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Silver speaker cable question

We recently bought a pair of Klipschorn speakers. The speaker wire connection won't allow us to continue using our 4' Quicksilver pure silver speaker cables, which we really like.

So I made a pair of 6' pure silver speaker cables--2 strands of 20ga for each pos/neg connection in teflon sheathing--and they sound woefully thin. I've heard another system with these cables, and the music sounds quite full. Problem is, it's been so long since we got the Quicksilver that I can't remember if this is normal for new silver cables. Tonight, I hooked up one side with the Quicksilver (only one side is long enough, and just barely), and there is a big difference in the tonal roundness and fullness of the music coming from that speaker. When I swap the cables, the other speaker becomes the better one.

I'm dreading finding replacement cables for the Quicksilver, and I really can't spend $500 right now for a 6' pair from them. With them in the chain, the music is more lively and transparent than with any other cable I've tried. So the question is, do we save our pennies, or do we give my DIY's adequate time to burn-in?

*Also, I hate to have to say it, but if your position concerning cables/burn-in/etc. will not allow you to resolve this dilemma, please don't respond. I'd rather not be the author of yet another mucky cable thread on the fastrack for censorship. In other words, please just answer the question. Thank you.
Howard
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Showing 1 response by jax2

jax2
3,031 posts
 
IMO two strands is not enough Howard. Before you give up on it, I would add an additional 6 strands per connection (8 strands each) of the same silver wire and see if it makes a difference. I have wires constructed that way and they are wonderful and have been my preference in every wire shootout I've tried with them. Unfortunately they too are quite short. I don't know where you are getting your silver wire, or for how much, but you can find it at Homegrown in bulk for $1.85 a foot for 22 awg 100+ feet. If you already have six foot double lengths you'll need a total of 144 feet more, or about $300+. If you are skeptical order half and try it out on one wire as a comparison, or try six strands rather than eight. Either way should yield a marked improvement. They also sell a braided version of a thinner gauge wire, but I think it's cheaper to run straight wires with zip ties. My experience has been that silver wires do indeed seem to take a long time to burn in. You may want to give your two-wire deal more time, but I still think it would be bested by what I'm suggesting.

Congrats on the new Khorns!

Marco
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