Speaker Cable – A Test

tapeshc

System

Source – Pioneer – DVD 563S
Jolida 1000A or ASL AQ2004 + Rotel RB-1090.
Lsi15
Interconnects – Audioquest Sidewinder.
Power Cable – Monster Cable IEC 300

Reference Cable used –
Audioquest Type 4 (2X20 AWG Solid, 2 17AWG Solid)
Long Grain Copper
Marked for signal direction.

Cables that I used were bought at Home Depot.

14G Solid Core @.12c/ft. (Used for electrical needs) for Bass/Mid
2-18G Solid Core @ .10C/ft (Used for thermostat and security alarm system) For Highs
I twisted them together.

Although here the gauges are not same of but that was best AQ wire I could afford for this experiment. Although before I settle down with this wire I would like to compare it with Cardas Cross, as that’s what I wanted initially.

Results- AQ wire couldn’t carry all the bass for sure, and had overall loss in mid and highs too. May be AWG, played its roll here.

HD wire exceptional performance in Bass and bit more open better feeling in mid and highs.

Monster XP – not even comparable. I used it for last 5 years.

While visiting many manufacturers sites and some independent sites, one thing was common that twisting and braiding was always recommended to take care interference. Although not being too technical I couldn’t understand much about it.

Although I do feel that these manufacturers are not fooling us, there a lot one can do with geometry of cable and shielding and of course the wire it self. So if they say they are doing it I believe it and that may be making a diff. Point is how much diff and is it practicable/audible and that gain justifies that extra 00’s $.

Bottom line its worth a try before spending $250+ for a full range cable. It will cost you $5-$10 and some time and hassle.

Please understand that this is entirely my opinion based on what my 36yr old humble ears could hear It’s a opinion not a verdict. Neither I am suggesting that one or the other manufacturer is better or worst. While these manufacturers know what they are doing based on their research and huge knowledgebase, I am nobody to comment on their work or product.

Please advice or suggest if you think I missed something.

Although rusting is what I am concerned about that will induce connection resistance.

Helpful links, that I used.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/int.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~rogerr7/wire.htm

tapeshc

No comments, suggestions :eek:

Is the topic is so unintresting or my test is so stupid to even comment.

P.HUNT

WAS THE MONSTER BETTER OR WORSE THAN THE TWO

Frank Z

I quess that I need a bit of clarification.

You listed the wire as "Solid Core". Can I assume you were using solid wire instead of stranded?

Not sure about the reference to Monster cable either. Are you saying that it sounded better than the AQ and HD wire?

RuSsMaN

Nice comments, but if it aint a dbt, it really dont mean sheat.

Cheers,
Rooster

tapeshc

Yes the wire was solid wire not stranded.

Monster XP was lacking in bass most and mids and highs were not as resolved as in case of hand made wires.

Frank Z

While I appreciate the comparison and the effort you put into it, I think that comparing similar wire configurations would be a bit more revealing. Brand X (14 ga stranded copper) vs Brand Y (14 GA stranded copper) vs Brand Z (14 GA stranded copper)

Still, your results are interesting.

tapeshc

Frank,

Point is valid but actualy my cocentration was more on cost.

Why Monster XP : Because thats the first wire every body tries when he gets in HT / ST, at least thats the one suggested by every audio store or BB OR CC, so thats why I chose that one.

AQ Type 4+ : Thats where their premium or serious wires start. They talk about geomatry and copper and sheilding. So I thought this can be another one to compare with.

Point is while above mentioned cables are starting points for beginners(XP) or serious listners(AQ Type 4+), they are way too expensive and underperform when compared to a ordinary wire.

As I mentioned it was an excersie to save money while not sacrificing music quality.

If I have to have same gauge as the ordinary wire I would be spending much more money for comparing them. It will be like $3.00 V/S $300.00, in that case even if it out performs hand made wire, I wont spend those extra $297.00, if its not significant. Thats me , just an opinion.

dan t

I believe the mind can play 'tricks' on you. One cable might sound better or worse than the other if you know which cables you are comparing.

Blind test's are the way to go. I'll try it with some Vodka's I'm taste testing. Is Kettle One better than Stoli? I'll keep you posted.

Dan

tapeshc

Tests were blind.

When I listened my wife was swapping wires.

When my wife listened, I was swapping wires.

We just refered to them as #1 #2 #3.

Hope that helps

RuSsMaN

Blind is *ok*, double blind is better.

dan t

Tests were blind.

Ok. That helps. Thanks for posting your opinions from this experiment.

Dan

dan t

double blind is better.

I'll make sure to have both eyes closed when I'm sampling the Vodka.

Dan

dorokusai

I vote for Kettle 1....hijack over.