speaker wires...again?

barney69
barney69 Posts: 29
edited December 2001 in Technical/Setup
Hey guys, anybody know out there what kind of wires are best out there?

So far I have 12 AWG speaker wires with no connectors and the salesman told me that was fine and maybe better if it was a set up i don't intend to move around so much.
So my question is: Is it better to add spade/banana or anything like that to the wires?

Thanks in advance.
Post edited by barney69 on
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Comments

  • codsey
    codsey Posts: 8
    edited December 2001
    Hello Barney69,

    Now this subject could draw debate!

    Anyway, IXOS makes a nice braided speaker cable that imho has a nice neutral presentation. Try entering keyword ixos to access their site.To offer you any help deciding between banana/spade,
    Well... some of the most expensive cables use spade.Although,it's your own personal choice.
    Codsey
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  • juice21
    juice21 Posts: 1,866
    edited December 2001
    if you're using 12 AWG speaker cable, you should be getting sufficienct sound out of your speakers. i would suggest purchasing connectors for your speaker cable since copper will oxidize over time, and to protect the binding posts on your speakers, you should get some spades/bananas, whatever, but gold plated connectors to hook to your speakers. as for any kind of windings/bi-wiring... there are too many opinions out there, the choice is yours...

    just for your information... i am running original monster cable(12AWG) to all speakers currently. i was contemplating upgrading my fronts and center to monster MCX bi-wires, but i think i am going to have to listen to them before dishing out the $135 for them, bi-wring is a very sensitive subject in the audio world...
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  • phd500
    phd500 Posts: 75
    edited December 2001
    I am currently useing Horizen flat braded copper 12awg. It sounds very nice and has a warm sound to it, its not harsh on the highs and its smooth on the bass and midrange. The place were I bought it from said that Horizon is an OEM deller that is used by Monster cable. I got it for about$1.25 a foot.
    About the conectors, if your not going to be moving your system around allot I would highly recomend not using connectors. Think of it this way, if you use connectors it just gives the audio signal another conductor to flow true. Some audio files go so far as to take out the jumpers from the back of ther speakers and solder the speakers wires and the speaker cables together with silver. Wich gives you the best posible power transfer posible. About the spade conectors on the high end speaker cables, well if you pay $600.00-$2,000 or more for a pair of cables you don't want to have to be cuting off the ends and re stripping them every time you move your system.
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  • ducati
    ducati Posts: 13
    edited December 2001
    I don't personally add connectors to my wires; I twist them and solder. Works for me... Some people frown upon it tho. Cable questions are almost as fiery as oil debates on car boards :)

    I have used AudioQuest Type 4+ for years and absolutely love it. Great cable for (IMO) very fair prices.. I think an 8-foot set cost me about $50-60 at the local hifi shop. If you don't have a local dealer, try http://www.audioadvisor.com
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