Speaker Cable length

[Edgeyboy]

Is 12 metres too long for a speaker cable without introducing issues ?

 

[tones]

No, mine are over 11M, but not quite 12 (domestic arrangements require that the speakers be at one end of the room and the amps at the other).

 

[Edgeyboy]

No, mine are over 11M, but not quite 12 (domestic arrangements require that the speakers be at one end of the room and the amps at the other).

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure there will be no real difference between 11m and 12m.

 

[lbr]

Not necessarily, but you're running a risk I'd say. There is an argument that you're better off with longer interconnects and shorter speaker cables. The reasoning behind this, as I understand it (and I'm no expert by any means) is that the difference physical qualities of interconnects (low capacitance, not much current passing) and speaker cables (high current, low resistance and inductance) favour the performance of the former over long distances.

I think that's right - I might be talking shit though

 

[cooky1257]

No not at all but 13m is unlucky tho'
If you're using bell wire then yeah but relax 12m is nowt.

 

[Edgeyboy]

Thanks - only one way to try I guess!

 

[zanash]

just remember ....all cables act as filters the more cable the more of an effect.

so that precious music signal will degrade the further it has to travel . If your unable to tell the effect that cables can have in a system ..then its not going to worry you

IMO 10m is the longest single run I'd consider .....

so unless your using the finest cables available then I would be tempted to seriously rethink the layout of your kit.

 

[cooky1257]

just remember ....all cables act as filters the more cable the more of an effect.

so that precious music signal will degrade the further it has to travel . If your unable to tell the effect that cables can have in a system ..then its not going to worry you

IMO 10m is the longest single run I'd consider .....

so unless your using the finest cables available then I would be tempted to seriously rethink the layout of your kit.

Does this include the voice coils and inductors?
Was 11m just beyond the pale then?

 

[Tenson]

Make sure you use some thick low resistance cables. Solid core mains cable from B&Q is a good start. You know, the thick stuff that is a pain to lay flat!

 

[kmac]

http://www.connectronics.uk.com/speakercable.htm

These guys claim their cable is optimised for longer lengths.

Not too expensive so probably worth a try

 

[cooky1257]

Make sure you use some thick low resistance cables. Solid core mains cable from B&Q is a good start. You know, the thick stuff that is a pain to lay flat!

Great advice.
Cooky

 

[speedy.steve]

Try TNT's U-bytes homebrew made from CT100 Sat cable.
It's fantastic over longer runs. You do have to be able to solder and shrink wrap though.
It's very high grade copper and PTFE foam insulation.
It just seems to be able carry a more detailed signal than a simple twisted (or flat for that matter) pair.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/ubyte2e.html

 

[rockabillybass]

Van Damme 2.5mm or 4mm is designed for PA use. Cable runs of 20 metres or more are easily possible.

never tried long runs like with a domestic hifi though. My house isn't big enough..

 

[Pure_Carbon]

There is an argument that you're better off with longer interconnects and shorter speaker cables.

I think that's right - I might be talking shit though

No , you're right.
Bryston state clearly that they recommend long interconnects and short speaker runs (if you *must* have the amps a long way away).
I trust Bryston to know a thing or two about it.

 

[demandcurve]

Is 12 metres too long for a speaker cable without introducing issues ?

simple answer, no, no issues!

any decent cable with capacitance <150pF/metre will be fine. Cable of 2mm diameter/3.3sqmm CSA/12 AWG is easily good enough for say 15 metres.

enjoy the music

Tony

 

[DavidF]

just remember ....all cables act as filters the more cable the more of an effect.

My experience also.