View Full Version : What speaker cable do you use?
The Black Adder
11-10-2024, 15:04
Hi all.
I'm looking for a short run of speaker cables. From 1.5m up to 2.5m
What do you guys use these days? I've been looking into Mogami which looks great.
I'm currently using van same black series which is excellent. But for a shorter run, what would you recommend?
Looking into something used rather than new as I don't need to spend a lot. Its just to experiment with.
And of course, if you have anything to offer, let me know.
Thanks
Sent from my BBC Microcomputer 32K
I still use QED 79 strand cable. I've used it in various lengths for years.
At the moment the speaker leads are 1m long (though they could be as short as 15cm) and connect between monoblock power amplifiers located directly behind each speaker.
I have dabbled with cables from other manufacturers: Sommer SC Meridian; Van Damme LC-OFC 4mm2 cable, amongst others. My power amplifiers use XLR connectors for both the input and output, so I have to make up my own leads. Can't say I have heard any difference between the different makes.
One can spend an absurd amount on cables - I would suggest you buy decent copper cables of at least 10A rating.
Further to the above, I can also recommend Fisual S-flex 2.5mm2 speaker cable. It gets a lot of good reviews, is cheap (~ £2 a metre), extremely flexible, uses good quality copper and comes with a choice of black or white outer sheathing.
It was favourably reviewed here back in 16 January 2019 by Hypnotist. I'll see if I can find the link.
hifinutt
11-10-2024, 17:05
rather like chord epic , been reterminating some today as new speakers are not biwire
https://theartofsound.net/forum/shortbread.php?62250-Fisual-S-Flex-Studio-Grade-2-5mm-Review
The Black Adder
11-10-2024, 19:22
Thanks Barry.
I'll take another look. I do remember that review. Shame he didn't update it.
Seems to get good reviews. They also do a 4mm version. Did you know?
Sent from my BBC Microcomputer 32K
Yes - I did know. Had a quick look and it too is reasonably priced at ~£5 a metre.
Obviously it will be thicker, but hopefully still very flexible. By comparison the Van Damme equivalent is quite stiff and unwieldy.
Wakefield Turntables
11-10-2024, 19:58
The Van Damme Blue is good as well. You could try some of the Duelund cables, these are pretty good. QED is also decent.
Some 4mm “OCC” ordered from AliExpress.
I should make myself up a set of Belden RG8/U of the correct length. It is not expensive, and as posted here a few years ago, this is what I think Chord Signature speaker cable is made from, but I am not 100% sure.
Firebottle
12-10-2024, 07:33
OCC here too. Noticably clearer than standard OFC.
Some 4mm “OCC” ordered from AliExpress.
I should make myself up a set of Belden RG8/U of the correct length. It is not expensive, and as posted here a few years ago, this is what I think Chord Signature speaker cable is made from, but I am not 100% sure.
RG8/U is a coaxial cable, I would be surprised if Chord used it for their speaker cable, but you never know.
OCC here too. Noticably clearer than standard OFC.
I'm always surprised by those that fall for the OCC label. When the billet of copper is cast and drawn by the OCC method, the crystals may well be up to a metre long, but once further drawn down to a wire size suitable to make audio cables the crystal size will be considerably shorter. Furthermore, once the cable is rolled on a drum the crystal size is likely to be not much different to that of OFC, and anyway reflection at crystal boundaries only contribute about 14% to the overall resistivity.
But "you pays your money and you takes your choice".
RG8/U is a coaxial cable, I would be surprised if Chord used it for their speaker cable, but you never know.
I am well aware of that fact. ;)
Tell me that you don’t see a coax cable in this video:
https://youtu.be/RykPvYOVHaI?si=OWHMq2p8oR9Le18v
I have some Chord cable and it's very thin. I wonder if that's why it's about the only one of the many speaker cables I own that does sound a bit different to me?
I doubt that I will ever buy any more cables of any type, I no longer think it an area worth exploring.
Lawrence001
12-10-2024, 10:01
I'm in the same boat in my main system but then I did splash out on some Acoustic Zen Satori cables to get there. (Very rare in 5m runs.) If I spot a bargain interesting cable in a 2.5-3m run I occasionally buy it for my second system on the basis I can sell it on if I can be bothered.
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Pigmy Pony
12-10-2024, 12:04
I have some Chord cable and it's very thin. I wonder if that's why it's about the only one of the many speaker cables I own that does sound a bit different to me?
I doubt that I will ever buy any more cables of any type, I no longer think it an area worth exploring.
I see cables like your speaker cables when I'm out and about, hanging between pylons.
Tell me that you don’t see a coax cable in this video:
https://youtu.be/RykPvYOVHaI?si=OWHMq2p8oR9Le18v
Yes - I can see coaxial cable is used (don't know why you are quite so triumphant), and yes it does look like RG8.
I have not seen the video before and have to admit the care in construction is admirable (but is nothing I would expect of any manufactured cable), and goes some way towards justifying the high cost.
But I don't understand why coaxial cable is used in the first place. The screens play no part in the signal transfer: they are cut back and left 'floating' so have no electrical effect.
I notice that Chord still promulgate the nonsense about cable directionality. How do they determine the correct direction? Or do they just copy the direction of the printing on the outer insulation of the coaxial cable?
My speaker cable, yesterday:
https://i.ibb.co/N73ytq5/cables.jpg (https://ibb.co/LvPZYym)
Looks like the cord on an iron.
Sadly it doesn't conform with Walker's 'Second Rule of Speaker Cable Selection': that the cable's outer covering should match that of the carpet over which it runs. :lol:
I am not being “triumphant” about this.
We have discussed this cable before on here a long time ago, so I am pretty sure of my facts, that is all.
The care and attention to me does not justify the high asking price, but people pay it, so why wouldn’t Chord charge it?
As for the screen, I guess they would say that it is used as a Faraday cage, but that takes us down another rabbit hole…
The Belden RG8/U worked well in my old system, but now I would need more, and I really don’t know if I can be bothered to change what I have.
Last time I looked, the Belden was about £11 p/m, so for use as a speaker cable, £22 p/m + termination costs.
Not cheap if you need long runs, especially if you don’t like it.
My speaker cable, yesterday:
https://i.ibb.co/N73ytq5/cables.jpg (https://ibb.co/LvPZYym)
Technics cable lifters?
Looks like the cord on an iron.
Sadly it doesn't conform with Walker's 'Second Rule of Speaker Cable Selection': that the cable's outer covering should match that of the carpet over which it runs. :lol:
The other one runs across the access so it's for the best that it's visible against the carpet :). No-one's tripped yet. Yes, the cable is almost identical to the power cable on my iron.
It's no longer made, as I understand it. Inside the outer shell there's six separate runs of wire. I can't say it sounds any different to me than a no-name run of 79 strand I also have, but it's well made and looks the part.
Technics cable lifters?
Yes that's the single most expensive cable lifter ever made. A Krell/Technics collaboration.
Pigmy Pony
12-10-2024, 13:53
Looks like the cord on an iron.
Sadly it doesn't conform with Walker's 'Second Rule of Speaker Cable Selection': that the cable's outer covering should match that of the carpet over which it runs. :lol:
True, but carefully-chosen cable lifters could really tie the room together, like The Dude's rug :)
Pigmy Pony
12-10-2024, 14:00
Yes that's the single most expensive cable lifter ever made. A Krell/Technics collaboration.
Yep, makes these look like a total bargain at only 610 quid for four. From Future Shop of course.
https://media.futureshop.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/9681ea64e778044beb7e9f5fa056893a/h/i/hifistay_soundwings_square01.jpg
The Black Adder
12-10-2024, 14:03
My speaker cable, yesterday:
https://i.ibb.co/N73ytq5/cables.jpg (https://ibb.co/LvPZYym)Out of interest... What cables is that?
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The Black Adder
12-10-2024, 14:05
I remember using some Stirling Black Mamba cable.once, that was nice stuff. Can't find any at the moment though. Wouldnt mind trying that stuff again.
Interesting thread, I've not looked into speaker cable for quite.some.time.so this is interesting.
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Out of interest... What cables is that?
Sent from my BBC Microcomputer 32K
I don't know what the make of cable is just that they don't make it anymore. Bought it off Oli aka 'Bigbottle Audio'.
I think he had a whole spool of it, there's other sets of it out there besides mine.
Lawrence001
12-10-2024, 15:36
Wasn't that his secret recipe when he was selling cables? I don't think he told anyone what it was.
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Firebottle
12-10-2024, 15:59
I'm always surprised by those that fall for the OCC label. When the billet of copper is cast and drawn by the OCC method, the crystals may well be up to a metre long, but once further drawn down to a wire size suitable to make audio cables the crystal size will be considerably shorter. Furthermore, once the cable is rolled on a drum the crystal size is likely to be not much different to that of OFC, and anyway reflection at crystal boundaries only contribute about 14% to the overall resistivity.
But "you pays your money and you takes your choice".
No 'falling for it' with me Barry. I have all OCC interconnects and OCC speaker cable and I have heard the improvement it makes, hence the outlay.
Colin123
12-10-2024, 16:00
[QUOTE=The Black Adder;1380816]Hi all.
I'm looking for a short run of speaker cables. From 1.5m up to 2.5m
What do you guys use these days? I've been looking into Mogami which looks great.
I'm using Mogami and am very happy with it.
No 'falling for it' with me Barry. I have all OCC interconnects and OCC speaker cable and I have heard the improvement it makes, hence the outlay.
How do you know they are OCC? Are they directional?
What improvements have you heard? I'm genuinely interested.
Mikeandvan
12-10-2024, 19:03
there's no difference between any of them except the price
Lawrence001
12-10-2024, 20:38
there's no difference between any of them except the priceSo do you use bell wire or mains flex?
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there's no difference between any of them except the price
Have you ever listened to QED Silver Anniversary?
Firebottle
13-10-2024, 07:06
How do you know they are OCC? Are they directional?
What improvements have you heard? I'm genuinely interested.
Sold as OCC. The same cable used in a very expensive set but that had cryo and other treatment.
I don't believe in directionality, so have never swapped around.
The speaker cables were a pivotal moment. I borrowed a set and was impressed by the uplift in sound. There was a greater cohesion to the sound.
The bass was tighter, the whole sound was clearer and more in focus.
With following improvements to the system the sound has such amazing clarity.
I checked on my 'about me' in my profile and that is way out of date..
Pigmy Pony
13-10-2024, 07:40
I checked on my 'about me' in my profile and that is way out of date..
It no longer says you like to sing round the piano at Christmas, so you've updated it a bit :)
I don't know what the make of cable is just that they don't make it anymore. Bought it off Oli aka 'Bigbottle Audio'.
I think he had a whole spool of it, there's other sets of it out there besides mine.
If Oli assembled it, it may be the 1877 Graphene OCC hook up wire? The same that Alan is using?
I am using the same stuff as Macca I think. Made by Oli (Big bottle audio?) and as thick as a hose pipe. Sounds great and superior to my Chord Epic Twin which was also great but too bright in the top end.
If Oli assembled it, it may be the 1877 Graphene OCC hook up wire? The same that Alan is using?
No I don't think it is. He got into the OCC thing well after I bought these cables. I've had them a fair few years now.
I remember using some Stirling Black Mamba cable.once, that was nice stuff. Can't find any at the moment though. Wouldnt mind trying that stuff again.
Interesting thread, I've not looked into speaker cable for quite.some.time.so this is interesting.
Sent from my BBC Microcomputer 32K
Had a set of those back in the Day, think with my rega R3s?
Great sounding cables, they were very good.
Later compared with a DIY set of CAT5 based braided cables, and realised there was more tho to this speaker cable malarky.
Sold on the Mamba's, and subsequently found better than than the cat5's... and so it went.
rmcin626
13-10-2024, 15:39
From memory my speaker cables black rhodium cables
Biwire setup here, all Duelund tinned copper cable.
This weekend I replaced the 16 gauge cable on mid/treble duty with the same beefier 10 gauge I'm using for the bass.
My original thinking was go beefy on the bass, not so important for mid treble.. maybe as long as the same house sound?
Some whispers in speaker biwire lore though of the benefits of using the same cable throughout, not to interfere with the speaker designers original intent?
Peter Comeau (Ex Heybrook speaker guru and current Design of Acoustic Design at IAG) spoke of this exact thing.
He designed my current speakers, so was always on my mind to pay attention to that, so now eventually have the same cable throughout.
The thicker 10 Gauge is a very different animal to the 16, despite sharing the same house sound.
Anyhoo..
This weekends view:
https://i.imgur.com/gRgfIju.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/tcMuX4x.jpeg
MASSIVE pain in the hoop getting it made up and plumbed in!
At nearly 5mm thick its a thick thing, so was a lot of fun feeding it through the speaker and power amp terminals...just 1 rogue strand needed to catch and the whole thing unravelled!
The dialectric is cotton soaked in oil, so once I stripped back 3/4 inch I had to degrease and Deoxit the exposed ends.
Went with bare wire connection, the cable has tin plated strands, which oxidises to a very electrically conductive layer, so its not like copper cable where oxidisation is a bad thing.
So cheaper, simpler and best sounding with no soldered connections!
Happy to say its quite a bit better from the get go, from experience Duelund cable takes a few weeks of constant playing to come on song.
See how it all plays out, but very happy, sounding noticably better than before, straight out the packet.
Just "more" of everything, like the mid and top end has more space to do its thing.
Try the Duelund 10GA cable... Seriously.
Over on the American high end forums lots of Folks have swapped their $$$ cable out for it. :thumbsup:
Few more pics:
CORES HELD TOGETHER WITH SELF ADHESIVE FABRIC TAPE
https://i.imgur.com/tsp8Ln7.jpeg
TWIST EVERY FOOT OR SO, CABLE IS UNSHIELDED SO THIS WILL HELP WITH RFI/EMI NOISE
https://i.imgur.com/45CucPH.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/gaKQZaV.jpeg
More hair on it than a Turkish wrestler.
More hair on it than a Turkish wrestler.
Not mine Officer! :lol:
A true Manly cable.
https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/10/m8dlowo_ec012_h.jpg?quality=90&strip=all
Firebottle
13-10-2024, 17:06
If Oli assembled it, it may be the 1877 Graphene OCC hook up wire? The same that Alan is using?
That's the one. had trouble remembering the name.
If Oli assembled it, it may be the 1877 Graphene OCC hook up wire? The same that Alan is using?
I've done a bit of research: "1877 Graphene OCC" hook up wire has an OD of 5.1mm.
The use of graphene is questionable, but whether it was used in the construction or not, the cable is now no longer available.
Stranraer
13-10-2024, 20:21
Chord Epic here.
I had an offcut spare so experimented removing the speaker terminal jumpers and replacing them with Epic inner core.
It genuinely made a significant positive difference.
We were at a boot sale this morning and by coincidence our neighbouring seller had some Chord bi-wire speaker cable and a lot of QED speaker cable for sale. I didn't ask the price as I wasn't interested, but sometime later a guy bought the lot.
I had to get my cables reterminated and in the interim bought a 5m pair of 10AWG Belden Blue Jeans 5T00UP.
The spec is here
https://www.belden.com/products/cable/audio-cable/speaker-cable/5t00up
Buy here
https://www.bluejeanscable.co.uk/store/speaker/index.htm
They arrive in a few days.
I found them perfectly good and the connectors are ultrasonically welded. Cost £140 plus postage. £100 for a 2.5m pair.
Happy to pass them on if anyone interested.
The Black Adder
18-10-2024, 17:47
Thanks guys
Some decent ideas there.
I'm currently using some Duelund from my crossovers which is really great. So I might go with that again.
Van Den Hul do make some great cable and so I may go with the same or similar cabling which is inside the cabinets.
But, I'm for a more experimental choice too. I've heard the blue jeans stuff is good.
Choices...
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What did you end up with Josie?
hornucopia
29-10-2024, 13:28
Nanotec 207. Or the later version, uses colloid suspension internally.
I still have some Monster cable from 1980s!. AND some classic DNM thin cable, as contrast!
Loved the thin gague DNM cable back in the day, remember it beating out Nordost Blue Heaven I had at the time.
Roger Waters Amused to Death sounded just as clear, but more meat on the bones.
That wee experience shown me that cable gague and its visual aspect had no real direct impact on the sound.
The DNM sounded meaty, and had stuff you could tow yer car with that was bass light or bleached out.
Nanotec has a good reputation, not heard it m'self.
sanchezxxx
10-12-2024, 22:48
Van Damme white line. Sounds good to me.
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