Advice on speaker cables.


Hello. First time post here and I understand there’s no definitive answer, just looking for advice. I have a midrange system to me anyway and most of it was purchased new recently after giving up on repair of vintage gear. I’ve been using the same 12 gauge Apature copper speaker wire since 1982 and figured I would upgrade. I didn’t realize the hole I was going down. I’ve tried Blue Jean 10 white sounded dull, as well as WBC 7 gauge which I somewhat liked except bass seemed boomy at the expense of treble and midrange. Cables I’ve been advised to try are Kimber 4pr or 8pr as well as Audio Analysis oval 12. I’ve only used bare wire in the past not sure if that matters. My system is Yamaha as1200, Cxn100 streamer, Rotel 1572 mkii cd, Nakamichi oms1a cd. Speakers are Polk monitor 10a I bought new in 1982 with recently upgraded clarity cap crossovers. All interconnects are WBC. Appreciate any advice on speaker cables. Thank you.

kmm84

@jrareform great suggestions, I may look into demo options from the cable company. I just didn’t want to deal with all the hassle and expense of sending things back and forth, as well as my mind forgetting what it heard. Originally I was leaning towards the Oval 12s. And you’re right about the 12ft issue. I have plans for that room that would make 8ft work fine. Unfortunately I’ve delayed my wife’s bathroom remodel so long it wouldn’t go over well. 

The oval 9 cables would definitely be preferred especially at that price, the only concern I’ve had is I’ve seen pictures of the oval nines turning green. The latest version is all black and no longer transparent I believe. Thanks for all of your input and take care.

Hello kmm84!  The braided wire Kimber Cable used to sell is available from Parts Express (the 8 pair version) for $2/foot. It is the besty buy in the business. the 12 P\pair version is available from GR Reasearch for $32.50/foot. I have and use both, but for $2/foot  you cannot go wrong. Both work beautifully with Martinl-Logan ESLs and Magnepans. Hint: use whatever you have in parallel with either of the multi-strand braided wires and be amazed. Don't know why nobody talks about combining speaker cables. You paid for the ones you already have. Why not use them? Enjoy the music!

@boomerbillone Hello. I’ve never heard of this before is it safe for the amp and speakers? And what if one set of wires are bananas and the others bare wire? I’m open to experimenting so I do appreciate the information as well as the wire pricing. Thank you and have a good evening.

 

 

Lots of recommendations here, and most likely all could fit the bill for a mid-range system.  I have had great results with Audio-Envy speaker cables.  I believe they still have a 45 day return guarantee.  I have both their speaker cables and RCA interconnects.  I believe a bargain and they sell direct and are easy to work with.