Are DIY Cables Worth It?

Gregm, what do you have for DIY cables that may better Nordast Valhalla?

Freemand, pls note that I use the wires and prefer them in the controlled context of MY system. So, I can't say in absolute terms that the wires "are better" than Valhalla...

As to what they are: simply paralleled silver and copper conductors @~1" apart, supported by masking tape (one side only). They are UNSHIELDED which may make the ICs unsuitable for other applications.

My recommed above was to try a tested diy recipe for ICs and perhaps buy the spkr cable ready made since it looks cheaper.
Cheers

Mitch2,

I have not researched on the Vh stuff though I have seen the name tossed around some...I will have to check on that.

I made the best speaker cables for my entire 9 speaker home theater. They are suppose to compare to many high end. Google "bound for sound Marty 6 gauge". Its a six gauge that I paid 53 cents a foot recently (I bought the 500 foot spool) at Home depot. One guy told me he replaced his Acoustic zen Hologram 2 with it. The stuff brought my speakers alive. Very neutral.

The biggest thing I would like to do is put high quality stuff on all my subs. I have 3 and theres a lot of feet needed. So I have been looking at what I will do for DIY cables for those.

I've found the best cable you can do is use a solid core. Anything with strands just doesn't work nearly as well and adds it's own character or holds it back.

I ran down to home depot and bought some 14 gauge solid core wire (romex outdoor wire with the thick plastic covering it). I then put on some thick silver plated spades on the end and soldered it. Sound absolutely amazing. Much better than the $2400 MIT speaker wire I had. So much more detail and bass and imaging. I use 12 gauge solid core for the power cord. With a hubble end at the wall and wattgate at the other.

The only down side is it's extremely tough to bend. But it's well worth it. Looking at no more than $50 for a set of speaker cable. I'll gladly put it up against anything out there at any price. I used to have it all on a much higher end system but now even on my temporary system they make a huge improvement. Again I really want to emphasize solid core though (and throughout your whole system, including interconnects).

I've never even heard of solid core speaker wire, let alone considered using it. Is there a good place I can go to get a primer on the basics and intermediate knowledge about this stuff? It seems like just when I feel like I'm getting the hang of things, new stuff pops up.

Kacz, that sounds intersting. I outta put that up against the 6 gauge 25 dollar home depot specials.

I always wondered if that would sound good. Do you put the hot and neutral together and run two lines of romax?