[matt.w]

Apologies if this belongs elsewhere, but it seems technical.

Would it be OK to use interconnect cable as speaker wire? I am concerned about the additional capacitance the cable would present to the amp (did I get that right?) after hearing tales of amp oscillation, etc.

Obviously this would vary amp-to-amp. I'm using some ICE modules right now.

As to why I'm doing this- my condo has an existing in-wall run of RCAs from the original owners' installation. Running new in-wall cabling is prohibitive. I'd love to use the existing cable for my amp to speakers.

[pjchappy]

I would say in 99% of the cases, no.  An interconnect is made up of a much smaller gauge wire than speaker cables, which wouldn't be sufficient enough to handle the greater current a speaker cable would see.  This would be a fire hazard.

Further, typical interconnects are made differently than speaker cables.  They usually are a single conductor with a braided shield.  The conductor is the positive connection and the braid is the negative.  On the other hand, a speaker cable is usually 2 conductors (or multiple conductors), with one conductor(s) going to the positive and the other conductor(s) going to the negative.

By the way, welcome to AC!   


Paul

[gerald porzio]

A terrible idea. Use @ least 16 Ga. cable for short spkr. runs.

[45triode]

hi there,

well, i use audio consulting switzerland solid core silver wire in my DIY ICs. this cable works very well as speaker cable on my effcient druids. i also use it for a power cord. always in cotton tubing. amazing wire. i bought it on a spool from boenicke audio.

[Speedskater]

It's not a good choice for speaker wire!
But in an emergency it will work.
It wont burn up, it can handle 6 Amps or more continuously and capacitance is not a problem.
So if you're on a desert island in a snow storm with no gas in the car it will get you through the day. 

[matt.w]

Thanks everyone. Did not think of the current handling. I knew it was probably a bad idea, but didn't hurt to ask.