Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 4 5
Splicing Speaker Wire
#217952 08/13/08 06:59 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
OP Offline
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
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?

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Lohengrin #217955 08/13/08 07:34 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
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 am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #217961 08/13/08 08:42 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
OP Offline
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
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.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Lohengrin #217976 08/14/08 01:52 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
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.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
JohnK #218082 08/15/08 02:55 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
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.


With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Murph #218094 08/15/08 04:45 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
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...


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #218126 08/16/08 12:11 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
buff
OP Offline
buff
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 52
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.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Lohengrin #218135 08/16/08 03:36 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,488
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,488
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 \:o 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.



Last edited by Haoleb; 08/16/08 03:37 AM.
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Lohengrin #218265 08/18/08 02:20 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,155
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,155
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!!!


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
ratpack #218266 08/18/08 02:25 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
 Originally Posted By: ratpack
I have used various techniques including "wire nuts." They all worked well!!!


Variety is the splice of life.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218278 08/18/08 08:11 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
 Quote:
Variety is the splice of life.

Fertilization is the splice of life.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218285 08/18/08 12:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
 Originally Posted By: pmbuko
 Quote:
Variety is the splice of life.

Fertilization is the splice of life.


That was brilliant!


With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Murph #218321 08/18/08 05:40 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
That makes mitochondria the spice of life.

Last edited by kcarlile; 08/18/08 05:41 PM.

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #218335 08/18/08 09:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
Don't you mean midichlorians?

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218337 08/18/08 09:56 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
KILL


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #218338 08/18/08 10:06 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
If you had a high midichlorian count, I might be scared.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218339 08/18/08 10:12 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
stabby stabby


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #218341 08/19/08 12:35 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
I laughed out loud in the theater when that came up.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218351 08/19/08 03:53 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
See, Ken, have a sense of humor about it like Sean does, even if he's just laughing to mask his pain.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218354 08/19/08 04:15 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
After I got home, I burned my Chewbacca outfit.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218357 08/19/08 04:29 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
How does that smell compare to that of burning Jawas?

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218358 08/19/08 04:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
Jawas smell like cinnamon. Chewbacca, like Velveeta left in a hot car.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218359 08/19/08 04:35 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
And a burning George Lucas smells like salvation?

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218362 08/19/08 04:37 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
I read an article in the LA Times last week begging Lucas to stop making movies.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218365 08/19/08 04:55 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
I had a nightmare that George Lucas was writing my good dreams.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218366 08/19/08 04:57 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
Time to stop sleeping for good.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218367 08/19/08 04:59 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
There's only so many cute creatures one can take in a dream before you go crazy and kick your cat.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218368 08/19/08 05:00 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
Is kicking your cat like pussyfooting around?

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218369 08/19/08 05:00 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
You shouldn't have named your cat Jar Jar.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218371 08/19/08 05:01 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
Binks is a good cat name, though. Maybe better as Binx.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218372 08/19/08 05:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
C
CV Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
Offline
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club
shareholder in the making
C
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077
Likes: 7
I don't think we're far enough off-topic yet.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
CV #218374 08/19/08 05:03 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
axiomite
Offline
axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463
Likes: 1
Uh, cat gut makes for good heat shrink around spliced wires.


***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
St_PatGuy #218376 08/19/08 05:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 20
hobbyist
Offline
hobbyist
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 20
How can you splice Monster XP cable? It has a patented Magnetic Flux Tube in the middle. Would you just stick a wire nut over that?


I do mind. The Dude minds. This will not stand. This aggression will not stand man.

M60|VP150|QS8
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
SlamKeys #218378 08/19/08 11:33 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
Why would you purchase monster cable to begin with!?


-David
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
terzaghi #218387 08/19/08 02:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
I didn't purchase the Monster Cable speaker wires I still use. I have 3 lengths, each about 6' long, that the dealer threw in when I bought my Paradigm Monitor 9s and Paradigm CC back in 2000. I now use them for my M22s and VP100.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218390 08/19/08 02:28 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
And they fell apart damn quickly for such expensive cable, too.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
Ken.C #218409 08/19/08 06:13 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
only the silly rubber caps at the base of the banana plugs. the copper is still shiny.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
pmbuko #218439 08/19/08 11:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 20
hobbyist
Offline
hobbyist
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 20
I was just being facetious about the Monster cable, because they claim to have all these patented technologies, such as "Magnetic Flux Tube Construction." What that amounts to is a piece of polypropylene cord in the middle of the copper that does nothing more than make the copper look thicker than it is. Combine that with their unnecessarily thick clear jacketing called "LPE" or "Linear Polyethylene" which they also claim has some kind of proprietary signal preserving properties, and you have this huge-looking speaker wire that is really only 16 gauge copper costing $1.00 per foot.

It looks monster, but it is claimed you can get the same or better performance in an electrical zip cord for about $0.40 per foot. As a matter of fact, in Crutchfield's product description, they call this a low-cost "entry-level" speaker wire "Especially recommended for small speakers, mini systems, and rack systems." Low cost? It's a buck a foot, and in my book that aint cheap.


I do mind. The Dude minds. This will not stand. This aggression will not stand man.

M60|VP150|QS8
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
SlamKeys #218443 08/19/08 11:56 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
I totally agree. That magnetic flux tube really annoys me when I'm re-twisting the ends of the cable.

Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
SlamKeys #218450 08/20/08 02:22 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,155
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,155
I think that it is somewhat amazing that people still believe the crap from Monster and even worse that they are still allowed to claim that BS!!!!!


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Splicing Speaker Wire
ratpack #218472 08/20/08 12:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 868
aficionado
Offline
aficionado
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 868
I hate Monster.


Dave
Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 4 5

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 (), 386 guests, and 4 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newsletter Signup
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4