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Speaker cable lengths doe it matter they are not equal???

Hello to all ...
This is my first time on this site so please pardon my "rookieness" at this. I am setting up a new system after being out of audio for years. My current setup demands that one speaker is relatively close to the components and the other not so much. In other words they will not be equidistant forcing me to have one speaker cable longer than the order a rough estimate is that one will be 8 feet and the other 16-20 feet.
The question is what is best:
1. Leave them different lengths
or
2. Make them the same length and hide the excess as best as possible on the closer speaker (would end up being coiled)

i understand that presumably the impedance would differ because of the length difference but would that be noticeable?? As I said I am no expert that’s why I came here to hear feedback from the experts out in audiogon land!
Thanks for your replies lets see what you all think........
qbndds

Showing 4 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
You are correct regarding impedance differences with length.
I, too, have to run long lengths of speaker cable, though it is mostly for aesthetic reason...
In my opinion, I would run two identical lengths of cables. Though it costs more, it will give your amp a break and should sound better, as well.
Rather than coil the excess, try to disperse it randomly (I know- sounds easy), but it would negate any magnetic distortions that coil wound cable may induce.
If anyone can give you the exact science of this, it would be Agon member Almarg. Perhaps you should PM him.
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
Qbnnds, re: CD transports, you probably should start another thread, but I suspect you will get a wide range of opinions. Also, it would help if you give a price range. BTW- nice system.
Almarg, You're welcome. I always enjoy your posts for their knowledge and clarity.
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
When I upgraded my Transparent cables recently. I was told to keep the lengths the same.
But, later thinking, I was confused. If the network boxes are supposed to overcome wire resistance/discrepancies, then why could they not make them so that the shorter and longer lengths have equal properties?
Almarg, if you are listening, what are your thoughts on this?
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
Qbndds, you are welcome. It was a nice thread.
Another FWIW, I would get a ’liitle extra’ length so that you have some ’wiggle room’. I can’t tell you how many times when I tried to keep things short, I ended up having more problems connecting components that had to be shifted to a convenient location just to plug them in.
HTH
Bob
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