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How to select a good Speaker Cable

Speaker cables do have a significant role in how our system sounds. Different cables sound different. 

So which one is the right one for you?

The Speaker Cable is an extension of the Amp. and not an addition to the speaker's load. It shall have a certain resistance (low) not to spoil the Amp's DF figure. As so, it can be calculated and there is a formula to do it.

The higher the Amp's DF, the lower the Speaker Cable's resistance shall be. As today SS power Amp's get DFs of 400 and above (Digital Amps go by thousands) the cable of 10 ft (3m) long, gets as thick as 0 AWG.

I can see your eyebrows elevates, when that thick cable is to be deal with. Most Speaker Cable makers skip it because of that. So most cables on the market (regardless of the look or price) are of 14-12 AWG. Way less that supposed to be.

Worst! no Speaker Cable maker, dealer or seller knows the answer, of what is the correct cable for your system. 

So most of us ended up, with a cables too thin for the task.

A conducted test, on this site, about a year ago as well as with some closer friends, shows a significant improvement with a calculated size cable over their previous cable. The results were all positive and preferred the calculated cable.

So, instead of asking: which of two brands, or two prices or two colors of Speaker Cable do I need, you should ask how thick of a Speaker Cable do I need.

I'll be happy to provide you the calculation, for who request it. All you need to provide is:

1). Length (Ft. or meter)

2). The Amp's DF figure.

Thanks


128x128b4icu
b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
553 posts
 
Mr. Dave_b

Enjoy the journey. It will never end. However thanks for enlightening the followers, it is "first hand experience" rather some understanding or knowledge. It is sad and disappointing, to find out after so long that you are as ignorant you were when your journey started. It is comforting that at least you had enjoyed that nothing.

You know that your request is impossible to fulfil, as cable makers do not provide spec. information. For a reason.  So what can we compare with? Your joy?
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Again, you miss the point...are you that dim?  I am fortunate enough to have played around with various setups over the years because it’s fun and illuminating.  They were all great systems and I fully enjoyed each and every one.  I am not trying to reach K2....I have been there several times over and love exploring new avenues.  With such a journey one experiences first hand, that which others only fantasize about or worse, claim they have a magic recipe born of a rather small perspective.  Does that help you understand?  I hope so...perhaps my large words, proper grammar and descriptive adjectives have made it difficult for you to follow along?  
b4icu's avatar
b4icu OP
553 posts
 
Dave

Playing around with specimens might be fun as playing search and cath blindfolded. This game is fun for kids till a certain age. After, it becomes childish. So is your pathetic say about your ways to get to the right speaker cable. Not to say, that even the one you poses now, is  NOT the one.
It might as well be another step in your journey. An endless journey.
No need any more. Now, as the knowledge is there, it can be reached on the 1st attempt.
Even though you are very proud of your enjoyable journey, it doesn’t give you a clue of what is the best (and right) cable for the next guy that is going to visit the audio shop, for his speaker cable!
You offer him an endless journey, with no promised results, but maybe a joy from the journey...
I offer him a quick calculation, and the right cale, spot on, on the first attempt.
In other words, lets say that we (you and me) are saling two different GPS navigators (Never lost).
Yours will go around, get you some journey, but no garanties for getting to your destiny, but giving you some illusion that you will get there soon.
Mine, is a 1st time on spot, with the fastest and shortest path.
I’m really sorry for your poor choice.
I do acknowledge that your way is very beneficial for cable makers, sales guys and shop owners. I kind of think, that you are just happy to feed them with your hard earned $$$.
No need. There is a way available to save all that.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Good advice for the frugal!
bjesien
1,240 posts
 
b4icu, not sure if damping factor Leben CS600. 6 foot length. Much appreciated will post results.
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