Reccomendations for Speaker Wires

[Drunkcaballo]

Alright I just upgraded from my LSi9s to some B&W 805Ds for my 2 channel system. The next upgrade for them is some real speaker cables. Right now I am just using spooled Monster XP wire. I have been looking at some of the Transparent products, but am unfamiliar with what else is out there at similar quality levels. I have heard some transparent cables on these same type of speakers and they really open up with them, so I am already leaning towards them. I plan to buy used from Audiogon. Would be willing to spend somewhere in the $1500-2500 range. Also is there any good source for individual wires? My AV rack is in the corner, so my speakers are not equally spaced from the rack so I will need a ~8 foot cable and a ~20 foot cable.

[mantis]

I suggest a nice pair of Kimber Kable 8tc's, replace all Interconnects with Hero's and call it a day.

[fbm211]

With that budget I would go with revelation audio labs Testament Cryo-Silver™ Reference Loudspeaker cables.(My next upgrade)...Maybe not the best choice though since you want different lenghts for each speaker.Check out audiogon for some of those 8tc's.You cant go wrong with those.

link to the testaments. http://revelationaudiolabs.com/cables-loudspeaker/index.htm

[ben62670]

I would run two equal length runs and loop back the shorter run.

[F1nut]

MIT Shotgun's. Contact Joe Abrams on Audiogon.

[crazytasty]

How much of a difference do speaker cables make? I had a very nice system using regular 12-gauge speaker cable and it sounded fantastic to my ears, what are the benefits of more expensive speaker cable?

[WilliamM2]

How much of a difference do speaker cables make? I had a very nice system using regular 12-gauge speaker cable and it sounded fantastic to my ears, what are the benefits of more expensive speaker cable?

They look pretty.

[janmike]

I second the MIT option.

[acmf74]

They look pretty.

:biggrin:

[polkfarmboy]

Alright I just upgraded from my LSi9s to some B&W 805Ds for my 2 channel system. The next upgrade for them is some real speaker cables. Right now I am just using spooled Monster XP wire. I have been looking at some of the Transparent products, but am unfamiliar with what else is out there at similar quality levels. I have heard some transparent cables on these same type of speakers and they really open up with them, so I am already leaning towards them. I plan to buy used from Audiogon. Would be willing to spend somewhere in the $1500-2500 range. Also is there any good source for individual wires? My AV rack is in the corner, so my speakers are not equally spaced from the rack so I will need a ~8 foot cable and a ~20 foot cable.

Thats alot of money for cables budd

I would put the cash to somthing in the amp department for the biggest sonic improvement

Why not go with nordost cables, they have really good reviews in the cheaper lines they reproduce like the blue heaven

[jcandy]

They look pretty.
LOL!

Seriously, how about these for longer runs:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-062

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=100-025

and this for shorter runs:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=100-021

Put the money saved into better speakers and/or a microphone plus measurement software to optimize your in-room response.

[Mr Glide]

LOL!

Seriously, how about these for longer runs:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-062

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=100-025

and this for shorter runs:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=100-021

Put the money saved into better speakers and/or a microphone plus measurement software to optimize your in-room response.

JCandy, I am with you. btw, could you recommend some names of software products to measure and optimize in-room response? Thanks.

[jcandy]

JCandy, I am with you. btw, could you recommend some names of software products to measure and optimize in-room response? Thanks.
A very popular (free) package is Room Equalization Wizard (REW):

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

You'll also need a (calibrated) microphone, mixer, sound card, etc. A good description of the hardware requirements is here:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/rew-forum/42829-current-rew5-hardware-recommendation.html

[Mr Glide]

A very popular (free) package is Room Equalization Wizard (REW):

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

You'll also need a (calibrated) microphone, mixer, sound card, etc. A good description of the hardware requirements is here:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/rew-forum/42829-current-rew5-hardware-recommendation.html

wow, whole new adventure in sound tuning! Thanks for the info. Wish some expert here creates cheat sheet or so explaining how to do this without spending much time. Will look into it.

[ben62670]

An SPL meter and a tape measure is all you need to set levels and delays. There is a steep learning curve and a fair amount of money needed to be spent to use REW(which I have used) REW is better suited to designing speakers. Take some pictures and post them. The guys here can help you out with speaker placement. Also move your sub around if you can for best sound.

[Drunkcaballo]

Thanks for all the recommendations everybody. Creating a nice long list for me to research...and yes an amp upgrade is in the not so distant future once the cables and sub are upgraded....

[Mr Glide]

An SPL meter and a tape measure is all you need to set levels and delays. There is a steep learning curve and a fair amount of money needed to be spent to use REW(which I have used) REW is better suited to designing speakers. Take some pictures and post them. The guys here can help you out with speaker placement. Also move your sub around if you can for best sound.

Sounds good. Will do it once things (setup) settles down. Thanks.

[ben62670]

Parts express has an SPL meter for around $20 if you need one.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-722

[On3s&Z3r0s]

LOL!

Seriously, how about these for longer runs:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-062

...

I bought some of this when PE was blowing it out even cheaper than they have it now. It's not good cable in my opinion. For the price it's ok, but for some bizarre reason they put a non-conductive polyester core in the middle of the copper wire. I assume it's for marketing reasons (makes the cable appear to be a lower gauge than it really is) and they try to spin some crap about the polyester is a dielectric that improves the signal? Doubt it. It just makes the cable a pain to work with.

[stillen]

For speaker cables look at Kimber 8pr and use there SBAN connectors and buy from audioadvisor.
Interconect maybe Kimber Hero hb.

[jinjuku]

Take that $1500 and get some room treatments. Foam by Mail (http://foambymail.com/) is a great place to source from if you are into a bit of DIY panels.

[Keiko]

Take that $1500 and get some room treatments. Foam by Mail (http://foambymail.com/) is a great place to source from if you are into a bit of DIY panels.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/2bcece6f89.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/) again!

In case you missed it, the OP is looking for cable upgrades.

I'm in with the MIT camp. Good luck and welcome to CP, Drunkcaballo.

[jinjuku]

In case you missed it, the OP is looking for cable upgrades.

I'm in with the MIT camp. Good luck and welcome to CP, Drunkcaballo.

I know he is asking about cable upgrades. You better tell Ben that also. I mean what the hell is he doing recommending getting a tape measure and SPL meter:rolleyes:

Mr Glide and Jcandy obviously don't under stand either. Better get on them.

Don't forget Polkfarmboy, he recommended an amp. Try not to be so selective.

Now if you are done derailing the thread...

[Keiko]

I know he is asking about cable upgrades. You better tell Ben that also. I mean what the hell is he doing recommending getting a tape measure and SPL meter:rolleyes:

Mr Glide and Jcandy obviously don't under stand either. Better get on them.

Don't forget Polkfarmboy, he recommended an amp. Try not to be so selective.

Now if you are done derailing the thread...

I'll decline to challenge this load of bs. That's your MO, but by all means, continue on with your hissy fit. :wink:

[jcandy]

I'll decline to challenge this load of bs. That's your MO, but by all means, continue on with your hissy fit. :wink:
Why are so many of the "regulars" on this forum so consistently rude? What purpose does it serve?

[ben62670]

I have used the AQ 14/2 wire. Very nice sounding considering how cheap it is.

[jcandy]

I bought some of this when PE was blowing it out even cheaper than they have it now. It's not good cable in my opinion. For the price it's ok, but for some bizarre reason they put a non-conductive polyester core in the middle of the copper wire. I assume it's for marketing reasons (makes the cable appear to be a lower gauge than it really is) and they try to spin some crap about the polyester is a dielectric that improves the signal? Doubt it. It just makes the cable a pain to work with.
Its definitely not easy to work with. Honestly, despite the fact that this wire is very cost effective and more than adequate for most any home audio application, I am nevertheless moving to the use of North American and European products as much as possible.

Is there a preferred US/Canadian/European brand of wire that is cost-effective?

[JimAckley]

Why are so many of the "regulars" on this forum so consistently rude? What purpose does it serve?

Probably because we all have nothing better to do than write endless posts in one audio company's forums... :biggrin:

[Keiko]

Rude? I am trying to be helpful in pointing out that juju was way off base, again. Nothing new, but still. :rolleyes:

How rude! :mad: :tongue:

[halo71]

Why are so many of the "regulars" on this forum so consistently rude? What purpose does it serve?

Where have you been? The facts that Juju is always out to stir the pot around here. And the fact that the admin/mods have not banned him yet somehow escape you? :rolleyes:

[Mr Glide]

I know he is asking about cable upgrades. You better tell Ben that also. I mean what the hell is he doing recommending getting a tape measure and SPL meter:rolleyes:

Mr Glide and Jcandy obviously don't under stand either. Better get on them.

Don't forget Polkfarmboy, he recommended an amp. Try not to be so selective.

Now if you are done derailing the thread...

Jinjuku, I am in NO shape to claim to be audio expert, hence, I am here to get advise from seniors/old timers such as you and others (for audio only though - if you want to discuss software design principles, proj. mgmt methodologies- the bet is on!) It's free country to express opinions, though politely!:smile:

[Face]

Take that $1500 and get some room treatments. Foam by Mail (http://foambymail.com/) is a great place to source from if you are into a bit of DIY panels.

As usual, more awful advice from you.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/bass-traps-acoustic-panels-foam-etc/347215-foam-factory-foam-mail-dilemma.html

http://supersoundproofing.com/forum/index.php?topic=2278.0

[Keiko]

As usual, more awful advice from you.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/bass-traps-acoustic-panels-foam-etc/347215-foam-factory-foam-mail-dilemma.html

http://supersoundproofing.com/forum/index.php?topic=2278.0

Ouch! :eek:

Well, that's juju for ya. Off base and just full of horrible advice. Thanks for the heads-up on that stuff, Mike.

[george daniel]

if you budget does not allow for the newer MIT's,, try some MIT Terminator 2 with the grey color boxes.

[jinjuku]

As usual, more awful advice from you.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/bass-traps-acoustic-panels-foam-etc/347215-foam-factory-foam-mail-dilemma.html

http://supersoundproofing.com/forum/index.php?topic=2278.0

You better run and tell Jim Holtz and Curt Campbell:rolleyes:

To the OP: if you don't know who those two guys are google them.

Foam by mail is one of many places. If you don't mind working with OC 703 it is a good way to build bass traps with. For higher frequency traps you simply don't need a ton of dampening.

Don't even know if you need traps. That's why Ben's suggestion is the first thing to do. Have to find out what the room looks like to your speakers first before you take any extra measures.

[Face]

You better run and tell Jim Holtz and Curt Campbell:rolleyes:

To the OP: if you don't know who those two guys are google them.

Foam by mail is one of many places. If you don't mind working with OC 703 it is a good way to build traps with.
I have plenty of respect for Holtz and Cambell, but it's safe to assume the owners of GIK and Real Traps probably know a little more about acoustics. :rolleyes:

You should show some respect for them too and stop hiding behind their names while you're at it.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1487640&postcount=121

[jinjuku]

I have plenty of respect for Holtz and Cambell, but it's safe to assume the owners of GIK and Real Traps probably know a little more about acoustics. :rolleyes:

You should show some respect for them too and stop hiding behind their names while you're at it.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1487640&postcount=121

Next time I speak with Jim I'll give him your regards. Jim is the one that told me about Foam by Mail.

If the OP doesn't want to DIY GIK / Aurex / Real Traps all great.

[Keiko]

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e6e300ffc6.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

Keep diggin', juju. :rolleyes:

[On3s&Z3r0s]

Jinjuku, I am in NO shape to claim to be audio expert, hence, I am here to get advise from seniors/old timers such as you and others (for audio only though - if you want to discuss software design principles, proj. mgmt methodologies- the bet is on!) It's free country to express opinions, though politely!:smile:

Agile suXor... TDD is for girls!

Sorry, just spotted an opportunity to be impolite about something I know something about for a change. :wink:

[JimAckley]

Weren't we talking about speaker cables at some point in this thread...? Let's settle down and focus on the initial reason why this thread exists.

Drunkcaballo, I know there are a few speaker cable shootouts throughout the forums. I'm doing this from my iPhone, so it's a bit difficult for me to search for them right now and copy/paste them into the thread, but they shouldn't be difficult to find. There's lots of good info about the different brands/lines in this forum as well as others. Typically, there's not one simple "this is the best product" solution for someone. It's a matter of taste, because different cables have different conductivity attributes. Your best bet is to try various cables and decide on one. It's not the most cost effective route, but it gives you firsthand experience with the cable and how it will sound with your system.

Audiogon.com is a great resource to pick up some interconnects and speaker cables at great prices. Used ICs and cables are already broken in, so you know right then and there how they are going to sound. Plus if you're only using them for a week or two just to try them out, you should be able to turn around and sell them at minimal-or-no loss from your pocket. Leave your stereo on while you're at work and get your new speakers broken in for now. By doing that, your speakers breaking in isn't going to come into the whole process of new cables. At that point, you want the only potential variable to be your cables.

Hope this helped.

[megasat16]

Next time I speak with Jim I'll give him your regards. Jim is the one that told me about Foam by Mail.



You must feel quite privileged to use these Gents name whenever you see fit. I hope they know that their names are used as shields and batons on the Internet Forums.

[Keiko]

You must feel quite privileged to use these Gents name whenever you see fit. I hope they know that their names are used as shields and batons on the Internet Forums.

Talk is cheap and juju's FoS, but you already knew that. :biggrin: :wink:

[jinjuku]

You must feel quite privileged to use these Gents name whenever you see fit. I hope they know that their names are used as shields and batons on the Internet Forums.

You mean like when you guys drop Nelson Pass's name?

[ben62670]

It seems to be a good day for fishing. The trolls are already out.

[inspiredsports]

Alright I just upgraded from my LSi9s to some B&W 805Ds for my 2 channel system. The next upgrade for them is some real speaker cables. Right now I am just using spooled Monster XP wire. I have been looking at some of the Transparent products, but am unfamiliar with what else is out there at similar quality levels. I have heard some transparent cables on these same type of speakers and they really open up with them, so I am already leaning towards them. I plan to buy used from Audiogon. Would be willing to spend somewhere in the $1500-2500 range. Also is there any good source for individual wires? My AV rack is in the corner, so my speakers are not equally spaced from the rack so I will need a ~8 foot cable and a ~20 foot cable.

Do you have any way to reduce the 20' distance?

I've personally found that buying, listening for myself, and then selling and moving on to the next was the best way to find cables and wires that work well with my specific mix of components.

Kimber and MIT have consistently performed well with the broadest assortment of my gear.

The reason I ask about the 20' run is that it will be incredibly expensive to buy, and even harder to resell as the market is broadest in the 8-10' category.

If you do decide to try many brands and listen before you find what works best, you might consider temporarily moving things so you can experiment with and resell 8-10' cables.

If you really can't move things around and don't have the time or inclination to experiment, you will most likely get the best solution within your budget by contacting Joe as F1 suggested above.

[inspiredsports]

Take that $1500 and get some room treatments. Foam by Mail (http://foambymail.com/) is a great place to source from if you are into a bit of DIY panels.

Room treatments are great suggestion, but not what the OP asked for.

P.S.: Foam is cheap for a reason. Even if you don't buy them, GIK and RealTraps should be researched before considering any other method of treatment.

[megasat16]

You mean like when you guys drop Nelson Pass's name?

If you meant I put both NP and JC in my signature line from one of DIY Audio threads, it's a Big Difference to what you did.

I have never once mentioned or quoted NP or JC names or what they said on the forum fight like you did. It's the obvious and everyone knows.

So, why did I put the NP and JC in my signature line.

Coz I like what they said in one of the DIY Audio Thread. It's taken from one of the JC Burning Amp Thread, If I remember correctly.

They are the Pro. They know what they doing. And they both knows what is a good sound and how to measure and model. And from what JC is doing, he was trying to measure the noise from resistors at really incredible levels

In any case, I don't use these two Gents names to fight or abuse their names. But they reminded me whenever I see it, Good Engineering Doesn't come with with blind eyes and how Pro are doing it at down to earth levels and doesn't talk much. Whenever I see it, it reminds me to talk less and post less in the nonsenses threads and stay away from it. In a word, what they said is a Kool Aid for me when I lose a hold of reality. :biggrin: And it brings back a sense of what can be measured, modeled and possibility. What they said makes a Huge Sense to me!

Anyway, I would like to see if you can find that I used NP or JC names in the food fight like you did. Or anyone using their names in CP in the same manner as you did for this matter.

It's time for some post and thread digging?

[ohskigod]

obviously we can not have a conversation about this without people acting like morons. for the OP, you have to take all the info and extrapolate what to try, the cool thing is that there is nothing wrong with trying different things.

If your going to experiment with cable/wie and what improvements they can make, try bigger guage first of course, then some of the reputable brands quoted here. Go the used route and save some $ as experimentation can get pricey. do it over time, it took me years to put together a system I like and I still play around.

people that hear a difference w cables and wires hear it and have differing opinions, others that don't don't, yet have an odd fascination that others dare to say there is a difference and take umbrage to it in a fit of what I call a lack of self worth.

I am in the cables make a difference camp, if others want to say I hear something that isnt there, oh well. I trust my own judgement and spend my discretionary dollars by what my ears tell me, not what others think is accurate.

If you get nothing else out of this, trust your ears, they are the ones you're trying to make happy anyway