2. cables
  3. 1121665490

Silver speaker cable question

We recently bought a pair of Klipschorn speakers. The speaker wire connection won't allow us to continue using our 4' Quicksilver pure silver speaker cables, which we really like.

So I made a pair of 6' pure silver speaker cables--2 strands of 20ga for each pos/neg connection in teflon sheathing--and they sound woefully thin. I've heard another system with these cables, and the music sounds quite full. Problem is, it's been so long since we got the Quicksilver that I can't remember if this is normal for new silver cables. Tonight, I hooked up one side with the Quicksilver (only one side is long enough, and just barely), and there is a big difference in the tonal roundness and fullness of the music coming from that speaker. When I swap the cables, the other speaker becomes the better one.

I'm dreading finding replacement cables for the Quicksilver, and I really can't spend $500 right now for a 6' pair from them. With them in the chain, the music is more lively and transparent than with any other cable I've tried. So the question is, do we save our pennies, or do we give my DIY's adequate time to burn-in?

*Also, I hate to have to say it, but if your position concerning cables/burn-in/etc. will not allow you to resolve this dilemma, please don't respond. I'd rather not be the author of yet another mucky cable thread on the fastrack for censorship. In other words, please just answer the question. Thank you.
Howard
boa2
s23chang
615 posts
 
Oops I did the math wrong. 12 total AWG weights 0.5 Oz/ft total would be 24 Ft X 0.5 Oz /ft = 12 Oz of silver.
The Market rate for raw silver is $7 / Oz.
The processed silver usually cost 3 to 5 times more.
You got to figure out where and how you can get the silver cheap.
It definitely better than the copper version. More transparent and clarity. The bass carries more punch than the copper version. Smoother and quieter overall.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,550 posts
 
I just doubled up on one side, and with 4 runs for each pos/neg it already sounds MUCH better. If I ended up going with 6-8 strands, do you generally twist the end before terminating it?

Jeffreybehr,
Are you suggesting that with the remaining four for each pos/neg, I should use two 16's & two 21's?

Thank you.
s23chang
615 posts
 
Makes no difference to our setup seperate or twisted them togather. Keep in mind that they're fragile when twisted togather. You should find some way to reinforce it.
I also use Stealth Audio pure silver spades.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,550 posts
 
Let's see if I have done this correctly. I plugged in the following numbers:

20AWG x 8 strands gives an aggregate gauge of 11.03 AWG

Cable length (+ and -): 6 + 6 + 12ft.
Nominal Speaker Resistance: 8ohms
Amplifier Output Resistance: 8ohms

Gives a damping factor of 210.57
With 6 strands, the DF is somewhere around 157.

Please let me know if I entered any of this incorrectly.
Thank you,
Howard
oldpet
295 posts
 
Hi guys

This thread is very timely. :-) I'm thinking of trying some DIY silver speaker cables myself. I have much longer cable runs though. Where do you get your materials(Silver wire and silver spades/bananas) from?
Thanks

paul
More to discover