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Which is better longer xlr or speaker cable

I have just purchased my first mono amps (Nuforce Reference 9V2SE's) giving me some new cable options. Currently I run a one meter pair of XLR and then four 5 meter pairs, as I biwire, of speaker cable. With the mono's now I can also do a 5 meter xlr and short speaker cables.

Which should produce better sound. And for equal sound quality, which should be less expensive. Any recommendations for a reasonable cost way to do this? I would like to get in new or used for under $500 for whatever additional stuff I have to buy. In option one I will need new speaker cable, in option two, new IC xlr. Is it OK to have different lengths of cable, probably 3 meters to the closer speaker?
Thanks
gammajo
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Balanced - Guitar Center or similar.

More then adequate for your situation and not to bad either.

Mariusz
gammajo's avatar
gammajo OP
798 posts
 
TVAD MRJSTARK - Thanks for the further recommendations. I have not been able to find out how to price and purchase Oyaide through their website yet.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Here are a couple of sources for Oyaide:

http://www.kosmic.us/equip-cables-oyaide-interconnects.html. I purchased my PS-02 bulk wire from these guys.

http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopexd.asp?id=679

You could also contact Ken at Revolution Power. He carries Oyaide products, and I have purchased Oyaide power cords from him. He might be able to order the PA-02. http://www.revolutionpower.com/servlet/StoreFront
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
Rodman - I agree that the only purpose of the balanced cables is to reduce EMI. Capacitance, inductance, dielectric absorbtion, purity of metal etc. still play important role.

There is one more purpose for the balanced cable - to protect "hot" signal wire. Connectors are locking and exposed end is "female" to prevent touching pin. It would be a disaster if signal wire would come in contact with someting on few kW PA system.

Microphone cables might be long and generic quality at the concerts but not in the studio. Many of CDs provide information on recorder, microphones and cables used in the recording.
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
All true Mr K! I hadn't thought about the contact protection feature inherent in the XLR.
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