Interconnects: solid or hollow core wire?


Which makes for better interconnects, all else being equal, single core or hollow core wire? Thin or thick gauge? Experience first, theory second!
pmboyd

Showing 3 responses by agisthos

I have used DNM solid core speaker cable. This design is 1mm in size and fixed in a spaced configuration. There was a jump in clarity and pace compared to traditional stranded copper cable.

The only downside has been a lack of bass in the last octave.

For the money (around 60 pounds for 8 feet terminated), it would be hard to beat. If cost in not a consideration, I do think ultra thin ribbon cabes are the best for IC and speaker cables.
Hey Rodge, Yes I am using the newer, thicker DNM wire for 'normal' speakers.

I should clarify, when I say it lacks the last octave, I am being unfair, because this is only in comparison to my Downsize Audio 2" wide copper ribbon cables. They have an extra octave in bass compared to most speaker cables, not just DNM.

The Downsize Audio ribbons are the best speaker cables I have heard so far, but they are 10 times the price. For the money the DNM kicks ass.

I have found that solid core is better than stranded in either IC or speaker cables. But then ultra thin ribbon cables are better again, but more expensive.
The theory is - solid core does not suffer from strand interaction which causes distortion. But I also think the larger the gauge you go the with solid core, the more problem you get with skin effect.

Perhaps it is best to have mutiple, thin runs of solid core? Audioquest seem to do this. And Mapleshade, which I have not yet tried.