I'd like to use some solid core silver wire for the signal path of a simple tube pre-amp. In the past, I've used 18g, 20g and 22g for different portions of the wiring. Is there any reason to not just wire the whole thing up with 20g? Does reducing the wire diameter to 22g (or thinner) for the lowest signal portions make any sense? TIA
Dave
Dave
Anything 20 gauge or smaller is fine for a preamp. Larger sizes than that will start showing some skin effect
at the top of the audio range. The actual voltage level does not matter, just the frequency and wire size.
at the top of the audio range. The actual voltage level does not matter, just the frequency and wire size.
I've always only used 20 gauge solid wire in audio gear, except in ss power amps.
Just be careful never to nick the wire, and use only fixed size strippers, not adjustable types.
Understanding Skin Effect and Frequency
Technical Article: Does Audio Cable Skin Effect Matter | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Just be careful never to nick the wire, and use only fixed size strippers, not adjustable types.
Understanding Skin Effect and Frequency
Technical Article: Does Audio Cable Skin Effect Matter | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Last edited:
20AWG is pretty big for signal. I've run 20AWG as surround speaker wires before.
Save over half the cost with 24AWG!
Save over half the cost with 24AWG!
I find it easier to physically deal with 20g over smaller gauges. So unless there is an audible reason to go with the 24g, I'd like to stick to the 20g.
There are several mechanical reasons for choosing one wire over another. But in a vacuum tube voltage stage, any small AWG will do electrically. Filaments, DC supply and power output stage are a different story.
It depends on an rated output power and a rated load impedance, of cause.
16 AWG is about 1.3 mm2 - is ok for a really powerful ones, up to 1-2 kVA rated ones.
For a 50W rated amp (+-) you may use 18-20 AWG, and sometimes even 22 AWG for some wires (for half of all wires) is good enough.
Think about that only output wires (from amp module output to output terminals) have to be thick. Almost all other wires carry at least twice as smaller current.
16 AWG is about 1.3 mm2 - is ok for a really powerful ones, up to 1-2 kVA rated ones.
For a 50W rated amp (+-) you may use 18-20 AWG, and sometimes even 22 AWG for some wires (for half of all wires) is good enough.
Think about that only output wires (from amp module output to output terminals) have to be thick. Almost all other wires carry at least twice as smaller current.
Last edited: