Favorite Speaker Wire -- Part 2: Insulation

[BHD]

Why is this in the full range driver section and not under electronics and parts?

Isn't it capacitance that stores energy in the dielectric and re-releases it?

These objective/subjective "discussions" inevitably end up devolving into snotty sniping attacks. Hasn't this subject been flogged to death? Even when evidence is put forth on possible causes of sonic differences (skin effect, dielectric capacitance, etc.) people in the objectivist camp say that it's not enough to be audible. When people can hear differences under blind testing, they say the results aren't statistically significant because only a very small number of listeners get that result. Objectivists will accept the data that most (if not all) can't hear a difference under blind testing, but will totally ignore things like listener fatigue, etc. because it doesn't fit their desired result.

As long as people are having fun, who cares?

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by BHD
Why is this in the full range driver section and not under electronics and parts?

Because the FR guys don't have other things like XO's to worry about so they go looking for something, anything.

[i]Hasn't this subject been flogged to death? [/B]

Oui.

[i]As long as people are having fun, who cares? [/B]

I do. I can't believe that wire discussions go to such lengths. I would venture a guess that everyone discussing wires has more that just the wires that can be done to improve the overall quality. I put wires way down the list. Way down.








Oops, they just slipped off the page...

[badman]

I like teflon when it hasn't been extruded (wrapped) or polyethylene, preferably foamed. Enameled insulators are also useful when implemented correctly.

[Scottmoose]

Why is this in the full range driver section and not under electronics and parts?

No, I think Bob started it with tongue more or less firmly in cheek & it's an offshoot from the speaker wire thread with specific reference to FR drivers.

Even when evidence is put forth on possible causes of sonic differences (skin effect, dielectric capacitance, etc.) people in the objectivist camp say that it's not enough to be audible.

Just to point out, those things you mention aren't really evidence per se. They're certain aspects of electrical behaviour, which some people theorise may explain the differences they claim to hear between wires with very similar basic RLC specifications. (obviously, if two wires are wildly dissimilar in RLC terms, then first port of call is to consider the effects of these basic features before wombling off into other areas). One would think that everyone had better things to be doing of course, in both camps. For pity's sake, it's wire. Not exactly the most thrilling subject in the world.

I can't believe that wire discussions go to such lengths. I would venture a guess that everyone discussing wires has more that just the wires that can be done to improve the overall quality. I put wires way down the list. Way down.

Amen.

[chrisb]

Originally posted by badman
I like teflon when it hasn't been extruded (wrapped) or polyethylene, preferably foamed. Enameled insulators are also useful when implemented correctly.

there's a place on West Hollywood blvd where you can get nicely flogged with either teflon or foamed polyethylene for $20


the enameled insulators do tend to leave a few scars ...


seriously, will we never get tired of this "what's the best / your favorite / but I think you're wrong, my friend" nonsense?

[GM]

Extremely 'cynical' is the only way to read any publication that relies on advertising associated with its main focus, i.e. audio components, etc. in an audio review mag, etc., so this limits the 'gentle reader' to Consumer Reports or similar and even these can only be taken with a 'grain of salt'. Thankfully, many dedicated forums such as this one has been around long enough now to garner enough real world data/opinions to allow a reasonably well informed buying choice, i.e. separate the 'wheat from the chaff', though as always Caveat Emptor applies.

GM

[planet10]

Originally posted by rjbond3rd
, e.g. the 98-cent tweak might seem ridiculous at first.

Not that one, there are some clear things at work here... supporting the floating edge of the whizzer and filtering the undercap resonances.

dave

[rjbond3rd]

Hi Dave, absolutely -- I meant to say that the 98-cent tweak does work, but to a lay person like me, it's not possible to know that beforehand. I can hear the difference, but then again, some people say they "hear" cable elevators and I'd love to know what they are (or think they are) hearing, as opposed to the supposed physics of the matter.

Incidentally, I'm sure the topic has been beated to death, but for those of us just tuning in, it's brand new. You folks have been at this for 20 years vs. just a year or two for us newbs.

[PaleRider]

My experience is that with big area solid conductors there is no insulation-probs worth mentioning. Seems like power seeks out in insulation if stressed through a tiny conductor, or at least that was the best suggestion we came up with on our norwegian forum.
(including Duelund)

I avoid teflon; never heard a teflon-insulated cable with a clean airy top.

[raypalmer]

I find wrapping my nordost freys in gossimer strands of silk woven by virgins really brings out the midrange.

Seriously though I do own nordost cables, the cheapest ones. Super flatline or something... Why splash out for them you ask?

Well I got them for dirty cheap (I'm in a related industry so I got the real price), and they look really cool. There I said it. They're fun to look at!

Vain I know...