2. cables
  3. 184733-96626

Why Do Cables Matter?

To me, all you need is low L, C, and R. I run Mogami W3104 bi-wire from my McIntosh MAC7200 to my Martin Logan Theos. We all know that a chain is only as strong as its' weakest link - so I am honestly confused by all this cable discussion. 

What kind of wiring goes from the transistor or tube to the amplifier speaker binding post inside the amplifier? It is usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper. Then we are supposed to install 5 - 10' or so of wallet-emptying, pipe-sized pure CU or AG with "special configurations" to the speaker terminals?

What kind of wiring is inside the speaker from the terminals to the crossover, and from the crossover to the drivers? Usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper.

So you have "weak links" inside the amplifier, and inside the speaker, so why bother with mega expensive cabling between the two? It doesn't make logical sense to me. It makes more sense to match the quality of your speaker wires with the existing wires in the signal path [inside the amplifier and inside the speaker].

 

 

kinarow1
gs5556
1,234 posts
 

Here’s an analogy. Suppose you have to run 100 feet of hose to a lawn sprinkler from a hose bib. The instructions say to use a 1-inch diameter hose for that length of run in order for the sprinkler to spray the design water pattern. You say that does not make sense because the 2 foot pipe from the water main to the hose bib is only 1/2 inch. The reason is the pressure drop is lower to the hose bib because of the short 2 foot length. Taking that out 100 feet will reduce the pressure by a factor of 50 and there will not be enough pressure for the sprinkler to work as advertised. To counteract the pressure loss, a larger diameter hose is needed. The hose bib's 1/2 inch pipe is not the weakest link -- it sets the initial condition of water pressure. This is similar for hose bib/amplifier, hose/speaker cable and sprinkler/speaker.

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,875 posts
 

I see the mob carrying flaming torches and pitchforks approaching! 

No, you and your mob beat us to it.!  What's with all the projection? All of your critiques can be turned around on you and your kind, which they have been in the past. You just seem to take sadistic delight in fanning the flames in support of anyone who brings up this dead horse of an argument. Always have.

Despite your insults (which are bourne out of losing so many arguments in the past on this subject) anyone with half a brain and two good ears can hear the difference. 

All the best,
Nonoise

 

petg60
1,486 posts
 

And all fish taste alike!

Remove the sense of sight and all wire sounds alike! 

elrod
245 posts
 

As the old saying goes, "to each their own".

I'm in the same camp as the OP, I use Mogami on just about everything and Pangea power cables. I'm perfectly happy with it - my system sounds great.

My pockets aren't as deep as some, so I'd rather put my money into upgrading my hardware. Of course if I ever feel I'm done with hardware, who knows, I might experiment with cables a bit

Bottom line, who am I to diss someone who swears by their cables?

rodman99999
6,156 posts
 

       The adherents of the Naysayer Church will never accept that there exist a multitude of variables, when an accurate simulacrum of performers and their performance in a particular venue, is the desire/goal.

        If their result differs from that of others, the aspects that they can't discern CERTAINLY MUST BE the product of the others' imagination.

             Of this they are certain: it CAN'T be THEIR system or ears!

                                      Perish the thought!

A much more apropos view of the local, imaginary intelligence operative (et al):

                                           (SNORT of derision)

More to discover