Do speaker cables need to be the same length?

[rif]

I need about 8 feet for one channel, 3 ft for the other based on amp placement. I have plenty of cable, just want to make things neat. maybe coil up an 8 ft length to get it to approx 3ft? Or just make a 3ft cable.

 

[AllenB]

It depends. Sometimes with longer runs there is enough resistance to make a slight variation in response vs frequency due to speaker impedance variations, often it is not an issue.

 

[adason]

I believe volume pot has much more channel imbalance, especially at low volume, that small difference in cable length is negligible.
In all honesty i make all symmetrical.

 

[planet10]

i make all symmetrical

Me too. And as short as possible.

dave

 

[Michael Bean]

There could be issues with different reactance values between the channels if those have an impact at all...but in all likelihood, probably no discernable difference.

Mike

 

[6L6]

I absolutely will not jump into the fray of a cable thread and say that “Oh of course X is better, how could you possibly think otherwise!?” BUT,

A symmetrical set will be much easier to utilize in the future.

 

[rif]

nor was I trying to start a dreaded cable war. I'll go with the same length