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Best speaker wire

gdphotogdphoto Posts: 149
in Speakers
I have a set of SDA 1c's which I bought new in 1987. Did a rebuild on them in 2010. They are driven by my Hafler DH220 power amp which puts out 115 watts per channel. Everything sounds very nice. My question is, they have been hooked up with Monster Cables all of these years, should these cables be up graded? Any great DIY ideas out there that you would recomend? Is there any reason why I should, or should not change them? Thanks! Gary
Hafler DH220 Rebuilt
Hafler DH110 Rebuilt
Hafler Digital FM Tuner
Virtue Audio M1 Piano CD Player
Technics SL-1210-MK5 with a Rega Exact Cartridge
Polk SDA1c's(Rebuilt XO's by Ben)
«134567…18

Comments

  • rpf65rpf65 Posts: 1,896
    Yes, you should change them. Lots of better choices out there.
  • halohalo Posts: 4,611
    gdphoto wrote: »
    I have a set of SDA 1c's which I bought new in 1987. Did a rebuild on them in 2010. They are driven by my Hafler DH220 power amp which puts out 115 watts per channel. Everything sounds very nice. My question is, they have been hooked up with Monster Cables all of these years, should these cables be up graded? Any great DIY ideas out there that you would recomend? Is there any reason why I should, or should not change them? Thanks! Gary

    If you know anyone from whom you can borrow different brands of speaker cables that would be ideal. In that situation, you can try before you buy, so to speak. Cables lend a degree of synergy to a system as a whole and cables that sound good to you are not always going to be what sounds good to someone else. Let your ears be the judge. Also, what is your budget and how many feet do you need? Do you prefer banana connectors or spades?

    Douglas Connections offers discounts to Polk Forum members, as does Signal Cable. Just be sure to mention that you are a member of the forum when you place your order.

    Audioquest cables are available from Audio Advisor at deep discounts:

    Type 4, Type 8, Rocket 33, Rocket 88.

    I don't own SDA speakers but those on the forum that do have reported excellent results with MIT speaker cables. Best prices are from Joe Abrams on Audiogon as he is an authorized retailer.

    You can always look to Audiogon, your local Craigslist, eBay, HiFi Shark, or USAudioMart for good deals on used cables as well.

    Hope that helps and good luck :)
    Audio: KEF Q150 * McCormack DNA-125 * Cary Audio Designs CPA-1 * Elac Discovery DS-S101-G * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Technics SL-Q2 * Grado Prestige1 Red * ART DJ Pre II * Way Excellent II Mat
    Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,246
    I had the Monster z series before. I actually had a tinge of guilt when I sold them. Surely they were better than clear coat. Surely?

    Those were the only items I’ve sold that I felt that way with.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • heiney9heiney9 Posts: 23,921
    Monster is terrible cable.

    On a budget check out Douglas Connections as Halo pointed out.

    To wake up the system and have it sound correct. MIT cables from Joe Abrams.

    Cables matter.....everything matters.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass

    Pass Aleph 30 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Plus DAC | MIT Shotgun S3 | MIT Z P/C's | updated SDA 1C| SQ Box Touch/Welbourne Labs P/S- Tubes add soul!
  • joecoulsonjoecoulson Posts: 1,431
    ASM movement
    2ch: PS Audio Stellar Gain pre, 4 x Linn LK240 monoblocks ( bi-amping) Elac Adante AF-61's, SVS SB16 Ultra Subwoofer, Cambridge Audio CXN v2, Rega Planar 2 with upgrades, Vincent PHO 701 Phono pre, Audioquest Niagara 1000, AQ Thunder, AQ XLR's and IC's, Wireworld Stratus and Aurora power cables, Atlas EOS power cable, Denon 2910 (as transport) Sony CPD355 Jukebox cd

    5.1: Marantz sr5003 (feeding mains through HT bypass) Sonus Faber solo center, AQ Carbon HDMI's, Sony XBRx900E, Xbox One S as 4k player, Definitive Technology SM350's surrounds, Tivo Bolt, Harmony Elite remote

    Other gear: Totem Rainmakers (not hooked up) Sonos play 5 and play 1's x 2, Audio Technica TT and Edifier active speakers in kids room, JVC XM448 minidisc rack mount, Sony minidisc walkman, Project Debut III (currently not working), Samsung 46, and 2 x32" tvs, Samsung Soundbar, Okki Nokki LP cleaner, Second Harmony remote setup for bedroom, etc etc
  • VR3VR3 Posts: 22,478
    One of my favorites that I replaced MIT shotguns with was the DH Labs Q10. Fantastic wire

    Currently sporting the supra Quadrax, which I am fond of. I would do Q10, but just don't want to plunk down 30 bucks a foot
    - Not Tom

    Vr3Mods.com ///// Version3Audio.com

    "No, that's silly talk. Dude, you can't possibly be this audio dumb so quit the act." - Doro
  • joecoulsonjoecoulson Posts: 1,431
    I used to run DH T14 with my Totems and it’s was very detailed.
    2ch: PS Audio Stellar Gain pre, 4 x Linn LK240 monoblocks ( bi-amping) Elac Adante AF-61's, SVS SB16 Ultra Subwoofer, Cambridge Audio CXN v2, Rega Planar 2 with upgrades, Vincent PHO 701 Phono pre, Audioquest Niagara 1000, AQ Thunder, AQ XLR's and IC's, Wireworld Stratus and Aurora power cables, Atlas EOS power cable, Denon 2910 (as transport) Sony CPD355 Jukebox cd

    5.1: Marantz sr5003 (feeding mains through HT bypass) Sonus Faber solo center, AQ Carbon HDMI's, Sony XBRx900E, Xbox One S as 4k player, Definitive Technology SM350's surrounds, Tivo Bolt, Harmony Elite remote

    Other gear: Totem Rainmakers (not hooked up) Sonos play 5 and play 1's x 2, Audio Technica TT and Edifier active speakers in kids room, JVC XM448 minidisc rack mount, Sony minidisc walkman, Project Debut III (currently not working), Samsung 46, and 2 x32" tvs, Samsung Soundbar, Okki Nokki LP cleaner, Second Harmony remote setup for bedroom, etc etc
  • jdjohnjdjohn Posts: 521
    VR3 wrote: »
    One of my favorites that I replaced MIT shotguns with was the DH Labs Q10. Fantastic wire

    Currently sporting the supra Quadrax, which I am fond of. I would do Q10, but just don't want to plunk down 30 bucks a foot
    Only $22.50 here! https://www.ebay.com/itm/DH-Labs-Silver-Sonic-Q-10-Signature-Speaker-Cable-sold-by-the-Foot-DIY/360331643024
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    or here.
    https://www.moon-audio.com/dh-labs-q-10-bulk-speaker-cable.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_6UiJqg3wIVjLbACh3FZg5lEAQYBCABEgLnSfD_BwE&ad=303026047368


    Actually thanks Trey looking into this stuff I seen their site and the hook up wire I'll think about for my 2.3TL's when I re-wire them. OCC and silver coated..woohoo
  • VR3VR3 Posts: 22,478
    edited December 2018
    T14 is nice but has absolutely nothing on the Q10.

    Q10 is some of the best wire on the market, imo

    Side note, the air matrix interconnects are also incredible
    - Not Tom

    Vr3Mods.com ///// Version3Audio.com

    "No, that's silly talk. Dude, you can't possibly be this audio dumb so quit the act." - Doro
  • jdjohnjdjohn Posts: 521
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Actually thanks Trey looking into this stuff I seen their site and the hook up wire I'll think about for my 2.3TL's when I re-wire them. OCC and silver coated..woohoo
    If you're talking about re-wiring the internals, you might check-out this eBay seller's stuff: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=37221-2575&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_salic=1&_fss=1&_fsradio=&LH_SpecificSeller=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=navships&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_fosrp=1 He's got all manner of silver-coated wire...looks to be military and NASA surplus.
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,246
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    or here.
    https://www.moon-audio.com/dh-labs-q-10-bulk-speaker-cable.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_6UiJqg3wIVjLbACh3FZg5lEAQYBCABEgLnSfD_BwE&ad=303026047368


    Actually thanks Trey looking into this stuff I seen their site and the hook up wire I'll think about for my 2.3TL's when I re-wire them. OCC and silver coated..woohoo

    I’d strongly suggest the Wireworld Helicon OCC if you are talking about internal wiring.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • BlueFoxBlueFox Posts: 10,348
    'Best' is, most likely, out of the poster's price range. However, a really good inexpensive cable is the Shunyata Venom speaker cables. I have them in my Home Theater/spare stereo, and they sound great.

    https://shunyata.com/products/speaker-cables/venom-sp/

    Bud - Silicon Valley

    Lumin S1
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    edited December 2018
    jdjohn wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Actually thanks Trey looking into this stuff I seen their site and the hook up wire I'll think about for my 2.3TL's when I re-wire them. OCC and silver coated..woohoo
    If you're talking about re-wiring the internals, you might check-out this eBay seller's stuff: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=37221-2575&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_salic=1&_fss=1&_fsradio=&LH_SpecificSeller=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=navships&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_fosrp=1 He's got all manner of silver-coated wire...looks to be military and NASA surplus.


    I've used this guy a bunch for other projects, good wire but not always the gauge he states in his ad's. My last purchase was listed as 16ga. yet it was only 16ga with the PTFE insulation. Without the insulation it was much closer to 20ga. I also found out where he actually purchases wire from.


    DSkip wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    or here.
    https://www.moon-audio.com/dh-labs-q-10-bulk-speaker-cable.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm_6UiJqg3wIVjLbACh3FZg5lEAQYBCABEgLnSfD_BwE&ad=303026047368





    Actually thanks Trey looking into this stuff I seen their site and the hook up wire I'll think about for my 2.3TL's when I re-wire them. OCC and silver coated..woohoo

    I’d strongly suggest the Wireworld Helicon OCC if you are talking about internal wiring.

    Yes I am talking internal. we've talked yet unless the price has decreased the above DQ I'm looking at is OCC and silver coated 14ga. also no need to buy special strippers that I may never use again. No disrespect intended Skip I have not made a final decision but this does look pretty good. My final wire installation will be hard wired and from what I have heard from others WW insulation is very heat sensitive so crimping and soldering quick connects may affect insulation more than I'd like.

  • K_MK_M Posts: 1,134
    An interesting question and post.
    We have used Monster Cable on a few speakers over the years (the thick clear one from maybe the early 90's...) but never found their sound to be audibly compromised in any way that was immediately heard.

    We have also used, generic cable, Belden and Blue Jeans, monoprice, and a few other names that escape me.
    But at the same time, never used thin cable nor anything more than 10 foot long.

    What traits did the monster cable display, good or bad?
    Lsi15, Lsi9, LsiC,Rta11t,M5jr+,M4,SDA 3.1TL, SDA SRS 2.3TL, Rti6....Still listing stuff, a work in progress.
    B+W-
    Epos-
    Infinity-
    Advent-

  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    In my experience Kelly most of the clear jacket stuff monster or not several years on you get green sticky corrosion from the jacket onto/into the wire strands. Somehow the jacket and wire have an adverse reaction to each other. Myself I've had this not only happen at the ends but in the middle of a run. I've cut them open and the wire was incredible sticky green from corrosion completely through the copper.
  • vcwatkinsvcwatkins Posts: 1,833
    Mine grew garish green grunge over the whole length from '94 to maybe '05. I had no idea that the sound had degraded until I switched out to ordinary but new 16g wire. Huge difference. Haven't gone anywhere close to Monster since.
    Den: Rega RP6 * AT33PTGII * Jolida jd9 * Roon (Sonic Transporter) * PS Audio DirectStream Jr. * Joule-Electra LA-100 iii * Sunfire Signature II * PSAudio p3 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2
    Office: Roon * Sonore UltraRendu (LPS-1, ISo Regen) * ProJect Pre Box S2 * Pass Amp Camp Amp * PSAudio Dectet * DH Labs Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354
    Beach: Music Hall MMF5.1se * Speed Box II * DL103r * Belles 20a Phono * Sonos/Roon * Schiit Yggdrasil * Belles 20a Pre * First Watt F5 Clone * PSAudio Dectet * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl
  • gmcmangmcman Posts: 1,312
    My first experience with upgraded cables started with replacing the white Monster XP with AQ Crystal somewhere around 1999-2000. Made a believer out of me right away.
  • K_MK_M Posts: 1,134
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    In my experience Kelly most of the clear jacket stuff monster or not several years on you get green sticky corrosion from the jacket onto/into the wire strands. Somehow the jacket and wire have an adverse reaction to each other. Myself I've had this not only happen at the ends but in the middle of a run. I've cut them open and the wire was incredible sticky green from corrosion completely through the copper.

    Okay interesting. After looking at ours, I see no evidence of any discoloration at all. I have seen what you describe though on some other wire ( no idea which at the moment) but know what you speak of.

    I just checked ours out....but now thinking it may be a very late 80's Monster cable, not sure if that matters or we just had good luck somehow?
    Lsi15, Lsi9, LsiC,Rta11t,M5jr+,M4,SDA 3.1TL, SDA SRS 2.3TL, Rti6....Still listing stuff, a work in progress.
    B+W-
    Epos-
    Infinity-
    Advent-

  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    edited December 2018
    making your own is always fun. Douglas connection is a good step up reach out and mention you're a member here and he'll treat you right.
    HCM audio I believe still sells bulk or terminated Audioquest and maybe some others.

    https://hcmaudio.com/

    I have used and like Canare 4s11 cable pretty nice for the dollars.

    http://store.haveinc.com/default.aspx

    I've dealt with them a bunch just search for Canare 4s11 it will come up with a bunch just look for raw/bulk one of them will be on the page

    Frank at signal cable is another who used to give a small discount for Polk audio members he has nice cables as well.

    Some pretty good options here on the page

    reach out to Dskip as well he could set you up with some bulk wireworld stuff.

  • K_MK_M Posts: 1,134
    edited December 2018
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    WARNING-BAD PICTURES AHEAD!
    Post edited by K_M on
    Lsi15, Lsi9, LsiC,Rta11t,M5jr+,M4,SDA 3.1TL, SDA SRS 2.3TL, Rti6....Still listing stuff, a work in progress.
    B+W-
    Epos-
    Infinity-
    Advent-

  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    next time try a radial arm saw geesh

    OUCH! bet that hurt more 3 day later than it did the day of :*
  • K_MK_M Posts: 1,134
    edited December 2018
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    next time try a radial arm saw geesh

    OUCH! bet that hurt more 3 day later than it did the day of :*

    It hurt for a week at least. I feel pain just seeing the pictures. I am literally shaking. But a good excuse to not manicure and paint my nails for a while!

    Listening to my Diana Krall christmas album on the Rti6 now, but from another room. Also sipping rum and coke to relax!
    Lsi15, Lsi9, LsiC,Rta11t,M5jr+,M4,SDA 3.1TL, SDA SRS 2.3TL, Rti6....Still listing stuff, a work in progress.
    B+W-
    Epos-
    Infinity-
    Advent-

  • verbverb Posts: 4,447
    K_M wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    next time try a radial arm saw geesh

    OUCH! bet that hurt more 3 day later than it did the day of :*

    It hurt for a week at least. I feel pain just seeing the pictures. I am literally shaking. But a good excuse to not manicure and paint my nails for a while!

    Dude you should've gave a warning - Do Not Open the Pics! :smile:
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Rega RP1 TT, VTL 2.5 Preamplifier, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs DAC, Conrad Johnson MF2300A Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Terminator2 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, Marantz CD-1 transport, Marantz AMP-1, Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus Subwoofer, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Project BoxE Bluetooth Streamer, Polk TSi200's
    Living Room: Pioneer SX-N30 Network Receiver, Pioneer PD10AE CD Player, Furman M8-LX Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi Subwoofer
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    bondo :D :D :D
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    edited December 2018
    verb wrote: »
    K_M wrote: »
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    next time try a radial arm saw geesh

    OUCH! bet that hurt more 3 day later than it did the day of :*

    It hurt for a week at least. I feel pain just seeing the pictures. I am literally shaking. But a good excuse to not manicure and paint my nails for a while!

    Dude you should've gave a warning - Do Not Open the Pics! :smile:

    ummm nope Dudette
  • BlueFoxBlueFox Posts: 10,348
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    Not good at posting pictures either. :)

    Bud - Silicon Valley

    Lumin S1
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
  • K_MK_M Posts: 1,134
    edited December 2018
    BlueFox wrote: »
    K_M wrote: »
    My last venture trying to strip wires....I am not the most coordinated doing this kinda stuff, but I try!

    Not good at posting pictures either. :)

    Oh come on..really?
    I thought I did a great job........just have some rum and coke..you will be okay!

    Seriously this is usually the time I drink and watch Live PD and yell at the the people they arrest!
    Lsi15, Lsi9, LsiC,Rta11t,M5jr+,M4,SDA 3.1TL, SDA SRS 2.3TL, Rti6....Still listing stuff, a work in progress.
    B+W-
    Epos-
    Infinity-
    Advent-

  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 12,070
    hmmm maybe bud ;) ;) ;)
«134567…18
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