Shielded speaker cables?

[fatmarley]

Has anyone got any opinions on them - Good or bad?

The Chord signature (http://www.chord.co.uk/product/chord-signature-reference-speaker-cable/) speaker cable gets some good reviews but some say a shield on speaker cable causes more harm than good or would have no effect at all. I've found that I prefer thicker stranded cable and find the thin stuff like Van Damme to be a bit soft sounding. I also didn't like any off the silver cables I've tried, so this cable interests me for a number of reasons.

After reading THIS (http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?19099-DIY-chord-signature-speaker-cables) thread i'm tempted to diy a pair.

The cable is only £4.63 a metre from Farnell - Belden 9913F7 (http://uk.farnell.com/belden/9913f7/cable-coax-9913f7-per-m/dp/1218665?mckv=sjfjMwFdF|pcrid|19875691328|kword|+be lden%20+9913f7|match|b|plid|&CMP=KNC-GUK-FUK-GEN-SKU-MDC)

Here's a Youtube link showing a pair of Chord sigs being made - LINK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RykPvYOVHaI)

[brian2957]

The Belden coax looks uncannily like the cable used in the Chord Signature ( I've seen the video before ) . The Belden coax is my speaker cable of choice at the moment and it sounds excellent in my system . I currently use 2m lengths , one length per channel , a total of 8m of cable .

[Jimbo]

I am running the Chord Epic Twin cable at the moment and believe this is heavily shielded. Previously I used a number of non shielded cables but the Chord cables easily bettered anything else I have used.

[hifinutt]

Some years ago when I could not afford epic , I made my own shielded cables from chord oddy with 2 layers of aluminium foil and it was very effective if a little stiff.

[DSJR]

I've spoken about mark-up - them to retail via a massive dealer margin - so no more needs be said. Just look at the raw parts as a tenth at least of the rrp... I'm talking cables sold through dealer chains, NOT online suppliers ;).

Back in the pre CB era and in the days of RS50 or 56 strand, Knightsbridge Audio did some speaker cables consisting of two lengths per channel of what I think was aerial cable. Two lengths, one per conductor, makes for a fairly safe cable for iffy amps I think, but the conductor will be small cross section. You could look at Ecoflex 10 though (and I think there's another bigger one as well) and this isn't sill money either.

[fatmarley]

The Belden coax looks uncannily like the cable used in the Chord Signature ( I've seen the video before ) . The Belden coax is my speaker cable of choice at the moment and it sounds excellent in my system . I currently use 2m lengths , one length per channel , a total of 8m of cable .

What Banana plugs do you use Brian?

I was thinking about using Z-plugs. They're pretty cheap on ebay - LINK (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-BFA-4mm-BANANA-PLUGS-Z-type-Speaker-Cable-Connectors-/230953056098?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cable_Termin ations&hash=item35c5dff762)

[brian2957]

I use something like these Matt http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOSO-8-Pcs-Top-24K-Gold-Plated-Speaker-Cable-Wire-Connector-4mm-Banana-Plug-A8-/190914695488?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cable_Termin ations&hash=item2c73671140
but I like a screw connection . You can also solder these if you wish .
I also use good quality heatshrink as these cables could break a plug if there's further strengthening between plug and cable .

[fatmarley]

I also use good quality heatshrink as these cables could break a plug if there's further strengthening between plug and cable .

I bet. That cable looks as stiff as hell.

[brian2957]

Yes it is Matt . It's a heavy duty coax cable and needs worked into shape when installing it . Not impossible and worth it for the SQ :)

[fatmarley]

Some years ago when I could not afford epic , I made my own shielded cables from chord oddy with 2 layers of aluminium foil and it was very effective if a little stiff.

I'd have never of thought that shielding would make any difference after the signal has been amplified but being a subjectivist I'm open to almost anything. Would be easy and cheap to try this at home...

[brian2957]

TBH with you I'm not sure if the shielding does make any difference .

You have PM Matt .

[fatmarley]

Does anyone know if there are any other manufacturers that sell shielded speaker cable or is it only Chord?

[hifinutt]

I'd have never of thought that shielding would make any difference after the signal has been amplified but being a subjectivist I'm open to almost anything. Would be easy and cheap to try this at home...

yes very easy and cheap to do and well worth it

[The Barbarian]

I use Chord 'Carnival Silver Screen' which is basically 'Carnival' with a foil wrap & thick but very soft PVC coating. So you got your shielding & anti-vibration covering all in one package. Available in 2 Core & 4 core. Superb VFM, Looks great aswell.

[Jimbo]

I use the Chord Epic Twin and find it extremely good indeed. Tried loads of other speaker cables and nothing came close.

[The Barbarian]

I swapped out some very expensive Loudspeaker cable for that Chord cable believe it or not..

[Jimbo]

I can believe it. Once you have heard it its a no brainer.

[Jimbo]

I have heard Chords much more expensive stuff aswell but the Epic Twin is nearly as good.

[walpurgis]

I can believe it. Once you have heard it its a no brainer.

Perhaps it's just a decent sounding cable anyway and the screening has nothing to do with it.

[Barry]

Perhaps it's just a decent sounding cable anyway and the screening has nothing to do with it.

At £45 a metre, I should hope so!