Question about speaker cable

ray2per
ray2per Posts: 15
edited March 2007 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Is it okey to connect one end of speaker cable by crimping both ends of wire? Does it affect the quality of speaker or degrade the sound? Or is it worth to buy a long one instead of attaching both ends?
Post edited by ray2per on
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2007
    The way I understand it, your cable is too short so you want to crimp a length of cable to reach?

    It's not the best approach, but it will work. You'd be better served to get a set of speaker cables that are the length you need.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2007
    I agree...

    It will work , but I would go with longer cables..
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • Burnzy
    Burnzy Posts: 250
    edited February 2007
    beardog03 wrote:
    I agree...

    It will work , but I would go with longer cables..


    Ditto...


    Always best to go w/one length of cable rather than trying to put two together.
    SYSTEM
    HDTV ..........Sony KP-57WV600
    CD / DVD......Sony DVP-C675D
    AVR ............Denon 2801
    MAINS .........Polk RTi8
    CENTER .......Polk CSi5
    Surrounds ....Polk FXi3
    Sub ............Polk PSW-250
    Cables.........Zebra Cables
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  • ray2per
    ray2per Posts: 15
    edited February 2007
    Thanks for all your input. I bought monster cable from compusa that went closed in our area for a really cheap prize. I will going to order a new cable from blue jeans. I read a lot of good reviews about that company. Should I change my whole speaker wire because I have a different brand? O should I just change the one that I crimp?
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited February 2007
    Don't waste your money, just solder on the length you need. You can even mix brands.

    There is nothing magic about speaker wire.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2007
    ...or better yet, just use metal bread ties...:rolleyes:
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    Don't waste your money, just solder on the length you need. You can even mix brands.

    There is nothing magic about speaker wire.

    Not knowing what he has for a system this could be bad advice. I would not recommend splicing speaker wire. It looks half assed, gives an opportunity for shorts(watch out for any sharp bumps the solder may create), and if you have a decent HI-FI system speaker wire definitely can may a big difference in sound. I didn't use to believe in wires making any difference, but it sure can with many systems.

    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited February 2007
    steveinaz wrote:
    ...or better yet, just use metal bread ties...:rolleyes:

    Hell.... I don't use anything at all. I just stare at the speakers and imagine the sweet, sweet music they must make.

    Actually, I think it's the fridge I've been staring at.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited February 2007
    It looks half assed, gives an opportunity for shorts(watch out for any sharp bumps the solder may create), and if you have a decent HI-FI system speaker wire definitely can may a big difference in sound.

    Shorts? Only if you don't insulate the wires.

    And I have a decent sound sysytem, with over $10,000 invested in it, but try as I might, I hear no difference in wires. And from the data collected over the years, neither does anyone else.
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited February 2007
    The Amazing Kreskin sees all...

    And how is it that you know what I hear? What tests have you run to determine if you, indeed, have direct access to my sensory perceptions? Double-blind, multiple choice, essay?
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited February 2007
    And how is it that you know what I hear?

    There are thousands of "Golden Ears" who claim to be able to hear the difference, yet there is not one case where any have been able to prove it in any sort of blind test. Why is that?

    Maybe you could be the first, but I doubt it.
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited February 2007
    I never said I could... did I?
    You just made a mind-boggingly broad statement by proclaiming "neither does anyone else"
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited February 2007
    I can only go by the evidence presented so far.

    I have a hard time with claims that have no basis in science or reality.
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  • ray2per
    ray2per Posts: 15
    edited February 2007
    Thanks for all your reply. That was pretty good response.
    Now I think maybe I should stay with my current speaker wire
    and not buy the blue jeans cable. By the way I have RTi 12, fxi5, Infinity sub that I'm planning to upgrade in the future and LSi C that I am going to sell and get the CSi5.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2007
    If you want an inexpensive, yet good fix...get some Radio Shack solid copper 18awg. It got a nod from Stereophile as "pretty darn good cable in a pinch." For a $6 roll of wire, that's not bad press...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,780
    edited February 2007
    If you want an inexpensive, yet good fix...get some Radio Shack solid copper 18awg.

    18 guage for a longer run? That makes sense...
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  • bsoko2
    bsoko2 Posts: 1,449
    edited February 2007
    Try Home Depot. They carry a brand made by GE and it is 14ga and claims to be made for HDTV digital. + is copper strands and - is plain silver colored wire. I have been using it on my system for several months now with no issues. My rear surround runs are more than 60 feet (up and over thru the ceiling).
    My 2012 HT Room - http://www.avsforum.com/t/1416077/bsoko2-new-ht-june-2012
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  • louthewiz
    louthewiz Posts: 581
    edited February 2007
    I am an avid fan of home theater and music and I know that speaker wire is wire and many buy those overpriced speaker cables when they all do the same thing they conduct electricity.



    Read this :
    http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable
    My gear,
    Acer PH530 720P PJ
    100 inch Da-Lite Video Spectra screen
    Yamaha HTR 5790
    Toshiba HD-A3
    Denon 1600 dvd player with sdi out,
    DVDO iSCAN HD+
    Panasonic Dmr E-80H
    Dishnetwork HD pvr
    1 Audiosource amp300 150 wpc Fronts
    1 Audiosource ampone bridged 200 watts powering center
    1 Onkyo M-282 105 wpc amplifier sides
    polk cs400 center
    polk RT400 mains
    Polk mkII back surrounds,
    Polk FX300fxi dipole surrounds
    Velodyne DPS-10 sub
    Klipsch KSW-10 sub.:cool:
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2007
    Kimber Monocle, period.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2007
    Please let us know what type of system you have so we can give proper advice.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • louthewiz
    louthewiz Posts: 581
    edited February 2007
    "Kimber Monocle"

    :rolleyes: Why would I buy that over priced junk when I can make my own for much less.:rolleyes:
    My gear,
    Acer PH530 720P PJ
    100 inch Da-Lite Video Spectra screen
    Yamaha HTR 5790
    Toshiba HD-A3
    Denon 1600 dvd player with sdi out,
    DVDO iSCAN HD+
    Panasonic Dmr E-80H
    Dishnetwork HD pvr
    1 Audiosource amp300 150 wpc Fronts
    1 Audiosource ampone bridged 200 watts powering center
    1 Onkyo M-282 105 wpc amplifier sides
    polk cs400 center
    polk RT400 mains
    Polk mkII back surrounds,
    Polk FX300fxi dipole surrounds
    Velodyne DPS-10 sub
    Klipsch KSW-10 sub.:cool:
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2007
    MIT..

    nuff said..!
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • ray2per
    ray2per Posts: 15
    edited February 2007
    ben62670 wrote:
    Please let us know what type of system you have so we can give proper advice.
    Ben
    I have pair of RTi 12, pair of FXi5, Infinity Sub, and LSiC. I got this all for $1500.
    I have a sony str da 333es as pre out. I'm planning to get an amplifier, a subwoofer maybe svs or outlaw and I'm going to get CSi5 and sell the LSiC.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2007
    HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! LOL I can't wait to see this one develop.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,687
    edited February 2007
    Goodness me, it's a gaggle of Anti Audio HiFi Insurgents.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2007
    F1nut wrote:
    Goodness me, it's a gaggle of Anti Audio HiFi Insurgents.

    You crack me up. . . gaggle!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,687
    edited February 2007
    Thanks, I'm here everyday. :p
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,687
    edited February 2007
    Sorry for the hijack Ray. Steve gave you good advice and you could do far worse than to follow it.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • TN_Polk_Lover
    TN_Polk_Lover Posts: 243
    edited February 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    Shorts? Only if you don't insulate the wires.

    And I have a decent sound sysytem, with over $10,000 invested in it, but try as I might, I hear no difference in wires. And from the data collected over the years, neither does anyone else.

    OH NO!!!! Here we go again. I feel another "wire debate" developing here . . . :p
    Robert
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    You are officially in the high-end of the deep-end of the top-end.

    Bonus Room Over Garage:
    Toshiba 27" CRT TV
    Digital Source: Sony DVP-NS3100ES
    DVR: Panasonic DMR-ES15
    Denon 3806 AV Receiver
    - L/R Preamp out to Parasound HCA-1200 Amp
    Polk RTi70's, CSi40 Center, RTi38 Side Surrounds, RTi38 Back Surrounds

    Living Room: (2ch only)
    TV: Sony KV20-FV12
    DVD Player: Sony DVP-NS715P
    Yamaha R9 Receiver Polk RTi38's
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  • Deadof_knight
    Deadof_knight Posts: 980
    edited February 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote:
    Shorts? Only if you don't insulate the wires.

    And I have a decent sound sysytem, with over $10,000 invested in it, but try as I might, I hear no difference in wires. And from the data collected over the years, neither does anyone else.

    My wife and kids arent into audio like I am and they heard the difference between 16ga and 10ga ,they ask me if I changed something because it sounds different thats about as blind a test as there is .

    IMHO yes the spliced wire (ie crimp or solder)will work when done correctly will work for a long time and be inexpensive but he ask for our advise.
    :cool: " He who dies with the most equipment wins Right ? "

    Denon 3300 Adcom 535 BBe w/sub out 1 pr 4.6s 2 pr of 4 jrs Recent additions Samsung Lns-4095D LCD, Samsung hd-960 DVD, Monster HT-5000 Power center    ,HPSA-1000 18" sealed DiY home sub.:D
    Black Laquer 1.2tl's w/ upgraded x-overs and Tweets BI-Amped with 2 Carver tfm-35's Knukonceptz 10ga cables
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