Hi All.
I've been recently engaged with Crossover rejuvenation projects on a number of vintage Loudspeakers.
Part of this is to allow me to build up knowledge and expertise in Loudspeakers.
A member previously advised the use of Jaycar jumbo Speaker cable.
It's fig8 multi strand ofc speaker cable with 12/13 awg per core.
Peeling the two cores apart yields double the length.
Jumbo OFC Fig.8 Speaker Cable - Sold per metre | Jaycar Electronics
I was hoping to get advise as to which cable to use for internal Loudspeaker upgrades.
I don't know either way, but if it's decided internal wiring doesn't have an impact on reproduced sound, then I'd also be looking for things to avoid.
These might include high resistance, poor insulation properties, or other characteristics which might cause issues.
And/or are there wiring conventions such as color etc.
Also, are there cable tests which can be performed?
Not looking for state of the art, but rather best bang for buck solutions.
cheers
Cliff
I've been recently engaged with Crossover rejuvenation projects on a number of vintage Loudspeakers.
Part of this is to allow me to build up knowledge and expertise in Loudspeakers.
A member previously advised the use of Jaycar jumbo Speaker cable.
It's fig8 multi strand ofc speaker cable with 12/13 awg per core.
Peeling the two cores apart yields double the length.
Jumbo OFC Fig.8 Speaker Cable - Sold per metre | Jaycar Electronics
I was hoping to get advise as to which cable to use for internal Loudspeaker upgrades.
I don't know either way, but if it's decided internal wiring doesn't have an impact on reproduced sound, then I'd also be looking for things to avoid.
These might include high resistance, poor insulation properties, or other characteristics which might cause issues.
And/or are there wiring conventions such as color etc.
Also, are there cable tests which can be performed?
Not looking for state of the art, but rather best bang for buck solutions.
cheers
Cliff
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Who decides what? It's the "end user", in this case the figure of an "audiophile", right?
In sound reproduction every "piece" matters 100% to the end result, from the sound catch ( recording) to the ears of the audiophile, being the substance between the ears that processes the waves to form the ( musical) sound.
The difference from state-of-the-art and bang-for-the-buck is only demanded to the DIYer, to produce something that pleases him/her.
So, imagine that you've got SOA source, interconnects, amplifiers, speakers, room and tons of brains& culture&musical taste & great capacity of jurisdiction in giving the right values to every piece; since everything is SOA, when coming to speakers you'd have the right tools to form the right verdict between cables.
😱
I use to use solid copper enameled 1mm wire 'cos it's the one that I find at my "electronic dealer". I'd like to find OFC copper with the right dielectric insulation but at my stage I'm fine. There are a lot of priorities when making a project...and every one is 100% !
I would suggest any reasonable quality 78 strand fig of 8 is fine but you will have trouble beating 2.5mm T&E household cheapo mains cable if it is not on view.
As far as dielectrics go, usually flexibility, protection from damage and environmental considerations. You don't need to worry about audibility since the laws of physics dictate that dielectric effects are in essence non-existent at or anywhere near audio frequencies. Dielectric Absorption in Cables Debunked | Audioholics
Typically the only significant concern for internal wiring (and not much of one in most common-sense applications) is resistance. Providing the wire is of sufficient gauge to carry all the intended voltage / current without losses (and most internal runs are relatively short so loop resistance is low), you're bobbing.
Typically the only significant concern for internal wiring (and not much of one in most common-sense applications) is resistance. Providing the wire is of sufficient gauge to carry all the intended voltage / current without losses (and most internal runs are relatively short so loop resistance is low), you're bobbing.
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I have used external crossovers with long "internal" (as in external) wiring, and found the wires made a difference. I found a speaker cable that I like and stick with that for the internal wiring. I do avoid silver plated copper, but have used silver for tweeter wiring.
Everyone has different preferences. I am afraid I can't choose for you, I can only.tell you.how I make my.choices.
thanks awkward.
Appreciate your comment about individuals and their preferences.
Always have an ear to learning other peoples thought process and ideas.
I was interested to learn your choices on speaker wiring and thoughts behind them.
While possibly these may or not apply in my current situations, my goal eventually is to build something exceptional to me.
Your input may help me to towards my goal.
Thanks scott
Then what would an optimal awg be for the internal speaker cable to minimise possibility of resistance loss?
Previously I was unaware of the concept of dialectric absorbtion and its possible resultant issues.
With insulation, I visualise possible radiation emanating from poorly insulated wire and its affect on sound. Is there such a thing, and would insulation reduce this?
Use 0.5 mm to 1 mm multi strand wire.
At those lengths resistance is hundredths of an ohm, completely irrelevant.
At those lengths resistance is hundredths of an ohm, completely irrelevant.
No, this is not the purpose of insulation.
A speaker is a low frequency, low impedance environment. This is not the end of the range to be concerned with EMI or DA in internal wiring. Nor cable capacitance.
This is not a bad question. I'd offer that multi-strand cable is designed to flex, which can have advantages in an environment of vibration.
It is debatable whether the vibration is sufficient to cause problems with solid core, and it would depend on the wire gauge. But at least one person has recently suggested that solid core is less likely to sag and droop into the drivers. However, large solid core could put strain on speaker solder lugs, unless steps are taken to mitigate this, such as coiling the wire. And over sized cables risks putting too much heat into the lugs or other components while soldering. Soldering heatsinks are available.
Recently I have been using 1.5mm Mundorf siver/gold solid core for tweeters, and Studio Connections Reference speaker cable for the rest, which is my general speaker cable. But I get these either free or very cheaply, otherwise I couldn't afford them. £1000 for a 2.5 metre pair of terminated speaker cables!
I have been building speakers on and off for 50 years, and although I make no claim of technical expertise I have discovered what I like and don't like.
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A common anecdote..
A person twists wires and crossover components repeatedly over a period of time, and contaminates the joints from the skin's acid mantle. Decides one day to re-wire and solder everything.. notices a difference in sound.. spreads the news and starts a trend.. Blames it on wire.
Some time later they begin to doubt their understanding and re-wire again with a different wire altogether and notice no difference. This causes them to try to force the situation. They add resistance, a hundred or more milliohms to see if they can hear it. They notice a change.. They judge whether it is better or worse, rather than simply noticing it is different.. Get on the internet and tell everyone to use car jumper cables for speaker wire.
A person twists wires and crossover components repeatedly over a period of time, and contaminates the joints from the skin's acid mantle. Decides one day to re-wire and solder everything.. notices a difference in sound.. spreads the news and starts a trend.. Blames it on wire.
Some time later they begin to doubt their understanding and re-wire again with a different wire altogether and notice no difference. This causes them to try to force the situation. They add resistance, a hundred or more milliohms to see if they can hear it. They notice a change.. They judge whether it is better or worse, rather than simply noticing it is different.. Get on the internet and tell everyone to use car jumper cables for speaker wire.
The solution to this, a system of cable supports, will help in either case. Cable supports are mandatory in other equipment such as amplifiers due to the risks involved in wires either moving around with the others, or breaking off, as well as for maintaining noise figures.