Speaker cable suggestions (cheap please)

I would like to maybe entertain the possibility that I could slightly change the sound I am presently getting from my system with some different, and hopefully not too expensive speaker cable...

I'd like to bring out some extra detail and clarity, and make the bass a bit less dominating than it currently is.

Using 69p/m Maplin cable at the mo. Does the job, but the bass is very loud.

The Silver Anniversary has so far come closest, but made it sound harsh when the wick was upped.

Is there anything out there?

 

thought that Naim NACA4 i lent you did the job ok mate...?

 

Some months ago, I put together a pair of TNT TripleT that use 6 UTP cables per channel in bi-wire mode.
Found it superior to SA.

Easy to build and similar construction and material spec as two Kimber PR cables (but at fraction of the price)

More details in the DIY section.

 

It was ok, but the bass is even louder/flabbier with the NAIM cable and the sound seems a tiny bit more veiled.

 

Hmm, the FFRC put me off really. Crap sound, and akward to build. Is this stuff better?

 

I also made FFRC using UTP cable from Maplin.
For TripleT I used the specified cable from RS Components.

TripleT use twice as many cables and it is bi-wirable. Which of these three factors is responsible for the improvement, I don't know.

A 100 meter roll is only about £15 now. So worth a try.

I am now on the look out for a UK supplier of
Belden 1585A CAT 5 Teflon coated copper, 4 twisted pairs.

 

You could try my more recent DIY effort.

It uses 4 pieces (per channel) of silver-plated copper wire with teflon dielectric, which is basically the same constituents as Chord Rumour 4 (£20/m). I've braided them in a kimber-style weave (which is annoying to do, but you don't have to sort the ends like FFRC. You don't HAVE to weave it though... wire twisting pliers could be used to twist the whole lot together). Total cost £3.20/m, although you have to buy the wire in 25m lots (which would make 6.25m of cable, and would only give you one colour... best to use two). Sound... not harsh as you might expect of silver. Bright... yes, the balance is to the mid and high frequencies. Bass is reasonable. Not as much nor as punchy as the Tara RSC, but the overall balance fits in with my room/system better.

 

Hey Isaac, can you get that cable from Maplin?

 

Paul, i dont think maplin stock silver plated/teflon insulated.
RS or Farnell do

 

Not from maplin, no.

Farnell 322-2251 (black, 25m)
Farnell 322-2263 (red, 25m)

£19.31 per 25m reel.

Like I said, the balance favours the mid and treble, so in that sense it is bright. Harshness isn't really a problem with it in my system, but that will be system dependant.

I've just been looking on farnell, and they actually offer a variety of gauges. There's a thicker version at slightly lower voltage (600V vs 1000V), which is barely more expensive at £20.55 per 25m reel:

Black FEC 322-1830
Red FEC 322-1842

Farnell don't charge delivery costs, although there is a £20 minimum order for credit card payment.

 

When I did a lot of testing of speaker cable with my SF Concertos, I only liked 2 cables, Cable Talf 3.1, less than 4 euros a meter, good mids and highs, less bass, less resolving with complex music, might solve your problem, the other cable was 30 times more expensive... :shame:

 

Lets cut to the chase how much do you want to spend ?

 

I also have SF Concertos, have used Cable Talk 3.1 in the past but didn't like the lack of focus/resolution. I'm using Chord Odessey ATM - a bit bright, particularly in the new room (wood floors/little furniture) but great detail and sound stage.

What was the other cable that you liked?

 

As little as possible, but I have to admit to seriously wondering whether I am really expecting too much from a cable -- indeed, whether I am just kidding myself...

 

Paul
If your setup is still the same as in your pictures i think the problem may be having the speakers in the corners of the room.

 

I'd agree with that. I've got some 3.1 sitting in a box at home but don't think it's much good to be honest. I also found the bass rather bloated, so I don't reckon it would help Paul's problem.

 

It certainly is a possibility, I admit. Problem is, I have nowhere to put them really, although they are not quite as close as they appear in the pictures, but they are certainly closer to the wall than the handbook recommends.

Perhaps I just need some smaller speakers which are more forgiving of positioning...

 

you could try moving them on a temp basis just to see if that helps, at least it will show one way or another..

 

I guess so, but the point is, there will NEVER be anywhere to put them where they wont be in a corner

 

In my system the only cable that was "perfect", bass, timbre, detail, highs, etc, was the DPA Black Sixteen...

Some of the others fixed most issues, but the timbre was always wrong...