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DIY Cabling options vs gauge vs run

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nicshoe18

New Member
This was a topic that originated in General Audio, but turned specifically off topic and thought it would be more appropriate here...

Due to the annoyingly close placement of the RCA jacks on my receiver, my best option right now is to go DIY cable route as the only ones that fit are the thin/cheap/flimsy 70s cables. I'll be looking at making three sets: speakers, inetrconnects from the EQ to the receiver, and the soldered stereo line from the TT to the receiver. I have the following questions:

- My research shows varying opinions as to whether it's appropriate to use coax or shielded twisted pair for speaker lines where shielded twisted is better at low frequencies and coax being better in situations where voltage is a factor. At what point (audible volume) does this really become a factor?

- When using shielded twisted pair in reference to short run length of the cable, how important is the gauge selection? Using this article as a guide (Speaker Wire: Fact and Fiction) if running a length of say 5-7 ft and keeping damping factor in mind, is it better or worse to stick with a 12 awg standard or something lower than the suggested 18 or 16 awg wire? Does lower gauge on short runs have any impact? What type of wire do you prefer to use for this?

- I am considering using this for my RCA interconnects for the EQ DIY Shielded RCA Interconnect Cables . When rewiring my turntable, which cabling option is the most appropriate for the TT?
 
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I would not use shielded wire for speaker connections. If there is ingressed noise coming from speaker connections usually would point to a flaw in the receiver/amp. Because the low impedance it's generally otherwise quite hard to induce noise through that path.

Phono cables are the far opposite end of that spectrum. Typically high impedance and high sensitivity to capacitance. Phono cables need good shielding and very low capacitance. Far as I know that usually means a high quality coaxial-type cable. High quality in this regard doesn't necessarily imply expensive.
 
For your RCA Interconnects which includes your TT interconnects I would use "20 AWG Shielded Silver Plated OF Wire Coax Teflon Insulation". It is very good for interconnects and offers the advantages of silver at an inexpensive price.

As for speaker cables, IMO, you can go the same route, but a standard silver wire, not shielded make great speaker wires, there are many threads here regarding the subject. I recommend the following wire, which I have used, "12 or 14 AWG Silver Plated Wire Teflon Insulated".

If you are using RCA's, use good quality connectors, there are some at a very good price.

As for speaker wires, if you want a pro look, use quality end connectors needed (spade/pin/banana), some shrink tube, pants, and braided sleeve. They are easy to do, and look great.

I used PE connectors for convenience, but you can find many sources for them. I know some people here use a compression speaker connector similar to Monster Lok that is very inexpensive and good.
 
50w per channel running to 100w speakers. Distance is about 6 ft.

For the connectors, I'm looking at NYS352BG or Switchcraft 3502A.

Thank you for the wire recommendations. Since RCAs are also used for the speaker terminals in this case, and with no shielding, how would it be soldered to the connector? I thought the outer shielding would be used as the negative if used shielded wire. So I'm not seeing the difference between twisted pair and coax. Shielded twisted pair, now that I can understand where there would be potential interference.
 
Couple of points; Easily verifiable IF you are curious /want to learn.
Gauge (resistance) is the Main (arguably only) significant factor combined with run distance in Speaker wires.
These are Power outputs, not line level signals, they neither need, nor benefit from shielding efforts of any kind, even inductance / capacitance is largely irrelevant... in less than marathon runs
That said do whatever Blows yer Jets Just don't be thinking it magically adds.
Many recycle Mouse wire :-) Or Ear bud wires as TT /tone arm wires.. with happy results.
Happy fiddling.
 
nicshoe18 said:
50w per channel running to 100w speakers. Distance is about 6 ft.

For the connectors, I'm looking at NYS352BG or Switchcraft 3502A.

Thank you for the wire recommendations. Since RCAs are also used for the speaker terminals in this case, and with no shielding, how would it be soldered to the connector? I thought the outer shielding would be used as the negative if used shielded wire. So I'm not seeing the difference between twisted pair and coax. Shielded twisted pair, now that I can understand where there would be potential interference.
Click to expand...

You'd solder one conductor of a cable pair to the RCA center pin and the other conductor to the RCA body/shell same as you would with coaxial cable. Just have to be sure you connect the same at each end to maintain polarity.

With coaxial cable it's pretty clear which conductor is which when making the connections. With a cable pair it's usually pretty clear too, using insulation color, stripe or ridge on the cable jacket, etc.
 
Ok, last question...hook up wire. I've got everything else except this for the speaker cables.

If I don't want to buy in a large spool, where do I go to buy good quality by the foot? The coax line was easy to find, but silver plated teflon coated wire appears to be sold in spools. Anyone got any favorite places or suggestions if I need to go somewhere local like a brick and mortar?
 
nicshoe18 said:
Ok, last question...hook up wire. I've got everything else except this for the speaker cables.

If I don't want to buy in a large spool, where do I go to buy good quality by the foot? The coax line was easy to find, but silver plated teflon coated wire appears to be sold in spools. Anyone got any favorite places or suggestions if I need to go somewhere local like a brick and mortar?
Click to expand...

By the foot is going to be hard to find. Next best thing might be here.
 
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