With speaker cables, how long is too long?
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
:scholar:
CPP
Active member
I've seen 14ga speaker cable run 100feet powering a pair of JBL's S3900, sounded pretty darn good.
And no doubt 12 ga would go a lot further.
And no doubt 12 ga would go a lot further.
KeithR
Active member
The old adage goes Long ICs, Short SCs...
Speedskater
Member
There is no, one size fits all answer.
It comes down to the end-to-end resistance/impedance of the cable with respect to the impedance curve of the loudspeaker.
It comes down to the end-to-end resistance/impedance of the cable with respect to the impedance curve of the loudspeaker.
johndoe21ro
New member
The shorter the better! I wouldn't buy cables longer than 8 feet. I can hear differences between 8 and 10 feet and I'm talking about hi-end cables! :snicker:
Melbguy1
Guest
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2016
- Messages
- 900
I agree the shorter the better & <8ft is best. I use 2.0 mtr sc's which is fortunately enough for my setup. And that has allowed me to upgrade to Jorma's flagship Statement cables. The longer the length required, obviously cost goes up and then you're potentially faced with the need to compromise on the level of cables you buy such as going for the next model down, or look 2nd hand.
CPP
Active member
I really think it all depends on the efficiency of your speakers, the amp, the distance and your EARS.
johndoe21ro
New member
My Everest loudspeaker cables are 8ft long. The downside with them is that they are terribly rigid and therefore complicated to position.
PMCH
Member
I use 7m interconnects to my amps and 6' speaker cables. For a long run I prefer the long interconnects.
Transparent does not make any speaker cable under 8 feet. I know they have experimented with shorter distances and their research showed that they didn't work as well. Maybe some one can give the exact details why? I know I read it somewhere years ago but I didn't memorize it...
Melbguy1
Guest
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2016
- Messages
- 900
Ive never heard that before, so I'm just as curious as you..
nonsense ! .......but then I assume you were joking !
Not at all.
This was given to me as a tidbit from an ultra highend designer. A fellow with encyclopaedic knowledge. Take it or leave it.
still-one
Active member
Like many I prefer short SC and longer interconnects for 3 reasons. 1) sound quality. I want as little between my speakers as possible and I find it better with amps low to the ground and components off to the side. 2) asthetics 3) cost. Usually speaker cable costs more than interconnects, especially in the Transparent line.
Jim Smith
Member
IMO - the acoustic wave-launch into the room, and proper reception of it at the listening seat is most important. Once you know that, only then can you decide what to do about cables & lengths.
For example, I would not recommend damaging the acoustic wave-launch into the room, just so you can keep a certain cable or cable length. Those cable differences are MINISCULE when compared to best room/speaker interface.
For example, I would not recommend damaging the acoustic wave-launch into the room, just so you can keep a certain cable or cable length. Those cable differences are MINISCULE when compared to best room/speaker interface.
Speedskater
Member
Of course he was joking.
Even component video cables don't need to be that close.
But you have to be realistic about it:
A 1 meter and a 100 meter speaker cable would always be a bad idea.
While a 3 meter and 6 meter cable should be OK.
a.wayne
Well-known member
Correct ..........
still-one
Active member
Okay, I might be able to get my speakers cables to within 1mm. Now what do I do with my ears? I am pretty sure they are not exactly symmetrical. 