Choice between IC and Speaker Cables

[dsavitsk]

In setting up a stereo with monoblock amps, I am struck that one needs to either have long interconnects to go from the pre to the power amps with short speaker cables, or one must have short ICs and long speaker cables.

Aside from the cable lengths, there could also be issues with how close one wants their amps to the speakers. Does anyone have a preference, a reason for a preference, and a cost per foot breakdown of what the least expensive option is?

-d

 

[Zanth]

Logically to me, amps have more power thus making the signal length to the speakers the more advantageous rather than long ic's. Not sure if this is sonically correct, but EE-wise it is.

 

[gpalmer]

Quote:

Originally posted by Zanth Logically to me, amps have more power thus making the signal length to the speakers the more advantageous rather than long ic's. Not sure if this is sonically correct, but EE-wise it is.

Yup, I have seen EEs work the figures and it works out that it is better to have longer speaker cables than interconnects because the power loss with length affects the signal in them less since they have higher levels. The least expensive option would be Radio Shack 12 gauge wire for the interconnects, but it's hardly going to optimize your sound. Since it makes a big difference, what kind of lengths are we talking here, 2 speakers located 6 foot from the preamp or 60 foot?

 

[tom hankins]

I've always thought it better to go with the shortest possible speaker cables and use the longer IC's. I've kept my Krell amps on stands right next to my speakers with 7' IC's.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

-d

Will you be running the ICs balanced, or single ended? If balanced you could and should use longer ICs since the noise rejection would be better with long balanced ICs. It is also a bigger signal coming from the source, like 1.4dB or so higher, and this will eliminate the losses incurred in the cable run.

If it will be single ended RCA ICs, go with longer speaker cables.

 

[dsavitsk]

Quote:

Originally posted by ServinginEcuador -d Will you be running the ICs balanced, or single ended? If balanced you could and should use longer ICs since the noise rejection would be better with long balanced ICs. It is also a bigger signal coming from the source, like 1.4dB or so higher, and this will eliminate the losses incurred in the cable run. If it will be single ended RCA ICs, go with longer speaker cables.

Probably will be SE. I am looking into building some power amps, and I am thinking of going with monoblocks -- like a modified AES design or something.

The runs will be relatively short, so that speaker cable + ic should be less than 9 feet. My sense is that, since the speaker cables wil be bi-wired, that keeping them short would be more cost effective, but maybe not. OTOH, it seems that for SE keeping the ICs short will improve the sound.

-d

 

[daycart1]

Quote:

Originally posted by ServinginEcuador -d Will you be running the ICs balanced, or single ended? If balanced you could and should use longer ICs since the noise rejection would be better with long balanced ICs. It is also a bigger signal coming from the source, like 1.4dB or so higher, and this will eliminate the losses incurred in the cable run. If it will be single ended RCA ICs, go with longer speaker cables.

What I've read is that long ICs are always to be avoided, but if one REQUIRES them, then balanced do better as SIE points out.

 

[yidimsum]

The general consensus on AudioAsylum from what I've read is to use long ICs and short speaker cables, even in single-ended. I think I've read Gilmore post about using long ICs and short speaker cables also (in balanced). I think the concept has to do with cable shielding - maybe what I read was in reference to unshielded speaker cables? I'm using 2m AZ Matrix ref. and 4ft AZ Satori Shotgun Bi-wire with the monoblocks in my system. 2m isn't very long so not sure of advantages vs. disadvantages. From a money standpoint, short lengths of speaker cables can be found at very good prices on Audiogon since they might not work in a majority of systems.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally posted by yidimsum I think I've read Gilmore post about using long ICs and short speaker cables also (in balanced). I think the concept has to do with cable shielding - maybe what I read was in reference to unshielded speaker cables?

If Kevin still uses Krell amps, they recommend short speaker cable runs and balanced ICs. However some soid state design, such as Naim requires minimum speaker length for 'em to run optimaly. ( something like 3.5 meter )

For tube amps, they prefer shorter speaker cables to minimise the load.

Shielding issues need to be dealt with whether they are speaker or interconnect cables from RFI and EMI.

 

[yidimsum]

Quote:

Originally posted by kuma For tube amps, they prefer shorter speaker cables to minimise the load. Shielding issues need to be dealt with whether they are speaker or interconnect cables from RFI and EMI.

Kuma, thanks for clearing it up

 

[kuma]

By having a longer run of ICs, you can move the rack out of the middle of speakers and get better stage and imaging. you'll be surprse how much of the music opens up when you get rid of a reflective object away from the speakers.

which monoblock are you running?