Speaker wires by Bubba Jay
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 3
From: Platteville WI
Speaker wires by Bubba Jay
OK, I'm cheap. Question is: are all braided copper wires the same as long as the guage is the same? If I buy wire from the audio department in 16 gauge, it cost more than regular 16 gauge wire in the generic spools. What gives? Anyone ever use light guage soft copper like found in regular home wiring?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
you want the multistrand wire like the audio guys sell. But, at the audio store your gonna get boned on it. Home Depot and Lowes have stranded 16 a lot cheaper than the audio guys.
Is there a difference? Yea, ok MAYBE you could see it on an Audio Analyzer, but your not gonna hear it on anything you can put in your car.
Is there a difference? Yea, ok MAYBE you could see it on an Audio Analyzer, but your not gonna hear it on anything you can put in your car.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Collierville TN
As an aside, this applies to just about any audio application. As long as the guage is adequate any stranded copper wire will produce results audibly indistiguishable from any other in a scientifically controlled test.
Others disagree but you know what they say about having more money than sense. Anyone for a $30,000 power cable?
https://www.virtualdynamics.ca/content.php
Others disagree but you know what they say about having more money than sense. Anyone for a $30,000 power cable?
https://www.virtualdynamics.ca/content.php
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Also don't be fooled by the outside diameter of the casing but check the actual wire gauge. I have seen stereo wire at walmart that looked like a heavy gauge in the package, but was actually very light gauge with about a 1/4" of plastic casing around it.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Aubrey TX
Most Audio cable that is sold by the audio guys are a complete rip off.
They have connectors that shine with gold for that "bling" effect, or super heavy insulation that looks "cool" but the inside wire gauge is small.
I agree with Sixfooter, you will never hear the difference. 16 Guage generic speaker wire or lamp cord will do the job just fine.
They have connectors that shine with gold for that "bling" effect, or super heavy insulation that looks "cool" but the inside wire gauge is small.
I agree with Sixfooter, you will never hear the difference. 16 Guage generic speaker wire or lamp cord will do the job just fine.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Santa Ana CA
Some report this to have sonic benefits, whereas others can hear no difference at all. Your ears may vary.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I doubt that you will need audiophile quality speaker wires in a Vette. There is so much background noise in the cockpit that you are going to have to crank the stereo up to even be able to tell what you are listening to. I've been playing music professionally for over 30 years and my Vette cockpit while driving is the last place I'd go to hear quality stereo sound. The best music you are going to hear in a Vette is the sound of a well-tuned engine anyway!
Rick B.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I use to sell wire in the Audio industry (Car and Home for 20 years)... Everybody used to love to hear the story of the salesman that sold a $500 rack system and then $300 dollars worth of cables to go with it. He made about 20 bucks on the stereo but almost a $100 in commission on the cables!!!
But theoretically- High frequencies travel on the outside of the wire so more strands at a given guage will work better. However, most of your loss comes at the connection points. Solder your wires and you'll be fine.
Richard
But theoretically- High frequencies travel on the outside of the wire so more strands at a given guage will work better. However, most of your loss comes at the connection points. Solder your wires and you'll be fine.
Richard
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I have a friend who puts in home theater systems in million dollar homes & uses lamp cord by the cable. He say's there is not difference in wire.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
Don't take this wrong, but if your friend is actually doing this he should be ashamed of himself....Or he's BS'ing you.....
Anyone that is actually a professional in the AV industry knows better....
There is a huge difference between lamp cord and speaker wire. One major thing it being not rated for in wall usage.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,168
Likes: 0
From: Pittsboro IN
And some old Johnny Cash sounds better coming out of the one speaker that still works!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
I have a 69 Vette, 61 Dune Buggy & 65 Mustang. All have no stereo system.
Pretty much would be a waste of time anyway, since they all have rather loud exhaust systems.
BUT...
While 30k for a power cable is rediculous, using lamp cord for your speakers is just as rediculous.
Yes, there are limits. But those limits don't just apply to the high end they also apply to the low end as well....
Pretty much would be a waste of time anyway, since they all have rather loud exhaust systems.
BUT...
While 30k for a power cable is rediculous, using lamp cord for your speakers is just as rediculous.
Yes, there are limits. But those limits don't just apply to the high end they also apply to the low end as well....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
has always worked well for me . IF THERE IS DIFFERANCE ,i could never tell .do you believe the salesman or your own ears .
