Is speaker cable age a factor?

Jetmaker737
Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,051
edited January 2010 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Would there be any problems with speaker cables that are 8 or 9 years old but otherwise in good physical condition? Do they degrade with age?

I'm considering a purchase.

Thanks!
Jet
SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
Post edited by Jetmaker737 on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,185
    edited January 2010
    Hello Jet, that depends on the cable in question. Which cable are you considering and what kind of terminations do they have?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,051
    edited January 2010
    Hey t3, they are Audioquest Indigo + with spades.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,185
    edited January 2010
    I'm not really familiar with that particular cable so I Googled some images. It looks like copper wire(s) with a gold plated termination. Knowing that, my only concern would be the copper tarnishing [will turn green] at the point of contact with the spades. If it was soldered on, there should be no issue. If the terminations were just screwed on, then I would recommend shortening the cables back an inch or two to where the tarnishing stopped and re-terminating with solder.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,051
    edited January 2010
    Thanks! I believe these are soldered. If I decide to purchase I'll look over the terminations closely.

    Jet
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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