Speaker Wire Recommendations?

In your price range, Anti-cables are worth a try. I used their interconnects throughout my system at one point. They were a great value, providing a clean focused, somewhat dry sound with excellent bass. Im assuming their speaker cables share the same characteristics. I currently use Gregg Straley Reality speaker cables, which are about $50 within your budgetary reach. I can say, speaker cables have ceased to be a concern of mine since I've had these. Good luck.

There are alot of great designs out on the internet. Just do some research on the forums. You'll save tons of money even if you go through several sets.

ANTI CABLES

I think shorter is better as long as the components are not so close together that they interfere with each other.

I'm rearranging my listening room that currently uses a 25' run of Ocos speaker wire to connect my VA Mahlers to my Linn electronics (Akkurate CD, Axis TT, Exotic pre, 2250 amp. Using Stereovox 600 IC. Absolutely love the sound: detailed, musical, great soundstage.

Due to some changes my wife wants to make I'll now be able to go with a much shorter speaker wire run. Is this generally a good thing? So I'm thinking I might be able to improve my sound with a shorter run (6 ') of better speaker wire (no complaints about the OCOS, but am wondering if there's more to get out of these components).

My experience with Stereovox makes me want to try their speaker wire but the cost is probably beyond what I can do (I got a great Agon deal on the interconnects which was still a bit of a splure).

Suggestions???

Try Supra Linc 2.5s. Same wire for the last 30 years. They have more expensive wires but I'm content with their entry level offering.

i just experimented and put some very expensive cables and wires on a 25 watt hybrid ipod dock / amplifier made in china. you know the type, and it now has much improved sound quality. you know, like bass and musical sounds but im just hearing what i need/want to hear. i havn't used 18 gu. lamp cord since 1979, am i missing something? ha

Excellent post Al!

I think that it's possible for things like speaker wires to make a difference IF the system is of high enough quality, but not sure where that level begins. I doubt a $5k speaker wire would make a difference in a $300 shelf system, so at what point does it start to make a big enough difference to justify the additonal cost.

It's important to keep in mind that the presence or absence of cable differences (and the nature of those differences if present) is not only dependent on system resolution and quality, but is highly dependent on the particular characteristics of what is being connected.

In the case of speaker cables that would include, among other things, the impedance characteristics of the speaker, the sensitivity of the speaker, and the importance of amplifier damping factor and tight woofer control to the particular speaker.

Although your speakers are rated as having an 8 ohm nominal impedance, with a dip to 3 ohms in the bass region, in this review they were measured as 5 ohms nominal with a dip to 3.5 ohms in the bass region, and with 92db sensitivity. I would give greatest weight to suggestions that are based on experience with speakers having similar impedance and sensitivity characteristics, and speakers that employ similar driver configurations (which means that experience with planar speakers is probably not particularly relevant).

Also, keep in mind that the longer the cable, the more pronounced its effects will be. And that "different" does not necessarily mean "better," and that "more expensive" does not necessarily mean "better" either.

Regards,
-- Al

I'll second the Clear Day speaker cables, great sound at a great price.

Buconero117 - That's what I'm afraid of and trying to get a feel for. Some people believe that speaker wire is more about "snake oils" than actual factual improvement, but I'm not yet convinced one way or the other.

I think that it's possible for things like speaker wires to make a difference IF the system is of high enough quality, but not sure where that level begins. I doublt a $5k speaker wire would make a difference in a $300 shelf system, so at what point does it start to make a big enough difference to justify the additonal cost.

Found Clear Day Cable here on A'gon - to my ears very good and very reasonably priced

Start at Home Depot. Best sounding and best value. I've compared their 12 gauge against stuff that cost $5K per meter and my ears and those of friends could not tell which was which.

i guess different systems work differently. duh. my experience with kimber 8tc and pbj's in my magnepan mmg system were underwhelming. kept looking.....

I would look at Kimber 4PR speaker wire. It's good stuff regardless of price. Way better than Monster cable. The other would be Vampire Wire CCC speaker wire. Prices will vary. I'm using the 12ga hook up wire and it is glorious with my Spicas in Tri-wire configuration. The vampire is my favorite inexpensive wire. But the 12ga is no longer available; the 18ga is under a $1 a linear foot.

Mike Morrow. I have SP3's now biwired. 300 or more hours to burn in or he can cook them for you. Amazing how thin and light the wires are but they perform very nicely. Good luck.

call mike morrow at morrow audio. best i,ve ever used and have used many. musical. that's it. enjoy the search. also cable company has lending library program.