Soild Speaker Wire?

The Judge

Did I read correctly that some here are using solid wire for speaker connections?

If so, what are the results? What size are you using and what is the distance of the run? Where did you buy wire..HD or Lowes?

Thanks

steveinaz

Many cable companys use solid copper conductors, audioquest most notably. If you want to experiment, go to Radio Shack and buy a spool of their 18 awg solid copper "hook-up" wire. It's cheap as hell, price wise. You can twist multiple strands together if you want a higher gauge--but leave the insulation on except for the terminations.

The Judge

I currently use AQ for interconnects, since they are solid and thus claim a better signal than the traditional stranded IC, would not the same be true for Speaker wire?

WilliamM2

The Judge wrote: »

I currently use AQ for interconnects, since they are solid and thus claim a better signal than the traditional stranded IC, would not the same be true for Speaker wire?

Why do you think it is true of interconnects? Because they claimed it?

treitz3

He's new William. Give him a break. Why do you think it's not true? Because you claim otherwise?

WilliamM2

treitz3 wrote: »

He's new William. Give him a break. Why do you think it's not true? Because you claim otherwise?

Because it's a fact. Solid or stranded wire, of the appropriate gauge are both capable of delivering the full audio bandwidth, without audible loss.

hearingimpared

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Because it's a fact. Solid or stranded wire, of the appropriate gauge are both capable of delivering the full audio bandwidth, without audible loss.

Yes but they usually sound different.

WilliamM2

hearingimpared wrote: »

Yes but they usually sound different.

Sure they do.

treitz3

OK William. You've said your peace. You've given your point of view. Since you seem to be one of a very small percentage that has that point of view, how about letting others who have a different opinion chime in instead of a thread Hi-jack.

The Judge has come back from a vacation and he has a legitimate question. Let it get answered please.

The Judge, I'll have to check and see what I'm running as I forgot which one I'm using [solid vs- stranded] but I am pleased with the results.

treitz3

I just looked it up and it's solid wire.

Link for more information here [ http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AQCV8 ] but keep in mind that these are not your Home Depot variety cables.

My last set of cables were stranded.

WilliamM2

OK William. You've said your peace. You've given your point of view. Since you seem to be one of a very small percentage that has that point of view, how about letting others who have a different opinion chime in instead of a thread Hi-jack.

Why is your point of view any more valid than somene elses? I've asked you before not to tell me when or where to post, and I will do the same for you. Get over yourself.

treitz3

treitz3 wrote:

He's new William. Give him a break. Why do you think it's not true? Because you claim otherwise?

treitz3 wrote:

OK William. You've said your peace. You've given your point of view. Since you seem to be one of a very small percentage that has that point of view, how about letting others who have a different opinion chime in instead of a thread Hi-jack.

The Judge has come back from a vacation and he has a legitimate question. Let it get answered please.

The above quotes are the only posts I have made in reference to you sir. Could you please point to where I "told" you to do anything? Nevermind, you don't have to answer. I don't care.

My point is no more valid [concerning his question] than anyone else's on this forum or in life. I was just suggesting that you not hi-jack this thread in making your point. Your post history has shown that you have a pattern of doing this, hence the question. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less. You dig?

I have now said my peace, given my point of view and I apologize for being part of the thread derail Mr. Judge. I hope the thread will stay on topic from here on out and the you get your question addressed properly. Have a good evening sir.

Willow

I really like the results of my AQ Indigo cables(which are solid). As mentioned in the past, I prefer them over AQ type 2, Kimber 4pr and Monster.

Face

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Because it's a fact. Solid or stranded wire, of the appropriate gauge are both capable of delivering the full audio bandwidth, without audible loss.

So how many difference cables have you tried? What's the rest of your rig?

As for solids vs. stranded, I'm a fan of solid speaker wire.

mantis

The Judge wrote: »

I currently use AQ for interconnects, since they are solid and thus claim a better signal than the traditional stranded IC, would not the same be true for Speaker wire?

Audioquest like many other companies have claims and reasons behind them. Like most wire companies , they believe in a certain way to achieve sonic perfection. But thinking one design works for one job doesn't mean it will work for another. Point being Interconnects carry a different signal then a speaker wire does. Construction of a IC is different then a speaker wire. That does't mean solid or stranded is better one way or the other. Believe it or not in IC's it' really about the termination. If you mess that up, you will not have a proper transmitted signal no matter how high end the actual wire is.

Back to Audioquest. Personally I have founda home here. I have wired my systems with many different brands. Audioquest is every bit at good or better then everything I have used. I feel there cables have a level of truth to them. I completely happy with my systems overall performance useing all there products. Eveything in my system including all the powercords are all Audioquest. That doesn't mean that Audioquest solid core construction is superior. Maybe it is on some level but It works in my sysem.

The Judge

When buying solid wire for hook up, is all copper wire created equal or are some brands better than others? Would Home Depot wire be any better or worse than Radio Shack wire?
Larger gauge is available at HD And Lowes. Are they all covered by basically the same insulation?

dorokusai

Anything purchased in those stores is of the same quality.

mhardy6647

The generic objection to solid wire is the skin effect, but this is really only an issue at high frequencies (i.e., above the audio band).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_effect

Solid wire is fine if a little less convenient if it's thick.

ShinAce

And remember that the skin effect relates to distribution of charges, and therefore becomes more prominent at higher power levels. For signal cables, it's a complete non-issue.

WilliamM2

I have now said my peace, given my point of view and I apologize for being part of the thread derail Mr. Judge. I hope the thread will stay on topic from here on out and the you get your question addressed properly. Have a good evening sir.

Treitz, you are the thread hi-jack. All post were related to speaker wire, until you decided to "suggest" which opinions should be posted, and discuss my "posting history". Try to stay on topic.

steveinaz

The Judge wrote: »

I currently use AQ for interconnects, since they are solid and thus claim a better signal than the traditional stranded IC, would not the same be true for Speaker wire?

I have found that solid copper has a different tonal character to it, versus multi-strand copper--especially the multi-stand that uses alot of very, very thin conductors. The solid core (in MY opinion) has a less grainy treble and better sorted mid-range--more space between instruments. Multi-strand almost sounds muddled in comparison, and more bassy, though I think it's less controlled bass rather than more prominent bass.

If you want to try an "economy" solid core, try Audioquest Type 4. When compared to a typical 12 awg multi-strand, I struggle at how someone couldn't hear a difference between the 2, and my left ear is in bad shape.

YMMV.

The Judge

Thanks for the replies. I"ll get some and compare it to the 12 gauge AR Pro Series I'm currently using.

Didn't mean for some members to get bent out of shape just because of a wire question.

Makes reading more fun.

steveinaz

The cable debates rage on endlessly...my advice, listen for yourself and see if you can detect a difference.

Most everyone will agree that practically any wire will carry an audio signal in it's full range--the debate is, wether or not certain materials/topologies can change the tonal character of the music---there are those who believe, and those that don't. I don't care either way, I do what I see fit in my system. Some cables I can hear differences, with others I can't. I definitely don't like the mega-multi-strand in my system--it's just too grainy to my ears, like an out-of-focus picture.

ben62670

Face wrote: »

So how many difference cables have you tried? What's the rest of your rig?
QUOTE]

Good question All I ever hear is some silly scientific statements:rolleyes:

WilliamM2

ben62670 wrote: »

Good question All I ever hear is some silly scientific statements:rolleyes:

And all I ever hear is "I can hear it", with no evidence whatsoever. How many DBT's have you been involved in?

treitz3

Just like a skip in a record that never goes away............

WilliamM2

treitz3 wrote: »

Just like a skip in a record that never goes away............

Please try and stay on topic.

mantis

WilliamM2 wrote: »

And all I ever hear is "I can hear it", with no evidence whatsoever. How many DBT's have you been involved in?

How many have you? This is the question you have to ask yourself. What evidence are you looking for?

ben62670

WilliamM2 wrote: »

And all I ever hear is "I can hear it", with no evidence whatsoever. How many DBT's have you been involved in?

Now you are going to tell us that appreciate good sounding cables that we can't hear what we hear?:rolleyes:

I have just swapped a bunch of cables out. I do not need to do a DBT. When the sound difference is that freaken obvious I don't need a DBT. IF it is so close that I need a DBT I will go with the cheaper cables. Some systems sound better with different cables. I am poor. Do you finally get it. I don't have a bunch of money to waste on cables. I didn't use to believe that cables made a difference. I used to pick on people who thought cables made a difference. If it sound better go with it! Please remove your head from your butt, and maybe you could hear better:p

Bottom line Bill is you always come into a cable thread, and say "cables make no difference". All you ever give is scientific information. I wish cables did not make a difference.

Get your ears checked, or get some good gear:p:D
Thanks
Ben


Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah

ShinAce

His point is still valid. A difference in sounds, is that a guaranteed improvement? What exactly is the difference heard.

At the end of the day, we are all going to use the cable we feel works best, and that is the way it shoudl stay.

ben62670

ShinAce wrote: »

His point is still valid. A difference in sounds, is that a guaranteed improvement? What exactly is the difference heard.

At the end of the day, we are all going to use the cable we feel works best, and that is the way it shoudl stay.

I agree to a point, but if I didn't open my mind, and a fellow Polkie didn't bring over some nice IC's then I would be missing out on a whole lot of the musical experience. To me having a nice stereo without good cables, and I am not saying you need to spend a ton. Is like having all your food without salt. I would still tell someone to try the salt;)

I am not Paul Harvey
Good day