Solid Core or Multistrand?

[commstech]

I have access to a supply of UPOCC gauge 14 solid single core , as well as multistrand hook-up wire from Neotech.(www.neotechcable.com)

I am just wondering which type( solid core or multistrand) is better for the application in terms of sonic quality, for high tension voltage for single-ended power amp project?

i am seeking comments and opinions here. TIA.

[ray_moth]

People will argue that there is a sonic difference. Whether there is or not, having used stranded to hook up my recent amp, I will definitely use solid next time. It is much easier to position things in point-to-point wriing with solid wire. There is also no danger of a rogue strand touching something it shouldn't.

[Geek]

I used to use multistrand, but a few people I greatly respect (and aren't known to be influenced by fads) said to try solid.

I can't hear the difference, nor can I 'scope the difference. But I use it now since I bought this economy sized roll of it

[kstagger]

for dealing with 9-pin tube sockets, small terminal boards and for routing - solid-core is preferred. I have some really nice Teflon stranded wire that I bought for my latest project, but it turned out to be a pain to use compared (as Ray pointed out) to solid-core.

I won't get into the sonic differences being I've never A/B-ed solid versus stranded in the same unit.

[SY]

What Ray said. Solid core is much more convenient. And some stranded wires (especially the ones with Teflon insulation) have a nasty tendency to fail over time right where the wire enters the insulation.

[jayme]

I have to agree with solid core, just because it is easier to work with.

However, 14gauge is kinda big for signal wiring...you might want to consider something between 18gauge and 24gauge. 20 gauge is a nice standard hookup wire.

I use teflon-coated solid core wire from CAT-5 wire. At 24-gauge, it is a bit delicate, but works great. And it is quite inexpensive.

For my high-current heaters, I use RadioShack 18-gauge wire. I had some 14-gauge, but after twisting the heater wires together, the combined run was just two difficult to use.

[ArtG]

Originally posted by SY
[B And some stranded wires (especially the ones with Teflon insulation) have a nasty tendency to fail over time right where the wire enters the insulation. [/B]

Sy,
Could you enlighten us a little more about this type of failure? I've been using milspec stranded silver plated teflon wire for years, and haven't seen this. But who knows? Perhaps I've been lucky. For the record, I use this because: 1/ I got lots of it years ago for nearly nothing 2/ Despite being stranded, it's easy to solder and work with, as it doesn't suffer from BSBP (Bloody Shrink-Back Phenomena). :-) I'll leave it's sonic advantages to the endless debate of the ages!

[Brian Beck]

Originally posted by SY
What Ray said. Solid core is much more convenient. And some stranded wires (especially the ones with Teflon insulation) have a nasty tendency to fail over time right where the wire enters the insulation.

I don't disagree, but I will say that it's not always easy to strip a tough insulation like Teflon without digging too deep and nicking the strands. I use either an Ideal stripper with very sharp precision dies for each wire gauge, or, as per military construction, a thermal stripper (but don't breath those fumes!).

I agree that solid core is way easier to dress in the chassis.

[Trout]

What about solid core Vs stranded when wiring speakers. Any noteworthy difference?

I only ask because I have been following a long and getting heated thread in a guitar amp forum.

Some of the claims seem pretty far fetched.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=195926

I have used both, though I never noticed the difference, Then again, I was not listening for a difference.

I like building with solid more so than stranded, But just because it holds shape and position better. I bet 60% of the time I still wire most of my builds with stranded just because I have a lot of it.

Trout

[SY]

Originally posted by ArtG



Sy,
Could you enlighten us a little more about this type of failure? I've been using milspec stranded silver plated teflon wire for years, and haven't seen this. But who knows? Perhaps I've been lucky. For the record, I use this because: 1/ I got lots of it years ago for nearly nothing 2/ Despite being stranded, it's easy to solder and work with, as it doesn't suffer from BSBP (Bloody Shrink-Back Phenomena). :-) I'll leave it's sonic advantages to the endless debate of the ages!

When I get home tonight, I'll dig up a little gem I found from Bob Pease on this issue. I had just finished doing the umpteenth repair on my preamp because of these failures when I ran across his explanation of why it happens and how to avoid it. I ignored the latter and just switched to solid core for internal wiring.