How Long Can I Have My Speaker Cables ?

[rolleye]

I've used 14metre lengths of speaker cable without problems, as long as its good quality (and that doesn't necessarily mean expensive) you shouldn't, in my experience, have any problems with most amps

[cafe latte]

What is your amp?
CL

[josephazannieri]

Yo the engine:

My suggestion is to use cable that is at least 14 gauge. For high volume PA systems with 400 watt per channel amps, I have used 12 gauge wire for long runs. (lower number = more wire.)

10 meters is about 32 feet. That is not a long run. If you are using a separate amp and preamp, you can put the amp next to speakers, and use a long wire for the preamp to amp wire.

I am running distances in this category on my right channel, and I use 16 gauge wire, but I am using a biwire configuration with 2 stereo amps, one for lows on each channel, and one for mids & highs on each channel. Also, 60 watts or less per channel.

For what it's worth, I don't see the 30 foot cable runs as a problem unless you are using a speaker that presents a strange load, or a fussy amplifier.

And good luck from that complicated old guy with too many wires,

Joe Z.

[JaS]

I don't see why it should but before I go spending hundreds of squids I thought I'd ask

If you are spending hundreds on speaker cable then the shorter the better. For example, Nordost Odin Supreme is listed as being '98% speed of light' so I've calculated that an average 50 watt amp running into an 8 ohm speaker load would need an optimal length of 2 1/2" of Odin between the amplifier outputs and the speaker binding posts to stop the magic leaking out. I'd advise against running 32ft of the same cable as it could upset the delicate economic balance in the Euro Zone

Regards,
JaS

[WAPFU]

I agree with the 14 gage comment. Two cables of the same gage will combine to give the equivalent of the next higher (lower more area) gage.

Tabulated below are the recommended cable distances (+20%) one should use for various speaker cable gauges and speaker loads.

Speaker Impedance 8 Ohm Load 4 Ohm Load
Wire Gauge Distance (ft) Distance (ft)
18 AWG 10 5
16 AWG 20 10
14 AWG 35 18
12 AWG 60
30
10 AWG 100 50

Table 1. Recommended Cable Distances vs Gauge

[Whitneyville]

Engine, you can have them for as long as you want them....

[rocker65]

Pity these cables are sized in some strange 'gauge' isn't it.

Is this the only field that still uses such standards.... or is it just a lack of an International standard?

eg. In the electrical industry here we size cables according to an actual cross sectional area size like 1mm sq. -generally good for 10A @ 240V AC. 2.5mm sq is obviously a larger cross sectional area and has lower resistance accordingly.

This is based on reality, not some stoopid 'gauge' system. The only stuff measured in gauge here in the past was sheet metal. Even so that stupid system was abandoned way back in the 1970's.

Hi Misha,
It is a very well unknown fact that Birmingham guage wires conduct better than any others.
You will be telling us that there is no need for letter and number drills and reamers next.
Regards

[kelvinMunson]

I think the people that use and work with guages are quite happy with the system.

I personally don't see anything "stupid" or "unreal" in using gauges; nor do I think it necessary for everything be "dumbed-down" to fundamental units.

[davidsrsb]

I would avoid high capacitance designs for long runs - the parallel tape ,cat 5, and litz wire types

Be careful with some poorly designed amps that are only marginally stable.

[Whitneyville]

OK, I have a handbook that converts American Wire Gauges to circular mils, diameter in mils and diameter in mms and will.
20 AWG=32mils=.812mm 18AWG=40 mils=1.024mm 16AWG=51mils=1.291mm 14AWG=64mils=1.628mm 12AWG=81mils=2.053mm 10AWG=102mils=2.588mm Pocket Reference Second Edition Sequoia Pub. 1996 Some MAGIC you can use! Two 20AWG wires=14AWG wire. Two 18AWG wires=12AWG wire. Electricity doesn't care an ohm. Same numbers for solid or stranded wires. Stranded wire is better for speaker wires carrying high frequency audio because of the "skin effect" of high frequency AC electricity. See Google, Wiki or Wolfram for more info on the "Skin effect".

[rocker65]

Hi,
The question was how long can the OP have his cables. Not how long can the cables be.
Therefore I offer the advice that since I have had my cables for over 10 years, but think they will last a lot longer than this as they are not wearing out, I do not think that you will have any problem for the forseable future.
I hope this helps to put things right.
Regards

[PMBroadhurst]

I'm thinking of a room re shuffle. This will bring my gear nearer to me but will need cables of 10 metres each. Is that ok or will it be detrimental in any way ?
I don't see why it should but before I go spending hundreds of squids I thought I'd ask you reprobates

I use Linn k400 bi-wire cable. It is a pure copper, thick gauge cable and is quite reasonably priced. I had some spare that I split into two single, long (approx 10 metre) runs, and it works really well. Considering the price of Linn gear, the fact that their own cables (that are recommended by them for use in their own systems) are at pretty much down to earth prices speaks volumes.

Whatever you decide (short run or long), use thick cables.

[Whitneyville]

I've had the same 12 gauge "Big Brand" speaker cables for 27 years now. They still work frighteningly well. I only bought the roll of cable because it was on close-out at the Home Despot store for 2/3th's off. I MUST run out and buy some new super expensive cables because the electrons have all been pushed to one end!

[rocker65]

I've had the same 12 gauge "Big Brand" speaker cables for 27 years now. They still work frighteningly well. I only bought the roll of cable because it was on close-out at the Home Despot store for 2/3th's off. I MUST run out and buy some new super expensive cables because the electrons have all been pushed to one end!

Hi W,
This is a worry, especially as in general amps. are higher than the speakers. Perhaps if the cables were turned round occasionally?
Regards