Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Splicing Speaker Wire

I know that I should never splice speaker wire but I also know to measure twice and cut once. Knowledge doesn't equal performance.
So, if I just HAD to splice speaker wire, are there rules? Also, I know not to splice because I read it on the internet somewhere. Why shouldn't I?

With spliced wire, you introduce greater resistance into the line (at least, with poorly spliced wire...). I think a single splice, well done (maybe with solder?) would probably be ok.

I was actually thinking of making ends for the two pieces and using a manufactured FxF connector to keep it as "smooth" as possible. I can certainly drop some solder in there to ensure the integrity of the splice.

Lo, you've said a couple times that you "know" that splicing isn't a good idea. If you've read some of the bizarre ideas on the internet about this you should disregard them. One or more splices in a wire don't have any appreciable effect if they don't come apart. So, the only problem is the inconvenience of making the splice. Anything solid, even twist 'n tape, can work, such as soldering or using wire nuts.

Although I know more about data transfer than audio, we have lots of analogue copper lines in the telephone business. A good splice is pretty much completely negligible. According to our best meters, the electrons don't seem to mind at all. In our business the danger is more in that it has introduced a weak point for humidity and eventually corrosion. For this, we use special gel filled connectors to splice copper. John is correct it must be solid. These connectors, if not properly crimped can impede data or voice transfer.

Fiber splicing is a bit more interesting. Even a good splice will show up on a meter but is not necessarily damaging data unless it's really bad. Our meters can visually display the distance to a splice, improper twist or (gasp) a cut.

I suspect it is much the same case for audio equipment. Do a good job, and you should be fine.

Sorry for the misinformation in my post--my experience with splices in speaker wire was extraordinarily poor splices in a very long 18 gauge wire...

This will be adding about three feet to 12ga. wire.
I actually measured in my current home and only later realized that the new home was different.

You can splice speaker wire no problem...

The best way is to solder it and then cover with heatshrink tube. Although it seems the most popular method is the trusty twist and tape. I dont reccomend it myself.

The western union splice is a good solid splice that looks good as well. A splice like this, soldered will be perfect.

I am not sure where all this bad information about splicing comes from??? It seems that there are many ill informed people posting on the various boards.

Rest assured, a proper splice will cause you no problems. There were a couple of good ideas given here.

The main thing to consider in a splice is to have good contact between the two conductors. I have used various techniques including "wire nuts." They all worked well!!!

Variety is the splice of life.