Sorry for another Speaker wire thread

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33coupe

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Topic # 113716 25-Jan-2013 14:21

I have used the search but have been unable to find exactly the info I need.

I have a panny 50ut50, onkyo nr515, & Wharfedale Diamond 5.1 speaker pack.

From all the searching I have been advised to get 2.5mm oxygen free cable.

I have saved a couple of items on trademe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=555730104

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=556039534

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=555730172

But have also come across Surplustronics (which seems cheaper than the last one),

However there are a few 2.5mm speaker cable listings, and I have no idea the difference between them, or which one I would need.

http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/shop/cat87.html

Anyone able to point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

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Vocus

Reply # 750788 25-Jan-2013 14:44

I understand that OFC copper has better conductivity/surface area. So if you're looking for the best one go for the twisted OFC cable. If you're not that fussy then any of them should do it.

Edit: however this article has me thinking OFC is just marketing:

Use in home audioThe high-end speaker wire industry markets oxygen-free copper as having enhanced conductivity or other electrical properties that are significantly advantageous to audio signal transmission. However, conductivity specifications for common C11000 Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch (ETP) and higher-cost C10200 Oxygen-Free (OF) coppers are identical.[8] Much more expensive C10100, a highly refined copper with silver impurities removed and oxygen reduced to 0.0005%, has only a one percent increase in conductivity rating, insignificant in audio applications.[8] OFC is nevertheless valued by some for both audio and video signals in audio playback systems and home cinema.[8]

ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen-free_copper

33coupe

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Reply # 750794 25-Jan-2013 14:54

Thanks for the reply!

That is interesting to know. I did read one post where someone said it was a marketing scam, but I just want to be sure.
No point in spending all this money on receiver and speakers and still have poor audio.

Cheers

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 750795 25-Jan-2013 14:56

A few quick questions...
What is the longest run of cable you'll need? 10 meters?
Will you be running the cables through the wall.
And when you say 'Wharfedale 5.1 speakers'... are they the 4ohm sattellites, or 6ohm Diamond 10.6's?

jpollock

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Reply # 750831 25-Jan-2013 15:52

I used regular power cable, and was therefore able to afford much thicker cable for the same price.

---
http://blog.jason.pollock.ca

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 750913 25-Jan-2013 19:01

This is a good website, written by someone who is remarkably cynical of the cable industry.
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#introduction
Bare in mind, if you pick up cable that is not designated as speaker cable, not all specs will be offered for you to double check...

33coupe

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Reply # 750919 25-Jan-2013 19:11

Thanks for the replies.

I've got tall diamonds at the front, satellites at the rear (Harvey Norman selling same pack).

Max distance should be 8m, running cable under carpet.

Thanks

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 750927 25-Jan-2013 19:42

So the floorstanding Diamond 10's are 6ohms, and the rears... well, it depends on exactly what ones you picked up in the deal.
Have a look at the ohms rating on the back (this is the nominal impedance) and choose what you need.
If the longest run is 8 meters, then I can't see you needing more than 25 meters all up.
I'd say you can do better going into a store and buying the specific length required rather than a 100m reel.

33coupe

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Reply # 750932 25-Jan-2013 20:15

Thanks dunnersfella,

Yea that does sound about right. Will prob need to double it as need speaker cable for the inlaws (bought 2 lots)

Will check the rear speakers when they arrive and report back.

farns

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Reply # 751153 26-Jan-2013 13:21

I have 20m roll of flat 18AWG for sale

Its proper copper, not coated alu, used it for 5m runs on a pair of 100w(200w peak) 8 ohm speakers.

There are AWG calculators on the net for picking the right cable for length and speaker resistance

Batman

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Reply # 751155 26-Jan-2013 13:27

For your set up 16awg any cable will be fine for front and centre and any 19awg for rears.

If you have a $100,000 set up the interconnects can be limiting, but for you and i better spend money elsewhere ... But if you have lots of money to burn then do share it around no harm to the economy

jonathan18

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Reply # 752346 28-Jan-2013 22:29

I've been in a similar position, looking for speaker cables for a HT fit-out (Paradigms across the front, but Wharfedale 9.1s rears and sub).

I found it hard to find cable of a thickness I was happy with (considering the length of runs required) in NZ, whereas overseas this isn't an issue.

While I debated getting a reel off TM (having bought a reel off there for our in-house set-up), as mentioned it was hard to find anything of 12 AWG or similar, so this time I ended up going with some 12 AWG cable from the US - I went with the cheapest of the Belden 5000 series (see https://www.bluejeanscable.com/). Unlike many companies, they do ship directly to NZ, and I thought it worth the cost considering the lack of affordable options here (well, from what I could find). Just create an order on the website and it'll let you know the cost. Key advantage is getting exactly the length you require of a decent thickness cable.

Cheers
Jonathan

33coupe

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Reply # 752545 29-Jan-2013 12:07

Hi there,

Thanks for the replies.

After looking at that Blue Jeans cable I can buy 12AWG speaker cable cheaper (inc delivery) from USA cheaper than getting 13/14AWG here in NZ.

Hmmm might have to do another measure up.

33coupe

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Reply # 752607 29-Jan-2013 13:01

Not sure if it makes any difference but the Diamonds are 10.1 & 10.6 at 6ohm each.

Cheers

Jaxson

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Reply # 752613 29-Jan-2013 13:06

Some of the larger rolls can be worth a look. I bought a 100m roll (from memory) in our current place, laid all my runs and then sold the remaining 40m or so for very close to what I bought the 100m roll for...

33coupe

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Reply # 752680 29-Jan-2013 14:55

Thanks.

I did consider 100m roll for that reason.

Also I know that no matter how many times I measure it (and add more), whatever I buy/cut it will probably be too short lol.

Ive also started thinking about subwoofer position. Was thinking by tv or behind settee.

people say to try it but that means buying two cables (or 1 that is very long!)

50m of 12AWG sepaker cable for $156 delivered is sounding pretty tempting . . .

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