Spearker cables..fact or fiction?

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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,405
    edited April 2009
    suprafantx wrote: »
    I have both cat5 and cat6 cables. I just found out that cat5 has solid wires and cat6 has stranded wires. Which one will make better speaker cable?

    Try it and find out.
    "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 Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,676
    edited April 2009
    suprafantx wrote: »
    I have both cat5 and cat6 cables. I just found out that cat5 has solid wires and cat6 has stranded wires. Which one will make better speaker cable?

    Neither.
    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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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited April 2009
    Hey Sea...

    Are you going to post in any 'other' thread on this site. Or is it just a ObsessiveCableCompulsive D.? With your knowledge 'you' should be all over this site, no?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • timlitton
    timlitton Posts: 289
    edited April 2009
    FightNight.jpg?t=1239124542
    Slowly emerging from the 90's
    Fronts: Polk LSi15's
    Center: Polk CS350ls
    Pre: Sony STRDA555ES
    Amp: Rotel RMB-1075
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    Dust magnet: Sony PS3
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,329
    edited April 2009
    timlitton wrote: »
    FightNight.jpg?t=1239124542

    That is TOO funny!
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited April 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Try it and find out.

    I took me like 90 minutes to terminate only one side. Sliding 24 gauge wires is pain in the a$$.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • BigMac
    BigMac Posts: 849
    edited April 2009
    suprafantx wrote: »
    I have both cat5 and cat6 cables. I just found out that cat5 has solid wires and cat6 has stranded wires. Which one will make better speaker cable?

    I personally would use neither Cat5 or Cat6 as speaker wire, but here is a few pics anyways.


    Cat5
    b7vupxax3j6fhiwvk.jpg
    b7vuqh0mm5oj421gw.jpg
    b7vuqrui2f3u06ne8.jpg

    Cat6
    b7vurwp0uutz0jvu8.jpg
    b7vusfube3xzjm29c.jpg
    b7vusxhzkswl8r9bk.jpg
    b7vutcx80zvioswkw.jpg
    b7vutu8n5hhb4pb00.jpg
    DON'T CLICK THIS!!
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,502
    edited April 2009
    timlitton wrote: »
    FightNight.jpg?t=1239124542

    Ah, a graphics designer (with a great sense of humor) in our midst, I see.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited April 2009
    here is another picture where CAT 5 was used successfully...

    the lower end was substantial and held the 'bass' and the high end was tight as a knot.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2009
    suprafantx wrote: »
    I have both cat5 and cat6 cables. I just found out that cat5 has solid wires and cat6 has stranded wires. Which one will make better speaker cable?

    CAT5 can also be stranded. There are solid core and stranded versions of each.

    The difference you might ask? Stranded core is meant for patch cables (either populating the rack or wall to computer/Ethernet device). Solid core is intended for infrastructure runs.

    Stranded will hold up much better to constant bending. If you bend a metal coat hanger enough it breaks. If you bend a stranded cable of the same gauge, much different.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,945
    edited April 2009
    Do any of you Cat5 guru's even know what the rated characteristics are with Cat5 wire before you have altered it's capabilities?

    Come on Cat5 guru's. You can answer that one simple question, right?

    Those with degrees should be able to tell me over what kind of length and degree of bend, along with the amount of bending limits acceptable before you are now out of tolerable range of specifications for the electrical performance as well.

    I gotta run to Polk HQ and see some folks but I'll be back to check out the educated answers. That should give all of you Cat5 guru's plenty of time. It would be nice if you could link where you find your answers, unless you learn something you don't want to reveal. :eek:
    ~ 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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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited April 2009
    http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:RYesd5PGzBwJ:wireville.com/news/news11.html+cat+5+specification&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

    http://www.siemon.com/us/standards/13-02_over.asp
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2009
    CAT5e is rated for 350Mhz, bend radius is 4 times the diameter of the cable.

    Runs are limited out at 328ft but with most modern transceivers you can get 380ft.

    No more than 1/2 inch of untwisted pair for termination due to NXT. Been doing plenty of POE with CAT5 as of late. Can't wait the for the next standard: 32Watts baby!
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited April 2009
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7777688192079380558
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,796
    edited April 2009
    timlitton wrote: »
    FightNight.jpg?t=1239124542

    Somebody PLEASE print this up in poster size! I'll pay you for it.
    That's a keeper.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    lightman1 wrote: »
    Somebody PLEASE print this up in poster size! I'll pay you for it.
    That's a keeper.

    I gotcha 8.5x11 buddy, but that is all I can do. Download it and bring it to kinky's. Edit pick up 10 copies;) Great stocking stuffer for some Polkies;)
    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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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2009
    I think this is the one that I want in poster size.
    timlitton wrote: »

    10a7270e124fc46e88874db26f3a98306g.jpg
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    I think this is the one that I want in poster size.

    I want one of those too. The only thing is I am dissapointed that my name didn't make it on there:(
    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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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2009
    ben62670 wrote: »
    I want one of those too. The only thing is I am dissapointed that my name didn't make it on there:(

    Yes...I was disappointed that I wasn't included too. Perhaps we can get a modified version?:p
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    Well I would say something smart, but according to the newbs lately I can't:(
    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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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited April 2009
    I have the picture of the cat.:p It is heavy. :p:p:p
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited April 2009
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    I think this is the one that I want in poster size.

    Hey curt, SHUT UP!!! This here's about spearker wires... keap yer Emohtuva comments in the Emohtuva thred.:mad:


    ;)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited April 2009
    mdaudioguy wrote: »
    Hey curt, SHUT UP!!! This here's about spearker wires... keap yer Emohtuva comments in the Emohtuva thred.:mad:


    ;)

    lmao

    I'm still trying to figure out what a spearker cable is.:confused:
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • CRESCENDOPOWER
    CRESCENDOPOWER Posts: 153
    edited April 2009
    Bump, back to the top we go!:)
    Buy Polk ****!:D

    http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/assets/image/12222003154728.jpg
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,918
    edited April 2009
    EDIT: never mind. No more 'cable' posts for me...
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,918
    edited April 2009
    EDIT: ditto!
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited April 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Do any of you Cat5 guru's even know what the rated characteristics are with Cat5 wire before you have altered it's capabilities?

    Come on Cat5 guru's. You can answer that one simple question, right?

    Those with degrees should be able to tell me over what kind of length and degree of bend, along with the amount of bending limits acceptable before you are now out of tolerable range of specifications for the electrical performance as well.

    +1

    That is what I want to know also. While waiting for the answer, I am making one and check it out myself. Anyway, it was fun for me to experience making speaker cable. :p
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited April 2009
    suprafantx wrote: »
    +1

    That is what I want to know also. While waiting for the answer, I am making one and check it out myself. Anyway, it was fun for me to experience making speaker cable. :p

    What, this post not enough?
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,405
    edited April 2009
    Bottom line is some people have had good luck and others no luck and yet more bad luck with Cat 5. I don't have the time or want to put forth the effort to build a pair to find out. I'm perfectly happy with the synergy provided by my MIT's.

    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 Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited April 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Bottom line is some people have had good luck and others no luck and yet more bad luck with Cat 5. I don't have the time or want to put forth the effort to build a pair to find out. I'm perfectly happy with the synergy provided by my MIT's.

    H9

    My experienment is fust for fun. I don't care if it is good or bad at the end. I do not use cat 5 cable. I am using cat 6 shielded cable because I talked to a friend and he explained to me that a good cable is not only base on the quality of the cooper or silver wires, the shield also is an important part of quality cable.

    The reasons I picked cat 6 shielded cable:
    1) It is better than cat 5.
    2) It is shielded.
    3) Very easy to customize the size of the speaker wires ( add on latter if I want to):p
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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