Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
#190532 01/04/08 03:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
aficionado
OP Offline
aficionado
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
....fronts for now. I have had the Monster navajo white THX wire for about 10 or 12 years now. It has served me well, but after years of re-twisting the banana plugs back on, the wire was getting chewed up....also, I think it was about 16-14 gauge.

So i ordered some bulk Axiom wire and the dual spring plugs for all 3 fronts. The speakers aren't the best, but I'm hoping to gain some qualitative improvent by upgrading the wires....any chance?

I want to replace the surround wiring, but this will put me back about $270. But I do need to replace my surround speaker wire (16-14 gauge) at some point.

I keep trying to save for M60s/80s and a VP150, but I keep coming up with reasons to tweak my system, since I already have OK fronts, with small things (power conditioner, good cables) i've been meaning to get for a while.


Made on a Mac
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
vassillios #190537 01/04/08 04:50 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
Slim to none chance of the new cable improving the sound. Instead of purchasing new cable, you could have just trimmed the chewed up ends of the Monster Cable off and stripped some fresh ends.

That being said, I'm sure the Axiom cable is much nicer to work with. \:\)

Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
vassillios #190541 01/04/08 05:02 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
N
devotee
Offline
devotee
N
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
I'd save the extra $$$ and put the upgrades towards more impactful purchases...such as more Axioms!

Of course, alternatively, you could buy wire elevators to keep them off the floor, or green markers to make your cd's sound better... ;\)


Epic Grande Master 500 w/ on wall VP180
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
Nachosgrande #190546 01/04/08 05:29 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
aficionado
OP Offline
aficionado
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Am I ok with the current wire I have for the surrounds? the sides are about 30' and the backs about 36' and the wire is about 16-14 Gauge.


Made on a Mac
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
vassillios #190550 01/04/08 05:32 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
It depends a bit on whether it's 16 ga or 14 ga... My surrounds have about 30' attached, and I think it's 16ga. It's fine.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
Nachosgrande #190551 01/04/08 05:40 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
Hi Vassillios,

Here is an often linked to web page that describes why you probably will not get any audible improvements with new wire unless the tips were totally wrecked or corroded or you were using too small a guage for the length of the run.

It also has a good chart to tell you if you really need to bother changing the guage of your other speaker wires because of distance. You will hopefully check your distances and find out that you are OK with what you have and can save the money for better speakers or other goodies.

Speaker Wire Explained


With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
Murph #190555 01/04/08 07:22 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
You can get good 12 gauge wire from http://www.bluejeanscable.com for about 60 cents per foot

I bought the BJC Twelve White (5000UE) (White jacket, 12 AWG) wire and am very pleased with it.

However, it does not sound like your really need to replace the wire.


-David
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
terzaghi #190557 01/04/08 07:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
Terzaghi,

I also bought cables from bluejeans (12guage greyjacket) because I couldn't find an equivalent for cheaper. However, I recently noticed Monoprice.com has the exact same 12 guage white jacket (with red and black wires) for $0.31/foot for a 250 foot roll ($77 for a 250ft roll). My friend ordered some and I have seen the cable, and it looks very nice.

Next time I buy speaker cables, monoprice will have my business.




Producer | Composer
www.robbhutzal.com
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
Murph #190561 01/04/08 07:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
aficionado
OP Offline
aficionado
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
 Originally Posted By: Murph
Hi Vassillios,

Here is an often linked to web page that describes why you probably will not get any audible improvements with new wire unless the tips were totally wrecked or corroded or you were using too small a guage for the length of the run.

It also has a good chart to tell you if you really need to bother changing the guage of your other speaker wires because of distance. You will hopefully check your distances and find out that you are OK with what you have and can save the money for better speakers or other goodies.

Speaker Wire Explained


Thanks for that link, looks like I am good to go on my surrounds as the wire ends are still pretty good. Now I wish I had saved the cash instead of getting these wires...oh well


Made on a Mac
Re: Finally upgrading my speaker wire....
vassillios #190563 01/04/08 08:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
N
devotee
Offline
devotee
N
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
No worries - you can always use the extra wire to fire up some outdoor speakers or feed another audio zone!


Epic Grande Master 500 w/ on wall VP180
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  alan, Amie, Andrew, axiomadmin, Brent, Debbie, Ian, Jc 

Link Copied to Clipboard

Need Help Graphic

Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics24,940
Posts442,457
Members15,616
Most Online2,082
Jan 22nd, 2020
Top Posters
Ken.C 18,044
pmbuko 16,441
SirQuack 13,840
CV 12,077
MarkSJohnson 11,458
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 402 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newsletter Signup
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4