some very expensive cables and wires on a 25 watt hybrid ipod dock / amplifier made in china. you know the type, and it now has much improved sound quality. you know, like bass and musical sounds but im just hearing what i need/want to hear. i havn't used 18 gu. lamp cord since 1979, am i missing something? ha |
I'm rearranging my listening room that currently uses a 25' run of Ocos speaker wire to connect my VA Mahlers to my Linn electronics (Akkurate CD, Axis TT, Exotic pre, 2250 amp. Using Stereovox 600 IC. Absolutely love the sound: detailed, musical, great soundstage. Due to some changes my wife wants to make I'll now be able to go with a much shorter speaker wire run. Is this generally a good thing? So I'm thinking I might be able to improve my sound with a shorter run (6 ') of better speaker wire (no complaints about the OCOS, but am wondering if there's more to get out of these components). My experience with Stereovox makes me want to try their speaker wire but the cost is probably beyond what I can do (I got a great Agon deal on the interconnects which was still a bit of a splure). Suggestions??? |
In your price range, Anti-cables are worth a try. I used their interconnects throughout my system at one point. They were a great value, providing a clean focused, somewhat dry sound with excellent bass. Im assuming their speaker cables share the same characteristics. I currently use Gregg Straley Reality speaker cables, which are about $50 within your budgetary reach. I can say, speaker cables have ceased to be a concern of mine since I've had these. Good luck. |