2. cables
  3. 183346-161121

Solid copper or stranded copper for speaker cables? What is your choice and why?

I had old copper speaker cable made by Audioquest (don't know the model).  The cable contains only two solid copper wires, one is thicker than the other. As I recalled, Audioquest claimed back then that thicker wire primarily carries lower frequency signal and the thinner wire is responsible for the rest.  I actually have not seen this type of design nowadays, BUT when listening and comparing it with the stranded wire (either 12 or 10 gauge) cable, I found the dynamic range is greater, and the bass is tighter and has more weight.  What do you think?

lanx0003
knotscott
814 posts
 

There are always pros and cons with each type (of most things in audio).  I'd think a hybrid of both (or multiple sizes) might be the sweet spot.  But also "as always", it's subjective, and there are variables that are unique to every situation. 

czarivey
5,716 posts
 

solids do better in general, but there are inconveniences of inflexibility especially if you intend to disconnect and move your components around.

 

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Stranded.  Because sold 10 awg wires are not flexible.  Jerry

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

Of those I have tried, my favorites are made from multiple strands of individually insulated, relatively small gauge (i.e., 20-24 awg), solid core wires.

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 

I've been using 14 gauge UP-OCC solid core copper in Teflon for years. Recently, I've been using loose-sleeved 18 gauge solid core silver and find it faster and cleaner with a more neutral sound. 

More to discover