Speaker Wire Question

bprice2 · « **on:** 4 Aug 2009, 10:21 pm »

I can't remember why, but I started thinking about speaker cable the other day. I did some looking around here on the Omega forum and found a few discussions that have taken place over the past few years regarding speaker cable and Omega loudspeakers.

Based on what I've read, it seems solid core copper wire is the way to go. Some of the conversations I've read seemed to indicate that thinner wire is better (29 gauge) and others indicated thicker being better (10 gauge). I've also read here on the forum that running two wires between the amp and speakers on the positive side while running only one on the negative is the way to go.

The various conversations that have occurred here regarding speaker cable have taken place at different stages of Omega's evolution from Fostex drivers to hemp drivers to alnico drivers. With that being said, is there an optimal speaker wire for particular drivers? Amps?

I've been using Bolder Cable M-80s between my Red Wine Audio Signature 30 and my Omega Super 3 Bipoles with hemp drivers. I believe this cable is a silver/copper mix and is four (two maybe?) 18 gauge wires per cable. I've enjoyed this setup very much, but after hearing folks swear by copper I'm interested in playing around with other options.

I went down to ~~Radio~~ Shack and purchased some 24 gauge solid core copper speaker wire and cut two equal lengths and hooked it up. I don't have an assessment yet, but I think the bass may have been diminished...not sure yet.

Anyway...what do y'all use and/or recommend? Any input would be appreciated.

sugbob21 · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Aug 2009, 12:25 pm »

try DNM cable from Simplifi Audio

Capt. Z · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Aug 2009, 02:05 pm »

I haven't experimented yet with solid core cable on speakers, but as IC cables and headphone cables.

Since my experience with the Fidelity Audio was so outstanding I just ordered some IC and speaker cable from Fidelity Audio. At the moment the guys is waiting for parts, before he can construct the cable. Below is a a link to some 'review' including my impressions and comparissons.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/first-review-fidelity-audios-dead-neutral-headphone-cable-418300/

bprice2 · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Aug 2009, 04:58 pm »

I had a chance last night to give a better listen with the 24 gauge solid core copper speaker wire. It sounds very good. I estimate that the two six foot pieces I used cost just under $1.00 (I paid about $5.00 for a 75 foot roll). Bass was all there and very articulate. Highs sounded great as well, and mids were solid. I'll need to go back and compare the sound with the Bolder M80s more closely, but my feeling at the moment is the M80s flesh-out the bass a bit better. One thing I did notice that has never been a problem with the M80s is the pops I could hear through the speakers when my wife turned the washing machine on. Every time the machine would switch cycles...POP!

Next I'll try listening with with a double strand on the positive side.

Also, thanks for your comments so far. I'll check out your recommendations.

I guess I should add that I'm not looking to buy new cables. Like others are surely experiencing, there's no money right now for hi-fi hobbying, but there is most assuredly interest in tinkering with what I got...it's fun.

nortonkp · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Aug 2009, 03:08 am »

For a complete explanation of gauge and type of speaker cables to use go to:

http://www.virtualdynamics.ca/the-oddiophile-ep-9

That said I use and recommend DNM Stereo Solid Core Precision speaker cables. It is 0.65mm diameter or 19ga. I rewired my Super 8s with it as well! For the best price order from: (they deduct the 15% VAT when you ship to a US address)

http://www.hificables.co.uk/c/2396/DNM-Spk-Cables.html

Happy listening, Kevin

santacore · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Aug 2009, 03:42 am »

On Louis' recommendation, I picked up the DNM speaker cable. It sounds as good or better then anything else I've used with the Omega's. As a bonus, the price is very good. Recommended!

JDK1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Aug 2009, 11:59 am »

Morning all:
When I first started to rebuild, I went the simplistic wire approach (to my Omega XRS3) with the 47Lab OTA Cable, which received very good reviews and is solid core. As I progressed, I felt that something was missing and I (gulp) plunked down a bunch of cash for the Auditorium 23 speaker cables...Without any other changes (I was using the RWA Sig 30.2 at the time), the sound became more solid, organic, calmer (at both ends of the spectrum)...In the end, I am sure that the Omegas will sound great with just about any cable (whether DNM cable, the 47labs, Fidelity or RS, etc.), it just depends on what ultimately works for you...
- Jonathan

Eadron · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Aug 2009, 03:51 pm »

Well, the speakers are 8" XRS.Electronics comes from the RWA (Isabella, 70.2 monos). Tried different types of cables; Audio Tekne, Auditorium 23, and DNM as suggested by Louis. Hell yes, Louis knows his stuff. The most economical DNM Solid Core Precision and ic w/ Eichmann Bullet Plugs (copper) works wonders, imo

. Very good cables with Omegas.

jouni

bprice2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Aug 2009, 05:22 pm »

Quote

I am sure that the Omegas will sound great with just about any cable (whether DNM cable, the 47labs, Fidelity or RS, etc.), it just depends on what ultimately works for you...

This seems to be the lesson derived from my little experiment.

Based on what I've heard through this process, I believe most folks would be quite happy with what speaker wire purchased from The Shack for under $1.00 will do with Omega speakers. This setup will most definitely work for me while my M80s are being repaired.

Eadron · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Aug 2009, 07:11 pm »

Quote from: JDK1 on 6 Aug 2009, 11:59 am

As I progressed, I felt that something was missing and I (gulp) plunked down a bunch of cash for the Auditorium 23 speaker cables...Without any other changes (I was using the RWA Sig 30.2 at the time), the sound became more solid, organic, calmer (at both ends of the spectrum)...In the end, I am sure that the Omegas will sound great with just about any cable (whether DNM cable, the 47labs, Fidelity or RS, etc.), it just depends on what ultimately works for you...
- Jonathan

I'll second that. It's a great thing that you could get the best from the Omegas by spending only few bucks for cables. That said Auditorium 23, Audio Tekne, some German vintage studio cables

for example will make different and quite thrilling presentations for sure..but what's most important of course it's up to you what ultimately works for you..

jouni

DaveC113 · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Aug 2009, 07:17 pm »

It really depends on what speaker and gear... I once tried 2 VERY different ICs on my 4.5" XRS and another AC member's Max Hemps, using the same amplifier. One IC was a single strand of high purity silver in cotton, the other was 8 strands of the same gage copper in cotton, wrapped in a litz helix. If you're familiar with both speakers, it would come as no surprise that the silver IC sounded better on the Max, and the copper on the XRS.

As far as speaker wire, I have tried LOTS, several gages of magnet wire in different configurations, including the anit-cable stuff. Cat5 braids, Wal-Mart woods patio cable, etc, etc... I am currently using 20 gage mil-spec (silver plated copper in teflon, stranded) in a star-quad configuration. Many of them sound good, I think it just depends on what you like, which speaker and what equipment you're using.

Also, I noticed BIG differences in cables using my Trends T-amp, but my kt88/el34 SET amp is far less sensitive to changes in cable to the point I'm not interested in experimenting anymore.

konut · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Aug 2009, 08:24 pm »

When I recieved my Omega A8s Louis was kind enough to include a short pair of the 3 strand DNM cable. When looking into the reasonig behind the precisely spaced solid core wire, eddy currents were the theory behind the design. I used these for years until the oppourtunity to obtain some of the solid core magnet wire Anti-Cables at a good price. These were a subjective improvement. Heavier gauge, wider spacing, whats not to like?

Louis O · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Aug 2009, 08:17 pm »

Hi All,

I have tried a lot of different cables and I do like the Solid core and had good luck with the RS wire too. If I were to make a set out of RS cable, it would be a great idea to run the double positive and single negative like I do inside of the cabs.

Thanks,
Louis

bprice2 · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Aug 2009, 10:20 pm »

Quote from: Louis O on 8 Aug 2009, 08:17 pm

Hi All,

I have tried a lot of different cables and I do like the Solid core and had good luck with the RS wire too. If I were to make a set out of RS cable, it would be a great idea to run the double positive and single negative like I do inside of the cabs.

Thanks,
Louis

Yep...that's what I'm doing (doubled up on the positive side). Works like a charm.

Capt. Z · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Aug 2009, 11:20 pm »

Do you twist them or run them straight side by side or ???

bprice2 · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Aug 2009, 12:36 am »

This is what I did.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Aug 2009, 01:48 am »

Solid Core OCC wires, especially the really thin ones such as the one offered by 47 Labs can sound quite revealing but being purist, without much shielding can produce undesirable RF interactions as I have experienced.

Some people will question the necessity of spending lots of $$$$ on cabling, but I have yet to hear from experience of people complaining that their more $$$$$ cable sounds worse than the cheaper one that it replaced. This does not mean that it will "look" different electrically in an empirical test, such as what engineers and other scientists will conduct.

One thing that I have read about are what some Japanese tube/Single fullrange exhibitors have done. Their system had tubed amplification and it was wired to Single fullrange type of speakers. The particulars were that their speaker wire was a brute, something that reminded people of large diameter hoses, very very heavy and unwieldy, but it produce outstanding sound. That is something to consider.

The biggest problem with unwielding cables is that sometimes or MOST of the times it is next to impossible to wire it satisfactorily to one's binding hardware.

Capt. Z · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Aug 2009, 03:26 am »

Looks like you run the plus and minus side seperate.

bprice2 · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Aug 2009, 04:17 pm »

Quote from: Capt. Z on 10 Aug 2009, 03:26 am

Looks like you run the plus and minus side seperate.

Yes, that is what I'm doing. The strand I'm using on the positive utilizes both pairs in the strand. The negative strand utilizes just one of the pair.

Capt. Z · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Aug 2009, 07:00 pm »

Since I need to have the cable looking acceptable to my wife, would placing all 3 solid core wire into a Techflex tube 'alter' the sound?