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Speaker Cables and Carpet

I have a situation where I’m covering up my speaker cables with carpet to give a neater, cleaner look. It goes (from bottom to top): carpet, rubber matting, speaker cables, rubber matting, carpet. The rubber matting is there because I wanted to avoid interactions between the wire and carpet and figured that would help, but maybe not?

The issue I seem to be having is a decrease in dynamics. The drum slaps don’t seem to have the same weight and punch, although the system overall sounds pretty good with great instrument separation and soundstage (something I didn’t expect). The treble seems a bit tamed for some reason, but still pretty good sounding.

I’m wondering if the change in sound I’m hearing is from electrical interactions with the carpet and/or rubber. Perhaps one or both are robbing some energy from the signal in the speaker cable. Does that seem to check out?

If so, I’m wondering what my solutions are. One thought is adding more runs of speaker wire between the amp and the speakers. Is this called biwiring or shotgunning? I’m thinking that if the carpet is robbing energy, then I can make up for it by adding more copper and reducing resistance. 

But maybe I just need to get the cables away from the carpet. Are there any good rules of thumb for how far cables need to be kept away from carpet?
mkgus
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
^^^^^ Great idea. 

OP, before going through the trouble and the cost of rearranging the cables, try connecting the speakers with similar cables but above the carpet and see if you hear a difference. I've been down a similar rabbit hole only to find out that I was chasing the wrong proverbial rabbit. 
mkgus's avatar
mkgus OP
82 posts
 
@kalali Good advice! There is another variable that has changed. The speaker cables have become longer. I need to verify the source of the problem before making changes. 
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Other options would be to separate the local area within an inch or two, to the side of the wires.. and at least 1/8" or 3mm from above. The wire would be way better touching wood under pad, than a pad. Get rid of rubber that close, substitute cotton, or even cheap plastic bubble wrap for a trail run.
I would think removing the local to cable rubber, and replacing that near field with cotton could at least make the solution you have, work good enough?
True up in the air is the standard stock answer. But I think your idea CAN work. You just need to get the wire away from the rubber, pad, and carpet bottom ENOUGH to work.
mkgus's avatar
mkgus OP
82 posts
 
Thanks for your help, elizabeth!
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
Any way you can go under the floor?
I run my interconnects through my basement ceiling to the opposite end of the room.
Bob
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