Which is better longer xlr or speaker cable


I have just purchased my first mono amps (Nuforce Reference 9V2SE's) giving me some new cable options. Currently I run a one meter pair of XLR and then four 5 meter pairs, as I biwire, of speaker cable. With the mono's now I can also do a 5 meter xlr and short speaker cables.

Which should produce better sound. And for equal sound quality, which should be less expensive. Any recommendations for a reasonable cost way to do this? I would like to get in new or used for under $500 for whatever additional stuff I have to buy. In option one I will need new speaker cable, in option two, new IC xlr. Is it OK to have different lengths of cable, probably 3 meters to the closer speaker?
Thanks
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Showing 1 response by drubin

Whatever is "best" theoretically, I suggest you do two things. First, some pricing research to see how both scenarios play out. Generally speaking, interconnects cost more per foot than comparable-quality speaker cables. So you might -- MIGHT -- be better off in terms of bang for the buck by going with the longer speaker cables.

Second, be careful not to lock yourself into something you can't easily change or experiment with down the road if you should want to. For example, if you could split the difference (2- 3-meter ICs and equivalent length speaker cables -- not sure this will work in your layout) you'll leave open more options down the road, since those lengths are plentiful in the used market. Once you get into 5M interconnects, you get pretty short on options.