Shortest possible speaker cables
tmartin2 -- Fri, 03/10/2006 - 07:44
Does it make sense to try for very short speaker cables? For example, in my set up there is really no reason I couldn't back the amp up to each speaker (I have mono amps) and have cables that are, say, 6" long? At that length, does the wire matter?
Shortest possible speaker cables make a lot of sense, both sonically and economically.
Several manufacturers of monoblocks claim that when their amps can be positioned right next to the speakers, the speaker cable doesn't make much/any difference.
I would recommend you find out what wiring is used in your monoblocks and get some 6" to 12" runs of it (It is an inexpensive experiment).
Good luck!
I would absolutely make the speaker cables as short has possible. I've used 12" cable with the monoblocks right behind each speaker. All cable degrades the signal; the less of it in the signal path, the better.
Robert Harley
Editor-in-Chief
The Absolute Sound
The Perfect Vision
Are there some cables that don't sound good short?
(OK, this seems like a silly question, but some cable manufacturers have suggested "ideal" lengths of their speaker cables and they're not very short. Seems like a good approach to sell more cable!).
tmartin2 wrote:Does it make sense to try for very short speaker cables? For example, in my set up there is really no reason I couldn't back the amp up to each speaker (I have mono amps) and have cables that are, say, 6" long? At that length, does the wire matter?
The answer encompasses more than your speaker cables in that shorter speaker cables will most likely require longer interconnects. Since interconnects carry a smaller signal, I would think there is more vulnerability to sonic consequences here.
I keep my interconnects down to a meter in length and make up the difference (in my case 15 ft.) with the speaker cables.
Happy Listening!
bdiament wrote:tmartin2 wrote:Does it make sense to try for very short speaker cables?
There are several answer to this question I would think and it depends on what kind of components you have and how you set it up. Always put your best quality cable near your best source. Let's say if your speaker are your best source and it just happen that your speaker cables is better quality then the interconnects then I would not say shorter speaker cables are necessarily better. However if your best source is your amp and it just happens that your interconnect cable is better quality then the speaker cables then I would think the answer is yes, the shorter speaker cables are the way to go. Always shorten your weakest link. There is only one way to find out the correct answer which is list all your systems here with your cables & cables' length and I believe lots of people here can suggest you the best way to set up your systems.
Cheers~ :)
PuppyTyler makes a good point about keeping your best interconnects closest to the source.
As for the theory that interconnects are more detrimental to sound quality than speaker cables because they carry a small and thus potentially vulnerable signal, I disagree. The electrical and magnetic forces involved in high-powered speaker-level signals are much greater in speaker cables, and thus introduce more sonic degradation. Many cable designers subscribe to this viewpoint.
Robert Harley
Editor-in-Chief
The Absolute Sound
The Perfect Vision
The folks at Mapleshade clearly state that they think longer speaker cables (i.e, over 8 feet) and shorter interconnects (i.e., one meter) are the way to go. I'd be curious to hear what others think of this arrangement.
PuppyTyler makes a good point about keeping your best interconnects closest to the source.
Thank You! Mr. Harley!
""The electrical and magnetic forces involved in high-powered speaker-level signals are much greater in speaker cables, and thus introduce more sonic degradation."" >>> I am with you!
In fact, the sound quality differences between the interconnect cables are subtle but very noticeable in speaker cables.
(("" because of the more electrical and magnetic forces involved...""))
Well, if price is not an issue, then it's worth it to invest money into high quality speaker cables & line cords.
However, if your budget is limited, upgrading the interconnect cables is a very cost effective way to improve the sound.
Interconnect cables usually break-in a lot faster than speaker cables and maybe that's why some people believe that interconnects are more detrimental to sound quality than speaker cables Not because they carry a small and thus potentially vulnerable signal but because you see the results a lot faster....
Am I treading on thin ice with these comments?? I hope not!
Hello
looking for new speaker cables.
already using audioquest "blues".
system consists of a pair Duntech Marguis and a pair of Aragon4004.
I am bi-wiring.
any suggestions?
dr.evil
Dr. E-
Kimber 8TC - great stuff and it doesn't cost one MILLION dollars! 8)
hth,
Scott (!)
Again Robert H is wrong.
All but few know that speakercables under 2m are not a good idea. They influence the reproduction of music in a negative way.
All but RH, the man that is ruining TAS and former Stereophile distroyer
Sorry, but that is complete nonsense. The shorter the better with speaker cables.
What is the logic of speaker cables needing to be 2 meters or longer? Or, if there is no logic, what is the emprical evidence?
Regarding short speaker cables (ie 1 foot) and amp monoblocks located right next to the speakers, might there not be signal degradation caused by the strong electro-magnetic forces generated by the speakers. I have (large) Usher BE 10s with 11 inch Eton woofers.
LAC
Placing the power amps adjacent to the speakers increases the possibility that the speakers' vibration would couple into the amps through the cables.
Speaker cables, as with all audio cables, should be supported in such a way as to minimize their vibration, and their ability to couple vibration into the connected equipment.
Cables may appear to be flexible for side-to-side motion, but are stiff along their axes. It is good to use cables long enough to allow a gentle S-curve to absorb axial vibration, and to support them with firm and acoustically quiet objects.
High current out put or high voltage output from the amp to the speakers? High current output amps appear not to be as problematic with longer cables. Still, as short as the installation comfortably permits is better.
FWIW, of course the manufacturer want you to use longer cables! It's good business. They are capitalists too! (NO BASH INTENDED!)
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