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Post by Chris on Jan 7, 2015 15:07:59 GMT
So after consulting the forum I decided against the ant cables speaker wire and tried a silver and copper wire off EBay that was cheap. £10 for 5 metres. pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=291058740745 It arrived today so I sat down with a sharp knife and a small electrical screwdriver and set about making up speaker cables for the very first time. Apprehensive? Yes. I had no idea what would happen but I figured as long as red stayed to red all the way through it'd be awrite.  The main thing I wanted was to get a bit silver into the system as I've heard Audio Note speakers like that and I had silver banana plugs on other cables as well so just swapped them out. The long and short of it is I'm delighted!  I didn't damage the amp or speakers and the resulting sound is superb. There seems to be a bit more detail audible and just as much depth as I had before. Soundstage is very similar also. For comparison I've been using Supra,Studiospares and a no name 6mm cable. So if you fancy a wee cheap play about go for it. I've been delighted! Pics to follow as I can't bear to disturb the cat whose enjoying this wee listening sesh with me! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 16:12:34 GMT
Nice one! I've tried many speaker cables over the years, both expensive and cheap. My personal experience is that they are pretty system-dependent and also a personal choice. Great fun experimenting too.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 16:18:11 GMT
I was just about to join in slagging off cables but apparently the thread is not about that!
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Post by Chris on Jan 7, 2015 16:27:45 GMT
Just start one Jez.... You'll always get a bite...  |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 16:45:22 GMT
I've generally found expensive cables to sound good. I've also found a few inexpensive ones to sound at least as good. With a lot of expensive cables, I just don't see any reason for the premium price other than the good sound. Personally I would rather find a good sounding cable myself and save a packet.
Probably the greatest cable in terms of resolution and dynamics was NVA LS6 but ultimately I preferred the tonal balance and musicality of other cables. LS6 apparently uses expensive core cables and is hand made, so I'm not doubting the cost there, but others don't appear to have the same materials or build costs.
I'd also like to add that a few companies just use off-the-shelf cables such as "singles" installation cable and then hang a much more expensive price on it. This is becoming common with the Naim inspired cables. You can even read the cable code on some of them and it costs pennies. I admire the approach of Chris here in experimenting.
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Post by Chris on Jan 7, 2015 16:47:07 GMT
 Homemade cables and a refreshed cat. My legs have gone to sleep though. |
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Post by Eduardo Wobblechops on Jan 7, 2015 17:00:29 GMT
Nice one mate. We'll get a soldering iron in your hand yet!
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Post by Chris on Jan 7, 2015 17:03:32 GMT
I put silver fuses in plugs the other day as well!! I'm really going for it!!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 17:08:07 GMT
I wish I could get away with such short speaker cable lengths. I need almost 2x 8 metres which means experimenting is more costly.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2015 18:17:04 GMT
I put silver fuses in plugs the other day as well!! I'm really going for it!! FFS! I'm biting! |
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Post by Greg on Jan 7, 2015 20:28:51 GMT
I put silver fuses in plugs the other day as well!! I'm really going for it!! Just make sure you get directionality right  |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 8, 2015 9:10:24 GMT
Turn them the other way round, see if there is any discernable difference
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Post by MartinT on Jan 8, 2015 11:57:05 GMT
The best test is to turn only one set around. If you perceive any skew in the image you know they're directional to some extent.
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Post by gazjam on Jan 8, 2015 15:08:45 GMT
stick 'em in the freezer overnight....
i'll get me coat.
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Post by gazjam on Jan 8, 2015 15:12:00 GMT
also, the electrical signal to the speakers is alternating current, so..... *Ducks and runs*  |
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Post by MartinT on Jan 8, 2015 15:37:52 GMT
I know! Doesn't change what I hear, though  |
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Post by Chris on Jan 8, 2015 16:27:46 GMT
White cats purr better than ANY other colour.
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Post by MartinT on Jan 8, 2015 17:58:24 GMT
Mike will disagree...
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 10, 2015 15:51:46 GMT
White cats purr better than ANY other colour. This is heresy ! Black is best for everything. My black Dachs, Puppy has the best deep throated grumble you will ever hear |
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I didn't damage the amp or speakers and the resulting sound is superb. There seems to be a bit more detail audible and just as much depth as I had before. Soundstage is very similar also. For comparison I've been using Supra,Studiospares and a no name 6mm cable.
