New system need speaker cables - what to buy?

[Ropeburn]

Not so long ago, I was researching the same subject. Came to the conclusion that ready-made cables are too expensive, so I went the DYI route, with an established brand - In-akustik.
I created my own cables with their wire and connectors, namely:

1. Speaker cable inakustik LS-1102. It is a 6 wire cable, 3 pairs of black/white. 2 pairs go to low frequencies, and 1 pair goes to high/mid frequencies. This is for bi-wiring. On the amp end, all 3 pairs are joined into white and black. Each of the 6 wires is 1,95 sq. mm.
2. For termination, I used either KS-103 spade, or BFA-103, or BFA-103 45 degree angled.
3. Used some black and white shrink-wrap to create the looks.

All these can be purchased (in Europe) for not so much money from av connections. They ship next day.

Good luck.

Edit: make sure to terminate the cable ends with cable ferrules (not copper) and crimp them before inserting in the BFA or KS connectors. Bare wire is not recommended with them

44€ the meter is what you call "not so much"? It's ludicrous already.

 

[vddobrev]

44€ the meter is what you call "not so much"? It's ludicrous already.

I didn't say cheap, but "not so much" compared to same cable ready-made, it will be at least 50% more.

 

[egellings]

Ok, I was considering 3k speaker cables. Are they truly that pointless to spend money on? My only reference is a pair of decent cables that I spent about 200 bucks on but are much too long for my needs at 15 feet and I feel like I should get something shorter for what I really need 5 feet each is plenty and buy something that fits with the quality of components I bought.... thats not really necessary though you feel? I don't want to spend the money if I don't need to obviously but want a high quality sound

Yes. That's ridiculous amount of money to spend on something with a functionality that can be cheaply equaled with an inexpensive wire. However, if you, in your heart-of-hearts, really believe that the pricey wire is worth it, then go for it.

 

[Apesbrain]

I can't comment on their sound, but a premium speaker cable I've always liked is Kimber Kable. You can order from the factory online with any terminations you might want including single wire bi-wire. I'm specifically thinking of their 8TC or 12TC which are both quite a bit less than the Cardas. Even their "budget" 8PR is an option. Good luck!

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Even their "budget" 8PR is an option.

Still absurdly overpriced IMO...

 

[Steven Holt]

Wait, wait!! I have a stock answer to this question : I'm tempted to tell you to go to the hardware store, buy lamp cord, strip the ends and wire it in. Instead, I'll just say that BlueJeansCable is hard to beat. Strongly recommend!
'

 

[Steven Holt]

I can't comment on their sound,

Can't comment on their sound? Of course you can't -- because THEY DON'T MAKE ONE!!

 

[wadude]

A 5’ pair of BJC with locking bananas is $89.00 in gray, $93.00 in white.

 

[Chrispy]

Wait, wait!! I have a stock answer to this question : I'm tempted to tell you to go to the hardware store, buy lamp cord, strip the ends and wire it in. Instead, I'll just say that BlueJeansCable is hard to beat. Strongly recommend!
'

Not a lot of logic in your explanation.

 

[Steven Holt]

Not a lot of logic in your explanation

Well then! Let me explain : I'm saying that there is no difference at all between lamp cord and very expensive (speaker) cables. Since there is no difference, buy the cheapest you can and invest the rest in your gear. I am a fan of BJC because I like the looks, the quality, and the end terminals (plugs). Sonically, I could easily use lamp cord for the same results. That logical enough?

 

[J.M. Noble]

If you want something prettier than zip cord, splurge on Canare 4S8 "Star Quad" (#13AWG equivalent) at 76 cents/foot and some bananas from Amazon. My speaker cables cost about $20 for the pair and cosmetically don't feel out of place alongside my beautiful Dynaudio speakers and stands. You can buy it in bulk here:

https://www.markertek.com/product/4...16awg-4-conductor-speaker-wire-black-per-foot

I get my Canare GS-6 single ended shielded cable at Markertek too, along with Neutrik/Rean RCA connectors. I ordered enough cable and connectors last night to make four 5' pairs for $70.88 out the door, shipped. Added to what I have already, that's probably a lifetime supply.

 

[Speedskater]

This is... wrong, to the best of my knowledge. The insulation is related to the voltage rating. The higher the voltage, the more insulation you need to prevent arcing. The ability to carry current without overheating is definitely the job of the copper. The wire's gauge is not even related to the insulation, you can have 10AWG wire with various thickness and types of insulation.

1) the type and thickness of the insulation does determine the voltage rating.
2) the type of insulation determines the 3 hour current rating for a given AWG number.
It's the insulation overheating that causes the wire failure.
With almost a 100 % safety margin.
3) with high-tech insulation, 12AWG is good for 55 Amps.
4) bare 12AWG is good for much more.

 

[Ropeburn]

4) bare 12AWG is good for much more.

Theoretically, yes. In practice, you need insulation to prevent shorts and eventual fatal failure. Unless of course you're one of those lunatics at Inakustik*, who seriously sell air-suspended bare wires as "acoustically superior" and for ridiculous moneys.

*Personally I regard that company a national embarrassment. We Germans are supposed to be rational and scientific and have an according reputation to uphold

 

[MatrixS2000]

who seriously sell air-suspended bare wires

Great for producing that “air” between notes, “space" for the treble to breath, and for that “expansive” room filling vocals that cause you to weep ...

 

[Ropeburn]

Great for producing that “air” between notes, “space" for the treble to breath, and for that “expansive” room filling vocals that cause you to weep ...

The only thing making me weep is their prices, and knowing that enough people are willing to pay it.

 

[Speedskater]

Those air suspended cables have a lot a loop inductance. They might roll off the high frequency response by a fraction of a dB with speakers that have very low high frequency impedance (think Apogee).

 

[egellings]

Audiophiles think they understand electrical engineering. They don't, since the vast majority of them never studied it.

 

[kyuu]

Audiophiles think they understand electrical engineering. They don't, since the vast majority of them never studied it.

Who needs electrical engineering when your ears can tell you everything you need to know?

 

[Ropeburn]

Audiophiles think they understand electrical engineering. They don't, since the vast majority of them never studied it.

That's no excuse. These things are basic electrics and highschool level physics, plus some further reading on the topic. Every enthusiastic amateur can and should know these things, you don't have to be an engineer for it.

They don't get educated because subconsciously they know it would destroy so many myths they hold dear.

 

[bigguyca]

Dear AI,

Please prepare a trolling thread on speaker cables and then slowly drip 1,000 replies.

Include in the model the 10 longest threads on the same subject or similar subjects.