Are DIY Cables Worth It?

I've experimented with doubling up and using heavier gauge for the return run of speaker cables and it's interesting how it impacts the sonic characteristics.

Go ahead, we're all ears...

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Since speakers run on AC through the wires, how does one determine which is the 'return' run of the cables on which to use the double run?

You build a servo circuit which senses polarity and physically 'flips' the cable around, using super fast relays... :-)
But then who's to say what's the real (?!) "direction"... As though there is something like that... Well. most people would consider the "return" as whatever is connected to the common circuit ground, but even that is not true for certain amps (bridged, some monoblocks or transformer-coupled)...
I follow then rule of symmetry and the KISS concept. To really keep it simple there is nothing better than geometrical balance. It's the best I know AND it's simple alright...

That's funny, not having read this thread until today; I ran down to Home depot just this Monday to get 14/2 solid core copper wire, and some cheapo metal spades. I stripped the PVC covering, removed the ground wire, crimped the black/white wire with the cheap spades and connected to my SS amp, MF pre-amp, and my Proac. Crank the system up without even burning in the wires, and WOW! was my first reaction. I can clearly hear the difference, and what a difference. It sure beats the heck out of my other name brand cables I have. (Note that + and - are a single wire ran separately.) I really couldn't believe my ear, why the heck did I ever paid so much for other cables? BTW, it cost me $12.00 for 25 ft. The solid core is "Anti-cable"'s specialty, actually, they're pretty cheap for a 12 gauge speaker wire if you are not the DIY type.

Anyway, I was planning to make my own speaker wire using 20 gauge solid silver coated copper wires (Teflon coated). I’ll be adopting a variation of simplicity rules (Anti-Cable) as well as going for the thin braided wire. My target is 14 gauge to + and -, using 20 gauge, I have 16 wire to braid, 8 to + and 8 to – (Same number of conductors as Kimber 8TC). In fact, as I was reading this thread, my wires came in today. So I’ll start braiding tonight.

Cost per foot? I order 200 feet of yellow, and 200 feet of black, about $110 plus shipping. Divide that by two 12’ speaker cables for a total of 24 foot and you get $4.16 per speaker wire foot un-terminated. (With some leftovers to make jumper wires 8^) )

Will let you guys know how it goes and how it sounds!

The "minus" i.e. the "ground" connector. The central pin is the "signal". As per RCA ever since the '30s if I recall. C'mon guys.

This is an intersting thread.

As I mentioned above, I use a 6 gauge electrical wire from Home Depot that has 19 copper strands thats twisted. They are as Springowl said...I clearly here a difference. It was like a blanket was taken off the speakers.

I would be confident to put this or Springowls cables up agaist anything out there. It may or may not out perform them all but it will be comparable. And at $25 for an 8 foot pair it seems wise. Especially if you used 220 feet to wire a complete home theater. Do that math!

Theres a thread on misc. talk that slams tweaks like the clock, but what about these cable companys overcharging for cables that we can build for $25 and they charge $1500 for comparable sound. That seems like snake oil.