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Solid core Versus Stranded Speaker cables

Ok for starters I have never tried a solid core Speaker cable until recently. I was very skeptical of the solids performance but I'm glad I tried it. As a matter of fact I tried it and found it to be the best cable I have ever used to date. After much searching, getting opinions from fellow audio enthusiasts and trial and error I happened upon a seller here on Audiogon, JW Audio who offered a 30 day in home trial period with full money returned, no questions asked and took a shot in the dark. That shot hit the bullseye dead center. After receiving the Cryo Nova 12 foot long cables, I was somewhat stunned when I seen the cable, it was nothing like I expected but I connected it anyway. Holy S....t did it make an immediate difference and it keeps getting better. My entire system (Krell) opened up like peeling the skin off a banana. Highs, lows, detail, soundstage, depth, clarity and details that I was missing were revealed. ( and I thought what I had was really outstanding )

Which brings me to the point of this thread. Not knowing what makes a solid core or a stranded speaker cable more desirable aside from the obvious flexibility issues I'm curious to know what my fellow audiocrazies use and why they prefer one over the other or if they even tried both. Anyone willing to give up their opinions on the pros and cons of solid versus stranded speaker cable? I will start that I am a convert to at least this particular solid core speaker wire and unless someone can better it with the 30 day free trial period I do believe it is here to stay.

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bugredmachine's avatar
bugredmachine
167 posts
 
Well everyone will have slightly different experiences, but I had a similar reaction many years ago with the other magnet wire vendor. But it did not take much time to realize that what I was getting was a bunch of midrange, which can be addicting, but not the full range of frequencies.
One of the benefits of small gauge stranded wire that is individually insulated, is the elimination of skin effect and smearing. Then if you add in multiple wire sizes you can accommodate more of the frequencies as they spread out differently in the wires, and then if you make the wires silver instead of copper you get an greater effect (to some). So it keeps going. Knowing when to get off the train is key. I have no self-restraint so keep trying more topologies I can afford.
I actually prefer silver ribbon or alloy materials, so there is no hope for me. Save yourself!! Get off the train now! ha
audiofreak32's avatar
audiofreak32
253 posts
 
Clear Day Cables - solid core silver, small gauge... totally amazing stuff.  Replaced almost $2,000 Audioquest speaker cables at a fraction of the cost.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
I was a big solid core devotee until I discovered that it's all system dependent. With my Tonian Labs TL-D1s, Tempo Electric solid silver SCs made for the best sound (even better than the Clear Day) but with my Clearwave Duet 6 monitors, Zu Audio Event SCs rule the roost (stranded cable). You won't know any different until you try.

All the best,
Nonoise
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